Adventurous 4x4s haven’t just become more popular in recent years – they’ve completely taken over as the most purchased vehicles in Australia. There are now over 5.5 million 4x4s on Aussie roads, and of these, there’s an overwhelmingly popular option: the 4x4 dual cab ute. The annual market share of 4x4 utes has jumped from 12.2% to 18.1% in the decade since 2013. In the same timeframe, sales of small cars fell by 67%.

And then there are SUVs (that is, sport utility vehicles), which represent a whopping 57% of the new cars sold in 2024.

So why do so many of us love an adventurous vehicle? Let’s get into the nitty gritty.

But first – let’s decode 4WDs, AWDs, and SUVs

A 4x4 is also known as a 4WD. But not every SUV is a 4WD, because some are AWDs. Clear as mud? Let’s start with some definitions.

• 4x4s (also referred to as 4WDs, or four wheel drives) are vehicles capable of having power supplied to all four wheels simultaneously. 4x4s are optimised to have superior traction and stability on rough ground.
• All-wheel drives (AWDs) will either have all four wheels powered all the time, or can automatically engage all four wheels as needed. They tend to be optimised for efficient on-road use as well as additional traction.
• SUVs is a fairly loose term that describes a crossover between a passenger vehicle and an off-road vehicle. They tend to be spacious, versatile and offer high clearance.

With SUVs and 4x4s now so prevalent, it’s clear that Aussies love a bit of all-terrain capability. So what’s driving the obsession? We put it down to several factors.

Reason #1: A modern 4x4 can do it all

It makes sense that if you have one primary car for your family, you’ll want one that isn’t single-purpose only. A 4x4 dual cab or SUV lets you ferry the kids to school, pick up some gardening materials, and fit the whole family for a weekend cruise along the beach – all without changing cars. You won’t be held back if you need to mount a curb, or get out of a muddy parking spot at the footy. Kids’ car seats are often easier to install and use in a larger vehicle too.

In recent years, 4x4 and AWD options have become far more comfortable, streamlined, and city-friendly, further adding to their mass appeal.

Reason #2: Many Australian roads call for 4x4s

The Australian road system boasts somewhere around 810,000 km of roads – and only about 40% of them are actually sealed. Plenty of our unsealed roads lead us to stunning coastlines, rugged ridges, and desert escapes. But many also lead us to homes and vital services too. For many Aussies, having a 4x4 or AWD is as essential as having shelter and water. Driving one certainly helps you navigate the wet seasons in the north, or wooly and wintery conditions in the south. There’s a whole lot of Australia that can’t be accessed in a Suzuki Swift!

4x4s are also a straight-up necessity for many livelihoods. Where would our tradies and farmers be without a vehicle that can take them on the path less travelled?

Fun fact: Around half of Queensland’s 2,700 km Outback Way is still unsealed, helping it retain its moniker as 'Australia's Longest Shortcut'. Australia’s longest unsealed road is a 736 km portion of the Outback Way, located in WA.

Reason #3: We just love adventures

While a hatchback or a sedan might get you to the carpark, a 4x4 can take you much further to places only a handful of people might ever go. Adventure calls to us all, whether it’s visiting a national park on a weekend, or an ultra remote camping spot to fossick for gold. A sporty 4x4 or AWD unlocks our quest for adventure, with heaps of room for assorted tents, camping chairs, bikes, boards, and family members.

Not everyone heads out on the weekend towing something. But those who do might be taking a caravan, boat or trailer along with them, and a weighty 4x4 can provide enhanced towing traction and power for that too.

Reason #4: The tax breaks

Whether you love ‘em or hate ‘em, Australia has some pretty appealing tax breaks for work-related vehicles that make 4x4s, and in particular utes, a no-brainer for many. Those working in trades and primary production can usually access perks like the instant asset write-off, GST credits, deductions for work-related driving expenses, and possibly Fringe Benefits Tax exemptions too. There’s also a luxury ute tax rule that’s said to cost Aussie taxpayers a cool $250 million in foregone revenue.

Tax breaks and their conditions change every year – but there’s no denying these incentives add to the appeal of hard-wearing 4x4s in Australia.

Reason #5: 4x4s can feel safer

While of course there are plenty of smaller cars with 5-star ANCAP safety ratings, 4x4s are heavier and can give better grip on gravel, wet or icy roads. They’re also higher, so can give you a clearer view of the road. Of course, whether 4x4 actually is safer depends on a lot of factors, like the make and model (and whether you’re a driver or a pedestrian).

There are also downsides, as with any vehicle type. Standards Australia has proposed making off-street parking spots longer by 20 cm to account for bigger vehicles, and 4WD vehicles tend to go hand-in-hand with higher emissions. But there’s undeniably a place in Australia for these rugged, all-terrain vehicles. Space, comfort, and tech along with higher clearance and towing capacity – it’s easy to see why there’s plenty of love for the adventure 4x4.

So are you the small and sporty type? Or are you looking for something with plenty of grunt and grit for your next 4x4 purchase? Whichever size you’re looking for, consider car shopping with Carma. Every vehicle is extensively pre-checked with a documented service history, and comes with a 3-month warranty as standard.