Four-Wheel Drive SUVs You Should Consider for Your Colonie Travel Adventures

February 9th, 2024 by

A black 2021 Chevy Suburban towing an airstream trailer.

One of the biggest perks of living in this part of New York State is the opportunity to go off-roading. Taking a long drive out in the woods or going camping or fishing in the wilderness puts you in touch with the natural wonders we get to enjoy Upstate. This is why so many Colonie drivers like to have a vehicle that can withstand the rigors of the trails, especially during the winter months. An SUV with front-wheel or rear-wheel drive just won’t cut it, and all-wheel drivetrains are designed more for on-road traction. This is why many folks looking for used SUVs for sale near Colonie choose one with four-wheel drive.

At DePaula Chevrolet, we always have a large selection of used 4X4 SUVs to choose from in our vast inventory of models. Even though we are an authorized Chevy dealer, we carry excellent used models from other leading brands like Ford, Toyota, and Jeep. This allows you to find a used four-wheel drive SUV that will help you complete your daily drive during the week, switching seamlessly to off-roading on the weekend. Here are some of our favorite used models that you should consider.

Chevy Tahoe and Suburban

If you were writing a history of the SUV, you would have to start with the Suburban. First introduced to drivers in 1935, the Suburban has been the longest-running nameplate in automotive history. With almost 90 years of Suburban models under its belt, Chevy has taken this rugged full-size SUV to new heights. In fact, the Suburban offers more passenger and cargo space than any other SUV on the market, with room for up to nine passengers, depending on the trim you choose. While the Suburban is available in rear-wheel drive, buying one with four-wheel drive makes a great deal of sense for Colonie drivers. This will help you get through the winter here with ease while providing solid off-road performance.

Although Chevy hasn’t been building it as long as the Suburban, the Tahoe has staked out a place among four-wheel drive SUVs as well. The Tahoe has a very rugged design and plenty of room for fellow adventure mates and gear. Choosing a used four-wheel drive Tahoe gives you a powerful SUV with plenty of configurable cargo space that will be perfect for those who love fishing and hunting. Best of all, the Suburban and Tahoe are equally at home, traveling to Crossgate Mall or Washington Park.

The front seats and infotainment screen of a 2021 GMC Yukon AT4, one of many used SUVs for sale near Colonie.

GMC Yukon

The Chevy Tahoe’s sister vehicle is the GMC Yukon. The difference between the two models is that the Yukon has more upscale comfort and convenience features, especially if you choose the Denali trim. In addition, GMC offers a Yukon XL with more passenger and cargo space for those who demand more out of their vehicle. However, if you are really into off-roading, a used GMC Yukon AT4 might be the one to choose, especially if you are going to take on the most challenging trails imaginable. This model has an off-road-tuned suspension, factory lift, and other off-road features like skid-plates to shield your vehicle’s undercarriage. In addition, the Yukon AT4 is four-wheel drive standard, unlike the other trims that can also come with rear-wheel drive.

Jeep Wrangler

If you are looking for one brand that pretty much created off-roading, it would be Jeep. Starting with the Willys Overland Jeep back in the 1940s, Jeep has staked out a position as the leading 4X4 brand on the market. The Jeep Wrangler is the model that most drivers think of when it comes to fearless adventuring. This rough and rugged SUV has removable doors, a removable top, and a choice of two-door and four-door models. This is why many Colonie drivers love the Jeep Wrangler and enjoy taking it out on weekend excursions to places like Albany Pine Bush Preserve.

While a used Jeep Wrangler has many features to intensify the journey off-road, if you are looking for a model that can double as a more conventional SUV, then you might need to go in a different direction. Fortunately, Jeep offers four-wheel drive versions of the midsize Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L. A used model will be ideal for a commuter or family driver who wants something with four-wheel drive. Each is known for having plenty of space, with room for up to seven passengers in the Grand Cherokee L. Both also have plenty of standard comfort and convenience features. In addition, available four-wheel drive capabilities will come in handy on and off the road in Colonie during inclement weather.

Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport

A few years ago, Ford decided to focus primarily on trucks and SUVs. As a result, it has developed a growing lineup of SUV models, including two of the newest options: the Bronco and Bronco Sport. While the Bronco is a re-imagining of the iconic SUV that was resurrected after a 25-year break, the Bronco Sport is an all-new compact model that delivers impressive off-road capabilities. If you choose a used Bronco or Bronco Sport, you will get to take advantage of standard 4X4 abilities with up to seven available G.O.A.T. Modes. This stands for “goes over any type of terrain,” but you will be forgiven if you think it actually means “greatest of all time.” This is because these two SUV models are designed to challenge the trail.

Just like Jeep, Ford also offers several more conventionally designed SUVs with available four-wheel drive. The Explorer is a midsize model, while the Expedition is a full-size SUV with passenger and cargo space that works perfectly for Colonie residents with large families. In addition, both the Explorer and Expedition are versatile enough to serve as both daily drivers and weekend off-road warriors. They also give you excellent trailering capabilities, making them perfect for towing a boat or camper up to Lake George for the weekend.

A grey 2021 Toyota 4Runner off-roading through mud in the woods.

Toyota 4Runner

Toyota’s long-running entry in the four-wheel drive SUV category, the 4Runner, is like an apex predator. While it hasn’t undergone many changes over the years, it hasn’t had to either. Its exterior is bold and robust, while its interior provides the comfort features most drivers expect in a midsize Toyota SUV.

The key to the 4Runner is its four-wheel drive, which gives it off-road capability you don’t find in other Toyota models. This is why a used Toyota 4Runner is an excellent choice for Colonie drivers. Its design lends itself to rural driving, capable of handling dirt roads, rough pavement, and unpaved fields while delivering an interior that will please most family members. In addition, the 4Runner is surprisingly tech-forward, much like most Toyota models. This means you will probably find advanced driver assistance systems and a very capable infotainment system in a used 4Runner. Best of all, you can find a used 4Runner with a third row of seats available, allowing you to handle up to seven passengers inside your vehicle.

Nissan Pathfinder and Armada

Nissan offers two exceptional SUVs with available four-wheel drive. The Nissan Pathfinder is a midsize model with three rows of seats to accommodate up to eight passengers. However, if you want more room, the full-size Nissan Armada has a more expansive interior, providing greater comfort and cargo space.

Whichever used Nissan SUV you choose, getting one with four-wheel drive improves traction. While this will reduce fuel economy on the Pathfinder and Armada, the difference is slight compared to the benefits of improved traction and capability. In addition, both the Pathfinder and Armada provide solid towing numbers, which is something that Colonie residents interested in the outdoors are sure to appreciate.

Make Your Next SUV a Used Four-Wheel Drive Model from Us!

There are plenty of outstanding four-wheel drive SUVs for Colonie drivers on the market. Best of all, you can find full-size, midsize, and even compact SUVs with this type of drivetrain available on the used lot. As a result, you can choose between dedicated off-road warriors and others with a more conventional design, making them versatile enough for your daily commute. We invite you to visit our showroom today and drive home in your next used four-wheel drive SUV from us!