Environmentally friendly 4x4s to drive with a clear conscience

The new breed of environmentally friendly 4x4s don’t cut corners when it comes to power and performance meaning you can take the high road and the off road with a clear conscience.

Sales of hybrid and electric cars have accelerated in the past decade and that has been reflected in environmentally friendly 4x4s too – it’s brought a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘green laning’.

Most manufacturers have twigged to the fact that there’s an increasing number of eco-friendly 4×4 motorists around and have started developing at least one all electric and hybrid model in their product range.

The 4×4 fans at Adrian Flux have taken a look at the market to identify some of the most ecofriendly cars available today. 

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Picture source: Mitsubishi Motors

The original plug-in hybrid 4×4 that first hit the streets in 2013. Many aficionados still think its rivals have a lot of catching up to do. 

Despite being one of the cheapest green 4×4 options available, most agree, it is still among the best. Its fuel efficiency will save you money on fuel, and it’s roomy enough to take a fuller-figured five in comfort.

The Outlander plug-in hybrid is stylish and clean and as mean as you want it to be. With around 40g/km CO2 emissions you can get 28 miles on electric charge and 156.9mpg fuel economy.

Volvo XC90

Picture source: Volvo Cars

We feel safe with Volvo don’t we? The powerful two-litre, 65kW engine guns the XC90 from 0-60 in just 5.3 seconds and can hit a top speed of 140mph. One of the greenest 4x4s around, it has an electric range of almost 30 miles, CO2 emissions of 49g/km and fuel efficiency of 135mpg.

With power to burn (while being gentle on the environment), five doors, seven seats, acres of space, heaps of intelligent driver assist technology – just as you would expect from Volvo – and a fabulous ride. The XC90 has it all!

Peugeot 508 RXH

The first manufacturer to launch a diesel hybrid, the 508’s diesel unit powers the front wheels while an electric motor provides the rear-wheel impetus. Or use both together for even more umph. 

With the hybrid battery running you can lock it in four-wheel drive mode and there are three other driving options to choose, each utilising a different aspect of the car’s technology and each helping secure its eco conscious 4×4 rating.

It’s a low emission 4×4 with a rating of 104g/km and it delivers between 69 to 74mpg. The 508 is a bit of a looker too, inside and out.

Lexus NX

Picture source: Lexus Cars

The Lexus NX 4×4 incorporates electric four-wheel drive with a 2.4-litre petrol engine. Fuel efficient and reliable, the NX can do around 55mpg and rates CO2 emissions at 121g/km. 

The technology in the car selects the best power source (petrol or electric) based on your driving without you having to do anything.

Another hybrid packed with driver assist safety gadgets including Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre Collision System, Automatic High Beam, Road Sign Assist and Lane Tracing Assist.

Porsche Cayenne

Picture source: Porsche Cars

Shifting up a gear, the Porsche Cayenne boasts a 3 litre, 70kW engine delivering 0-60 in less than 6 seconds and tops out at around 150mph. That’s plenty fast enough for environmentally friendly 4x4s!

A smaller electric driving range of 22 miles and higher emissions of 79g/km of CO2 may put off those after the very greenest 4×4, but it’s not devilishly polluting.

Smooth clean lines, hybrid technology developed on the race-track, that famous badge, sustainability, driving dynamics to put a smile on the face, and that authentic sports car feel! It’s a Porsche for heaven’s sake, what else would you expect? 

Land Rover Discovery Sport PHEV

Picture source: Land Rover

It’s a great looking car, has comfort in spades, is cool as you like to drive, and one of the best choices for an eco friendly 4×4, but it’s very clever too. 

As well as the usual safety assistance systems and creature comforts galore, it uses next generation intelligent stop/start systems enabling the engine to shut down while the vehicle decelerates. This gives a 15% reduction in CO2 emissions and improves fuel economy. 

The Sport’s aluminium body structure also incorporates recycled materials, resulting in significant weight savings, improved fuel efficiency, lower emissions and other performance benefits

And, being a Land Rover, it’s equally at home splashing through rivers as it is on the supermarket run.

Specialist 4×4 insurance with Adrian Flux

If you already own a 4×4 we’ve provided some handy  maintenance tips to keep you running on and off-road. If you are thinking about buying a new car read our blog about 8 of the best 4×4 and off-road cars to buy in 2023.

Whichever of the environmentally friendly 4x4s you opt to drive, choose Adrian Flux for all your insurance needs. 

Call 0800 369 8590  for a swift no-hassle quote – 81.5% of all customers receiving an online quote in August 2022 could have obtained a cheaper quote over the phone.

If you’ve not got time to call for an insurance quote now, book a callback at a time that suits you.