Best 4WD cars available in NZ

A car with four-wheel drive has power flowing to all four wheels, which means you have more traction and better control than cars that only use two wheels to put the power down. It’s especially advantageous when it’s raining and when you’re driving on slippery surfaces like gravel.

Sometimes referred to as all-wheel drive (though there are some technical differences between the terms which we won’t get into here), a car with 4WD has better traction and it’s a definite advantage for cars that have an excess of power. Here is a list of the top five best 4WD cars currently available new in NZ. 

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N redefines what an electric vehicle can be, blending performance with innovation to appeal to traditional petrolheads and tech-savvy drivers alike. Hyundai's N division has transformed the standard 5 into a high-performance machine, delivering 478kW via dual electric motors and an 88kWh battery. Thanks to 4WD, all that power sticks. It features a stiffer chassis, upgraded steering and suspension, and extensive tuning of throttle response and regenerative braking to mimic the feel of a petrol-powered car.

The IONIQ 5 N introduces "N e-shift" and "N Active Sound" systems, simulating gear shifts and engine noises, including faux rev-matching and pops and bangs to enhance driver engagement. While this may seem gimmicky, it’s executed with surprising realism and helps create a dual personality: a quiet, refined EV when needed and a dynamic, characterful performance car on demand.

The car also features multiple customisable drive modes and track-focused functions like drift mode and torque vectoring. Despite weighing 2.2 tonnes, it handles thanks to clever software and hardware tuning. The ride remains comfortable around town, and its practicality as a large five seat car remains intact, offering spacious accommodation and decent cargo space.

The IONIQ 5 N may be Hyundai’s most expensive model, but offers performance and features rivaling much more costly European sports cars. While it may not win over all ICE loyalists, it proves that EVs can be emotionally engaging and fun to drive. 

Subaru’s sixth-generation Impreza is available in New Zealand as a single, high-spec model. Reflecting this, it offers a rich suite of features including a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated boxer engine (115kW/196Nm), all-wheel drive, advanced safety tech like Subaru’s Eyesight system and creature comforts like a Harman Kardon audio system, heated leather seats, and a sunroof.

While performance isn't blistering the Impreza compensates with excellent handling, road grip, and cornering thanks to its 4WD system. The CVT transmission performs adequately, especially in “S” mode, which enhances throttle response. Although fuel economy hovers in the 8L/100km range, this can be improved upon with more highway miles.

Inside, the cabin is noticeably more refined and user-friendly than previous iterations, with improved materials, redesigned seats and smart ergonomics. However, intrusive alerts like the speed camera warning and firm console edges detract slightly from the comfort. The rear cargo space is modest at just under 300L but can be boosted to 883L by folding the rear seats flat. 

In a market increasingly dominated by SUVs and crossovers, the Impreza remains a rare, niche hatchback with character, 4WD capability and charm.

The BMW i4 M50 xDrive is the brand’s first fully electric M car, blending high-performance 4WD credentials with modern electric efficiency. As a four-door Gran Coupe, it rivals the M5 in real-world driving, offering blistering acceleration with its twin electric motors and 4WD delivering 400kW and 795Nm. This setup allows the M50 to sprint from 0–100km/h in 3.59 seconds and overtake in just 2.1 seconds.

It might be heavy, but the i4 M50 compensates with precise handling thanks to a low-mounted 84kWh battery, 50/50 weight distribution, adaptive M suspension and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive. This 4WD setup delivers impressive grip and cornering control. Ride quality is excellent, especially in Comfort mode, with minimal noise intrusion even on rougher roads. 

Its range is officially rated up to 510km, though test drives often showed closer to 400km. Practicality is solid with a 470–1290L boot, although there’s no front storage. Interior tech includes a curved 14-inch touchscreen, head-up display, and premium sound system.

Overall, the i4 M50 delivers near-M5 performance with superior refinement and emissions advantages.

Its rally DNA is evident in its materials and design: lightweight aluminium panels, carbon-reinforced roof, forged BBS wheels, and aggressive aero elements. With its 4WD layout, it outperforms front-wheel drive rivals like the Fiesta ST and Mini JCW, and holds its own against larger AWD models like the WRX and Clubman JCW, thanks to superior power-to-weight ratio and torque vectoring.

On road, the GR Yaris excels with precise steering, firm yet compliant suspension and impressive grip, especially in Track mode with its 50/50 torque split and dual LSDs. It offers refined ride quality, noise suppression and sharp dynamics, making it as thrilling on tight gravel roads as it is on highways.

The interior blends sportiness with everyday usability, though rear space and boot capacity are limited. Small flaws include a slightly clunky gearbox and minimal seat adjustability.

The 2025 Skoda Superb is available exclusively as a wagon, and with 4WD as standard. Now in its fourth generation, the Superb shares its platform with the VW Passat, which is no longer sold in NZ, leaving the Superb with few direct competitors, perhaps only the Subaru Outback, although that is more crossover than wagon.

Skoda offers a single powertrain: a 2.0-litre turbocharged TFSI engine producing 195kW and 400Nm, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and flowing to all four wheels when maximum traction is required. It accelerates from 0–100km/h in 5.7 seconds and claims fuel efficiency of 8.2L/100km.