There is little doubt that 4x4s have grown immensely in popularity in recent years. What was once only regarded as the ideal vehicle for a farmer-type, have now become the must have for the celebrity and busy school run mum.
It also means there are plenty of makes to choose from when purchasing a 4×4 and the amount of choice can be overwhelming.
Many 4x4s can be expensive so it is worth considering whether you actually need to invest in one. If you have to tow a horse-box or a large caravan then it will be a definite yes or you fancy driving across muddy fields at the weekend then it will be an advantage. For those who want something capable of tackling snow, then a 4×4 model of a standard car, such as the Audi A4 may be a more suitable choice.
It is vital to realise that a 4×4 is generally more expensive that the traditional family saloon – fuel consumption and insurance can also prove to be higher in the long-term as well.
However, 4x4s tend to depreciation less than standard vehicles, so their resale values can remain high and help to offset the additional day-to-day costs of ownership.
In terms of affordability, the Dacia Duster is one of the cheapest options on the market at the current time. Costing less than £10,000, the 4×4 is very compact, but still offers good off road capability. Its interior is perhaps a little budget looking and it does not offer quite the power of other 4×4 vehicles available. However, it could be a good option for anyone looking to buy their first 4×4.
At the other end of the market is the Range Rover SVU. Prices start at around £75,000 and it has a range of options that you would expect on such a luxury vehicle. It is not as capable off-road as the Range Rover Sport, but it does offer more comfort for the passengers, as well as being quite good on the fuel consumption. The eco model claims to do around 37 mpg, which is relatively impressive for an offroader of this size.
Supercharged versions of the Range Rover SVU can also offer a speedier option and are capable of 60 mpg in just over five seconds.
Another option could be the Hyundai Santa Fe. Since being launched at the start of 2001, the model has undergone a number of changes, which have appealed to buyers and car experts.
The premium model of the Santa Fa comes with an impressive list of features, including leather seat facings, climate control, auto lights and wipers, sat-nav and a reversing camera.
Families may want to consider the seven-seat option, although it is not a spacious multi-seater and it does mean boot space is reduced from the standard 585-litre on offer in the five-seater.
One of the highlights of 2015 in terms of new 4x4s may be the new model being launched by Jaguar. The F-Pace will be the company's first ever 4×4 and signals the strength of the offroad market.
However, a number of other car makers are also launching new 4×4 models this year that could compete with the highly-awaited F-Pace.
The new Volvo XC90 is set to combine high quality features with appealing fuel consumption stats via its twin-engined option.
Ford is also set to confirm its new 2015 SUV model. Experts are predicting it could be based on the popular Explorer model which is on sale in the US, although it is likely some adjustments will be made to the design to make it appeal to European buyers.
Whatever 2015 brings, it is clear that anyone in the market for a new 4×4 will have a wide range to choose from, with plenty of options to suit the majority of budgets.