
Hyundai offers the following models of 4WD off-road vehicles: Hyundai ix35: The Hyundai ix35 is an SUV model. The Beijing Hyundai ix35 was launched at the Chengdu Auto Show on April 8, 2010, initially offering two engine options: 2.0L and 2.4L, with both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive versions available. Beijing Hyundai ix25: The Beijing Hyundai ix25 is positioned as a compact SUV, officially unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show on April 20, 2014, and launched in the third quarter of 2014. The new car is expected to offer both two-wheel drive and on-demand four-wheel drive versions. Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe made its first appearance at the Melbourne Motor Show in November 2000, marking Hyundai's first off-road vehicle. The new Santa Fe is equipped with a 2.4L all-aluminum CVVT engine, delivering a maximum power of 138kW at 6000 rpm and a maximum torque of 284Nm at 4500 rpm. The new Santa Fe accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.7 seconds.

Hyundai has several excellent four-wheel-drive SUVs, and I'll start by discussing them from a practical daily-use perspective. The Santa Fe is my personal favorite—its space is astonishingly large, and with the third-row seats folded flat, it can hold a lot of luggage. The AWD system ensures stability without slipping in rain or snow, making it suitable for both city driving and long-distance travel. The Tucson offers more agile handling, better fuel economy, and is super convenient for urban commuting. The Palisade exudes luxury with its refined interior, and driving it feels like sitting on a sofa. The Kona is compact and easy to park, ideal for singles or small families. All these models come equipped with Hyundai's HTRAC system, which automatically distributes torque, making them both worry-free and reliable. I've driven the Santa Fe for two years without any major issues, and it remains rock-solid even in mountainous winter conditions. I recommend test-driving and comparing them to find the one that fits your lifestyle best—after all, 4WD isn't just for off-roading; daily safety is equally important.

As a parent with children, I find modern four-wheel-drive SUVs thoughtfully designed for family needs. The Palisade offers spacious interiors with three rows of seats that easily accommodate the whole family plus a stroller, while its AWD provides slip-resistant safety when shuttling kids to school. The Santa Fe comes equipped with comprehensive safety systems, such as blind-spot warnings and automatic braking, ensuring worry-free travels. The Tucson is slightly more compact but fuel-efficient, making it an economical choice for daily outings with kids. The Kona is nimble and easy to park, ideal for urban families on short trips. Our family uses the Palisade—no slipping on snowy mountain roads, and the kids stay secure in the back seats. Maintenance costs for these models are reasonable, and the five-year warranty provides peace of mind. If you prioritize family travel comfort and budget, consider the AWD versions of the Palisade or Santa Fe, paired with driver-assist features, for high overall value.

From the perspective of off-road adventure enthusiasts, the modern Santa Fe and Tucson are excellent choices for light off-roading. Equipped with AWD and optional off-road packages, they enhance passability and deliver reliable performance on muddy terrain or small hills—not hardcore but sufficiently adventurous. The Santa Fe's HTRAC system automatically distributes torque, preventing slippage on rainy mountain roads, while the Tucson offers precise handling without drifting in turns, making it a blast on forest trails. Personally, I love taking the Santa Fe off-road—its reinforced chassis design minimizes bumps. Although the Kona has slightly weaker power, its low displacement saves fuel, making it ideal for beginners. Don’t expect rock crawling, but general exploration is no problem.

For those seeking value for money, the Hyundai Kona and Tucson 4WD versions are cost-effective starting points. The Kona is budget-friendly with a starting price below 200,000, offering stable AWD performance for city commuting, low fuel consumption, and affordable maintenance. The Tucson provides more space, making it ideal for families, and holds decent resale value. Having owned a Tucson for three years, I've saved on fuel costs, achieving a perfect balance between daily commuting and occasional weekend getaways. Compared to other brands, Hyundai offers longer warranties, ensuring peace of mind and cost savings.


