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The thrill of exploring the distant reaches of our world is something I will never take for granted. When we are out on a trail, I can’t help but think about how 99% of the world never gets to see or experience the scenery we get to experience, just by having the capability of high clearance and 4×4.
4wd is an extremely useful tool even in easy terrain. We recently went through the Anza Borrego slot canyons and I wanted to see what the difference was in 2wd. The difference was night and day! Sure, it’s an easy mostly flat slot canyon, but when the path became sandy, our jeep struggled to push through. But I switched back to 4wd and the Jeep would effortlessly float through. So, I think based on my life experiences, 4WD is essential when offroading.
I also had a mishap in college when I owned a 2WD Cherokee. I got it stuck in some mud, attempting to off road and had to get towed out. 4WD would have been a game changer in that situation.
So if you’re looking for a budget-friendly 4×4 rig, whether as a daily driver or a new project, I have compiled the 7 cheapest vehicles with 4×4 capability!
One thing to remember is that buying a used rig is still cheaper than buying new from the dealer. When researching for this article, I found good deals within 200 miles on Cars.com for older Jeeps.
Another thing to note, is that the 2 door Wrangler’s and Bronco’s are cheaper than the 4 door.
Lastly on my things to note, is that this is bare-bones pricing with no added options. When you start adding package options to these vehicles, the prices start to climb quickly!
Which rig took the crown of cheapest 4×4 for 2025? Here’s our chart!
The 7 Cheapest 4×4 rigs for 2025!
A few insights into this list. The Ford Bronco is NOT on this list! Which is shocking. It came in in the low $40,000s. AND in the low to mid $40,000 range started to get into the lowest-priced full-sized pickups.
Also, the Chevy Colorado is the lowest-priced 4×4 with a full four-door extended cab.
1. 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport – 2 Door ($33,990)
The two-door base-model Wrangler tops the list as the cheapest 4×4 for 2025! Not a lot of doors, not a lot of frills, but all the capability of a 4×4 and high clearance that you could need if you are just starting out.
2. 2025 Nissan Frontier King Cab S ($35,050)
The Nissan Frontier is a copycat of the Toyota Tacoma and from behind they are hard to tell apart, but that shouldn’t stop you from getting this #2 on the list if you’re looking to head out on the trails with a little extra cab room (two small seats in the back, four seats in total), 4×4, and a truck bed! It’s the lowest-cost truck on the list, if you have dirt bikes, this could be a great little truck.
3. 2025 Toyota Tacoma SR Xtra Cab ($36,285)
The xtracab on the Toyota Tacoma only has two seats. But if you’re looking for a little extra storage room inside the cab, and a truck bed, this new 4×4 could be a great vehicle to get.
4. 2025 Chevrolet Colorado WT ($36,795)
I was today years old when I found out that WT stands for Work Truck. The Chevy Colorado is the lowest priced full 4 door cab truck on the list.
5. 2025 Ford Ranger XL SuperCrew ($38,220)
One thing to note about the Ford Ranger in 2025 it comes with an impressive 7,500 lbs of towing capacity. Now you would have to add the towing package on or add the plugs and receiver yourself, but that towing capacity blows out all other mid-sized trucks excluding the Jeep Gladiator with Max Tow Package. If you’re looking for a low-cost tow rig, this may be the best-priced rig to get. Can the 2025 Ford Ranger really tow 7,500 lbs? Yes, it can!
6. 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport – 4 Door ($38,590)
The vehicle dreams are made of! Buy, Mod, and Enjoy!
7. 2025 Jeep Gladiator Sport ($38,495)
A truck that can go doorless and topless! Your Ford, Toyota, Nissan, Chevy, or GMC can’t do that. Let’s go wheeling!
There you have it, the lowest-priced 4×4 rigs for 2025! A wide variety to choose from in this list!
7 4x4s Under $40,000. Seven 4WD rigs under $40,000.
Joel
Grew up in Southern California exploring the Ocotillo Wells and Anza Borrego deserts. Has owned several Jeeps and pickups over the years, as well as, several ATVs, ATCs, and dirt bikes. Has a passion to inspire readers to safe and responsible OHV recreation.
References
https://www.jeep.com/bmo.wrangler.html#/models/2025/wrangler
I found the article “7 Cheapest 4x4s for 2025” on Wheeled Lyfe Off-Road to be quite informative and helpful for those seeking budget-friendly off-road vehicles. The detailed list, including models like the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado WT and the 2025 Nissan Frontier King Cab S, provides valuable insights into affordable options for enthusiasts. I appreciate the emphasis on the importance of 4WD capabilities, even in seemingly easy terrains, as highlighted by the author’s personal experiences. This perspective reinforces the value of investing in a reliable 4×4 vehicle for off-road adventures.