Best 4x4 estate cars

Best 4x4 estate cars UK

Estate cars don’t always receive the love they deserve – SUVs have been the trendy option for a while now, and this means the benefits of a 4x4 estate car have been pushed aside.

A 4x4 estate car is ideal for taking on all the tasks an SUV can do, just with a slicker look and a lower ride. In fact, you’ll often find that estate cars feature even larger boots.

With comfortable suspension, responsive handling and a whole lot of space,– here are our favourite 4x4 estate models that rival SUVs.

Audi A6 Allroad

The Audi A6 Allroad is a functional family car that has elegant estate styling but offers four-wheel-drive capability.

You’ll benefit from the Quattro driving technology that Audi is rightly proud of, making the A6 Allroad 4x4 estate an off-roading option that isn’t easy to get stuck.

While you don’t get the ride height that an SUV provides, this estate option offers an Allroad driving mode that adapts the steering and throttle to suit every kind of terrain and lifts up the air suspension.

There are a couple of impressive engines on offer, including the chunky 50 TDI model that offers 286hp and can hit 0-62mph in just 5.9 seconds.

It feels great on the motorway or around town, too – it’s not a model reserved strictly for weekends in the wilderness. Plus, there are plenty of used Audi models on the market if you want to grab a deal.

• Read our Audi A6 review

Volvo XC70

While ordinarily, we’d be saying that you’d have to sacrifice ride height to get on the road in an estate, the Volvo XC70 is an estate model that sits relatively high off the ground.

This means you get the styling of an estate along with the increased clearance and road visibility that comes with an SUV. The ride height beats out models like the Audi A6 Allroad, too.

The styling is rugged and outdoorsy too, which compliments the all-wheel-drive technology that makes taking on rough rides light work. It's one of the best 4x4 estate options for reliability.

Further complimenting the car is the range of engines on offer – there's a 2.0-litre diesel option that’s available with a responsive automatic or classic manual gearbox.

Peugeot 508 RXH

The Peugeot 508 RXH is a hybrid estate model that will have you reducing your CO2 emissions while adventuring in the wild.

It provides worthy competition to luxury models like the Audi A4 Allroad, with its smooth and clean drive and roomy interior.

The Peugeot 508 RXH ticks off a few things that make it an impressive estate. The hybrid tech is supported by a four-wheel-drive setup that can easily tackle country backroads, and the higher ride height really compliments that.

You’ll get up to 68.9mpg from the 2.0-litre diesel engine, while still being nippy enough to easily hit 0-62mph in 9.5 seconds.

• Read our Peugeot 508 review

Volvo V90 Cross Country

The raised ride height of the Volvo V90 Cross Country is noticeable and helps you get the most out of the four-wheel drive that comes as standard.

After all, there’s no point in all-wheel drive if uneven terrain will knock your bumper off.

In fact, you get 65mm more ground clearance than the standard V90 model (which we also love).

The styling of the V90 Cross Country is menacing and sleek, and it’s made even better thanks to the smoothness of the drive.

The eight-speed automatic gearbox is ideal for long journeys, so it’s an ideal model for long road trips.

Plus, the 560-litre boot space will give you plenty of room to get packed up ahead of your adventures.

• Read our Volvo V90 review

Mercedes E-Class All Terrain

All editions of the Mercedes E-Class are impressive, but the E-Class All Terrain model is the one to pick if you want all-wheel-drive traction and a comfortable drive.

These models get higher suspension and a smooth 3.0-litre diesel engine offering that works alongside the four-wheel-drive tech to provide a good amount of off-roading capability.

The interior is typically plush and luxurious for a used Mercedes model, with the modern necessity tech that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

While the E-Class All Terrain isn’t quite as capable as an SUV like the classic Land Rover Discovery, it’s still a great option if you spend your weekend outdoors and are prone to a camping trip or two.

• Read our Mercedes E-Class review

Skoda Octavia Scout

While the standard Skoda Octavia Estate is a really impressive model itself, the Octavia Scout adds a more outdoorsy feel with relaxed styling and 4x4 drivetrain.

The Skoda's roomy 580-litre boot can be extended to 1,620 litres with the rear seats folded, making this a multipurpose car.

The cabin is spacious too, and the added styling touches like plastic body cladding and alternative bumpers make this one stand out from the Octavia range.

The Scout can take on all terrains using the Haldex-5 all-wheel drive system that senses when the car needs more grip and switches from front- to all-wheel drive.

It’s a slick system that you won’t even notice is kicking in.

• Read our Skoda Octavia review

Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer

The Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer is a fresh take on the classic used Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer but with SUV styling and a more aggressive look.

It also gets a higher ride that pairs brilliantly with the 4x4-drive system.

This all-wheel-drive setup is a sophisticated one, and uses a torque-vectoring system that sends extra torque to the required wheels when cornering to improve traction.

You’ll also get the ‘FlexRide’ driving mode and adaptive dampening system that tweaks performance variables across the car to ensure you get the best ride out in the wild.

You’ll get plenty of comfort and entertainment tech too, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

• Read our Vauxhall Insignia review

Volkswagen Passat Alltrack

The Volkswagen Passat Alltrack is another estate model that’s been given a rugged makeover with a hint of SUV styling.

It’s a fresh take on the classic Passat family car that’s been a favourite for years, but the Alltrack edition adds some off-roading ability you’ll be grateful for when fields are wet and muddy.

You’ll get Volkswagen's 4MOTION four-wheel drive as standard in this model, defaulting to front-wheel in everyday use but engaging all wheels when wheel slip is detected.

To compliment that four-wheel-drive feel, this used Volkswagen also gets plastic cladding added to the wheel arches and bumper, plus an extra 27.5mm ride height.

• Read our Volkswagen Passat review

Mercedes E-Class Estate 4MATIC

The Mercedes E-Class Estate is another luxury choice with the option of adding all-wheel-drive with the 4MATIC tech.

The E-Class is an ideal choice for everyday motoring but will also suit you well if you love a road trip and can make use of the mammoth 640-litre boot.

It offers a comfortable drive and a choice of engines that includes a diesel plug-in hybrid for some fuel-efficient driving.

The 4MATIC all-wheel drive is more suitable for delivering impressive torque than it is for venturing off-road, due to the sleek nature of the E-Class.

You’ll also still get impressive grip and a startingly quick drive, with the E400d hitting 0-62mph in just 5.1 seconds.

Subaru Outback

If you want a true off-roading estate car, the Subaru Outback is the one to pick. It’s the original high-riding estate with SUV tendencies and makes for a great fence-sitter between getting down and dirty and cruising through town.

Unlike other estate options that offer a four-wheel-drive system that steps in only when needed, Subaru's Outback is permanently engaged on all four wheels. This makes it an excellent choice for tackling all kinds of terrain.

The 561-litre boot at the rear pairs well with the rugged nature of the Outback, setting it up for the perfect estate to suit campers, fishers and those who generally like packing up and heading outdoors.

Read more about estate cars:

• Cheapest estate cars to buy

• Estate cars with the biggest boot