It's usually quite easy to spot a 4x4. Aside from the raised ride height and chunky tires, they also tend to be quite big and either an SUV or a full-sized pick-up truck. Because of the extra engineering required (transfer-case, and new differential), it often means only larger cars come with proper 4x4 options.
But the fact remains that unassuming cars have been fitted with proper 4x4 systems before. Cars that look pretty standard on the surface but could match any SUV on some sough terrain. And we're not talking about AWD sports car options such as the Audi Quattro or the Nissan GT-R. These 10 cars all feature 4x4 drivetrains designed for rough surfaces and light off-road use.
10 Fiat Panda Mk1
The Mk1 edition of the Fiat Panda launched in 1980. It was designed as an affordable, practical, and small but utilitarian car. While the design was simple and fairly basic, the car was outstanding and it did what it said on the tin. The FIRE (Fully Integrate Robotised Engine) powertrain was a great addition to the car in 1986 and it is fairly robust too.
The Fiat Panda was available with an AWD system for mild off-road use, perfect for farmers. The 4x4 option is dependable and the light curb weight made it perfect for any terrain. Also being cheap to run, the car is a win among those who want a good off-roader that doesn't break the bank.
9 Toyota Previa AWD SC
The Toyota Previa was launched in 1990 and came with a mid-engined platform, unusual for an MPV. The Supplementary Accessory Drive System (SADS) allowed for near 50:50 weight distribution, and the minivan offered genuinely fun handling for a people carrier.
The car was available in both RWD and AWD, with the AWD providing much more traction and grip on the roads. The AWD Previa used the All-Trac system, and in the US market, the 1994 model brought the SC edition, where the car was fitted with a supercharged engine. While the car certainly isn't to everyone's taste, the AWD Previa is certainly a contender for the coolest MPV of all time and a really unusual 4X4.
8 Pontiac 6000
The Pontiac 6000 launched in 1982 and it was initially launched with a 2.5-liter Tech IV engine and FWD, but there was an optional choice of a 2.8-liter V6 which brought more power. When the STE version was launched in 1984, it brought even more power and while it didn't bring newer technologies, Pontiac had intended the car to compete with the likes of BMW.
By the late '80s, the STE version came with AWD rather than the initial FWD set-up. This brought a 3.1-liter V6 engine and an AWD system for better grip levels. Indeed, it is surprising that the car came with an AWD system as it was the first GM car to ever come with optional AWD, even if it's exceedingly rare these days.
7 Citroen 2CV Sahraha
The Citroen 2CV itself was already a great car that was simple but interesting. Coming with a flat-two engine, an FWD system, and a robust driving style, the car was popular among the French. The launch of the rare 2CV Sahara in 1958 saw the 2CV refined for better off-road capabilities. The 2CV Sahara came with two engines, with the added engine being in the rear of the car.
It was such an untypical choice, with it being the first-ever dual-engine in a 4x4 car. Less than 700 were built, and under 100 are surviving on the roads now. The car was designed to be used on the desert terrains with the French mining in North African countries at the time. A very interesting car, but one that commands serious money nowadays.
6 Volkswagen Golf Mk2 Country
The Volkswagen Golf Mk2 was launched in 1983, and it was an incredibly good seller for the VW brand. It was bigger than the previous Mk1, and heavier (by about 260 lbs) but still fun to drive. It was everything that you would think a hatchback made by Volkswagen would be - being reliable and well built while being very practical. Interestingly, a 4x4 option was offered in the rare Country model.
The car was designed for off-roading, bringing lifted suspension and a Syncro 4x4 system. It also featured 4X4 accessories like a skidplate, bullbar, and auxiliary lights to really make it look the part too. It was popular in European countries and is a popular modern classic these days.
5 Volkswagen Vanagon Synchro
The Volkswagen Type 2 (T3) was the third installment of the VW Transporter. Called the Vanogan in the US (an amalgamation of van and wagon) the car came with RWD at first but was also offered with a 4x4 Synchro system. The 4WD system brought a reinforced chassis and larger brakes and made the Vanogan a true go-anywhere camper.
The offering of a "4+G" gearbox allowed for the car to use low gear for off-road use - so it could go as slow as possible. It was pretty cool because the VW Vanogen Synchro was so versatile and simple to maintain, and yet many aren't aware that it ever existed.
4 AMC Eagle
AMC launched the Eagle in 1980 and the car itself was a crossover SUV. Coming with a 4.2-liter V6 engine and an AWD system, the car was suited for off-roading and daily driving. The car was the only AWD passenger car made in the North American market at the time of release and it is now recognized as one of the first crossover vehicles.
The AWD system was quite sophisticated and the Eagle was genuinely good off-road. Despite age becoming a problem with the Eagle as time went on, it is quite an interesting historical car, even if they are becoming increasingly rare as time goes on.
3 Audi A6 All-Road
The third generation of the Audi 6 launched in 2004. It was very refined, bringing multiple engine choices and a good amount of luxury. Also looking very stylish, the cabin is high quality and the car is incredibly safe. The All-Road 4x4 version released in 2005 was off-road ready, coming with the 3.0-liter V6 Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) diesel powertrain and a Quattro AWD system.
The engine brought 290 bhp, which was enough in the off-roader. Audi added chunky black bumpers and wheel-trims to make it better at soaking up off-road driving and making it look tougher. They're fairly rare these days but a cool-looking 4x4.
2 Acura ZDX
The Acura ZDX is a luxury crossover SUV launched in 2009. Originally labeled as being a 4-door luxury sports coupe, the car offers many of the greatest attributes of a coupe, sedan, and SUV. It came with a suitable amount of power through the 3.7-liter V6 which brought 300 bhp. It also came with an optional sport mode, which enhanced steering, even if the handling wasn't very good.
Despite its coupe looks and sleek driving position, it's a surprise to realize that the ZDX did have a 4wd drivetrain. Large 'soft-roaders like this and so many more SUV coupes often skip 4wd systems which make this one all the more unusual.
1 Ford Taurus Sixth Generation
The sixth generation of the Ford Taurus launched in 2009, with production ending in 2019. Now discontinued, the Ford Taurus had a decent production run, coming with FWD as standard. The car was launched in its most standard form as the SE model and had a 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine. Its performance was fair and as a sedan, it came with some nice features including a telescopic steering wheel and cruise control.
The AWD option was not available in the standard SE model, but it was available on the mid-range SEL model. Coming with the same engine as the SE, but an AWD system was optional for consumers. The AWD system is often unknown to consumers as it came with the higher range cars in the Taurus lineup, and it was standard on the Ford Taurus SHO - which is the more performance-based Taurus.