Most 4x4s are big and heavy – both in terms of looks and running costs.
Four-wheel drive is rare on small cars since few benefit from the added complexity and weight. Nevertheless, there are a few compact options that can tough it out off road.
Here are our favourite small 4x4 cars. Many of them are available as great-value nearly new and used cars from Motorpoint.
Suzuki Jimny
The Suzuki Jimny is probably the definitive small 4x4 if you need serious off-road capability. It has a proper four-wheel-drive transfer case and far more ground clearance than most rivals, and will go much further off road as a result. Such is the Jimny's dedication to off-road driving that the on-road experience is a little compromised. Its suspension is bouncy and prices remain stubbornly high as there's basically no direct rivals that match the Jimny's rough-road talents. Newer examples were sold as two-seat commercial vehicles.
Browse used Suzuki cars for sale
Dacia Duster Extreme
Dacia's back-to-basics ethos means it offers a lot of car for the money – that's especially true with the Duster. This is a relatively compact SUV that's still big enough for a family of four, and comes trimmed in rugged materials that should stand up to whatever your offspring can throw at it. Four-wheel drive comes as standard with the Duster's 130hp turbo petrol engine and, if you pick the car's Extreme trim, you'll get all the mod cons in the cabin, plus modular roof rails and washable upholstery if you're heading somewhere muddy.
See used Dacia Duster cars or read our Dacia Duster review
Volvo EX30 Cross Country
Most Volvo EX30 models are focused on efficiency, with a single motor powering just the rear axle. The Cross Country is a recent addition, however, which uses the powerful dual-motor four-wheel-drive car as a base and adds bigger wheels with optional all-terrain tyres. In addition, you get unique exterior styling and underbody skidplates to protect the car's battery. Speaking of which, a full charge nets you 265 miles of range with a 10-80% top up completed in as little as 26 minutes.
Check out used Volvo cars or read our Volvo EX30 review
Range Rover Evoque
The Range Rover Evoque looks way too posh to be slumming it on a dirt track but, make no mistake, this is a car that's happy to get its tyres muddy. Even entry-level two-wheel-drive Evoques have the ground clearance to go further than most off-road, but add the company's legendary four-wheel-drive expertise to the mix and the car will handily outshine its direct rivals from Germany. All this ability doesn't come at the expense of the on-road experience either, with a well-judged suspension setup that feels perfectly at home on UK roads.
View used Range Rover Evoque cars or read our Range Rover Evoque review
Jaecoo 7 AWD
At 4.5 metres long, the Jaecoo 7 is definitely stretching the definition of 'small', but that's the reality of today's compact AWD market. Our favourite setup for the 7 is actually either of the hybrid engines, but four-wheel drive is only offered with the standard 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine. This setup is more than a match for the Jaecoo's modest weight, though it can get a bit thrashy when revved hard. Most buyers won't care about the middling driving experience, however, because the Jaecoo's Range-Rover-aping looks give the impression of a luxury car but at economy-car prices.
Shop used Jaecoo 7 cars or read our Jaecoo 7 review
Subaru Crosstrek
Previously known as the XV, the Subaru Crosstrek continues the brand's tradition of offering its grippy symmetrical four-wheel-drive system in a family hatchback body. Of course, it still comes with all the typical off-road styling cues you'd expect with plastic body cladding and a raised ride height, but its clever e-Boxer self-charging-hybrid engine means claimed fuel economy of nearly 40mpg despite permanently driving all four wheels. You also get luxuries like heated seats and an infotainment system as standard.
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Suzuki e Vitara
The regular Suzuki Vitara is already an accomplished name in the small 4x4 world, though most recent examples are front-wheel drive for better economy. As the prefix implies, the e Vitara is the new electric version of this fabled model, with a more substantial feel inside and out, plus the option of dual-motor all-wheel drive – rare in this segment. You get the kind of smooth, swift performance we've come to expect from EVs, plus functions like hill-descent control and trail mode on AWD versions that uses the brakes to minimise wheel slip on loose surfaces. Driving range is nothing to write home about so this works best as a second car or local commuter.
Shop used Suzuki cars or read our Suzuki e Vitara review
Toyota Yaris Cross
Range-topping versions of the Toyota Yaris Cross come with four-wheel drive as an option. This adds an extra motor on the rear axle that can add a substantial extra slug of low-down torque to assist the standard self-charging-hybrid setup. The extra ability barely costs any efficiency either, with well over 50mpg still possible in mixed driving. Like most Toyotas, the Yaris Cross is easy and intuitive to use, with clearly marked controls and a fuss-free driving experience, plus the reassurance of the brand's service-activated 10-year warranty.
Browse used Toyota Yaris Cross cars or read our Toyota Yaris Cross review
Jeep Avenger 4xe
There's no denying the Avenger has all the rugged good looks of bigger Jeep models, but most versions are two-wheel drive for better fuel economy. Jeep's not forgotten its roots, however, with the 4xe mild hybrid getting a healthy dollop of electric assistance on both axles to drive the Avenger forward, even over slippery surfaces. The cabin's just about big enough for four adults and their luggage if they pack fairly light, and the onboard tech is more up-to-date than the retro-inspired looks suggest.
Check out used Jeep cars or read our Jeep Avenger review
Skoda Karoq
The Skoda Karoq might look like a fairly large car at first glance. At less than 4.4 metres long, however, it's shorter than most family hatchbacks, so it's easy to manoeuvre whether you're travelling through town or country. Range-topping petrol and diesel versions are available with four-wheel drive, giving them better traction in low-grip situations and a bit more muscle for towing. Elsewhere, the Karoq's user experience is basically faultless – it's easy to drive, easy to use and practical enough for all the family. Plus, its suspension setup is a little softer than the platform sharing SEAT Ateca, making it more comfortable on the move.
Take a look at used Skoda Karoq cars or read our Skoda Karoq review
Find the right 4x4 for you
Browse hundreds of nearly new and used four-wheel-drive cars for sale at Motorpoint. Check out our picks for the best nearly new SUVs to see more tempting options.
