Top Green 4x4s

4x4s with low running costs do exist and we've picked our favourites
Engine and standard kit information included
Could one from our list be your next new car choice?

Written by Debbie Wood Published: 12 February 2015 Updated: 13 January 2016

If you’ve always wanted a 4×4 but are put off by the thought of high running costs and expensive tax bills, we’re here to show you that today’s breed of off-roaders are cheaper than you think and have some impressive green credentials too.

We’ve picked our favourite four-wheel drive 4x4s that have claimed fuel consumption rates of over 50mpg and CO2 emissions below 140g/km, plus all get at least a four star rating from us.

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Could one from our list be your next car? Read on to find out:

Lexus NX

Launched late last year, the new Lexus NX is the firm’s all-new premium mid-size crossover and is expected to be the top-selling model in the Lexus line-up.

Available in both front and all-wheel drive versions, on paper it’s the hybrid model which makes the most sense, the 2.5-litre petrol engine when combined with the battery produces 195bhp and crucially, and boasts some impressive running cost figures too.

Four-wheel drive models are available on SE trim and above and athough the NX is the most expensive in our list here, standard kit is very good with 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, reversing camera, dual-zone climate control, eight speakers, DAB radio, roof rails, rain-sensing wipers and heated front seats all included.

Vital statistics

Engine and trim choice: NX300h SE 2.5 CVT automatic

Price: £31,495

Fuel economy: 54mpg

CO2 emissions: 121g/km

First year tax cost: £0

Yearly tax cost: £110

Power: 195bhp

Parkers star rating: 4.5 stars

To find out more read our full review of the Lexus NX here.

Click here to view the latest Lexus NX leasing deals.

Nissan Qashqai

As packages go, the Nissan Qashqai is one of the best all-rounders when it comes to value for money, low running costs and cabin quality and is the only car in our list here to achieve a full five star rating from us.

Although 2WD models are more popular, 4WD models have a lot to offer for those who need a car with some off-roading ability.

Entry-level Visia trim offers air-con, a five-inch display screen for the infotainment system, Bluetooth, heated mirrors and cruise control as standard. If you want more toys and alloy wheels you’ll need to consider moving up trim levels.

Vital statistics

Engine and trim choice: 1.6 dCi Visia 4WD

Price: £22,295

Fuel economy: 57mpg

CO2 emissions: 129g/km

First year tax cost: £0

Yearly tax cost: £110

Power: 128bhp

Parkers star rating: 5 stars

To find out more read our full review of the Nissan Qashqai here.

Click here to view the latest Nissan Qashqai leasing deals.

Audi Q3

A brand known for luxury and refinement, the Audi Q3 will certainly look the part on your drive and be the envy of your neighbours.

But it’s not all about appearances, when equipped with Audi’s famous Quattro all-wheel drive system, the Q3 is also well equipped be able to deal with most bad weather conditions and more tricky terrains.

There are two trims to choose from, SE and S-Line, with the former’s standard kit including 17-inch alloys, dual-zone climate control, light and rain sensors, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth connectivity and roof rails.

Vital statistics

Engine and trim choice: 2.0 TDI Quattro SE

Price: £28,400

Fuel economy: 56mpg

CO2 emissions: 131g/km

First year tax cost: £130

Yearly tax cost: £130

Power: 147bhp

Parkers star rating: 4 stars

To find out more read our full review of the Audi Q3 here.

Click here to view the latest Audi Q3 leasing deals.

Fiat Panda 4×4

When you think 4×4 the Fiat Panda is unlikely to be the first car you think of, or your second or third choice for that matter. But the four-wheel drive version of this popular city car is seriously impressive off-road.

It’s also pretty trendy to look at too and ideal for driving around the city streets thanks to its compact dimensions.

There’s a choice of a petrol or a diesel engine; we would opt for the 0.9 TwinAir petrol which is charactistically more fun to drive, and unless you’re planning on travelling a lot of miles each year, makes the most sense financially too.

Standard kit includes electronic stability control and an electronic locking differential, climate control, 15-inch alloy wheels, electric door mirrors, air-con and six speakers.

Vital statistics

Engine and trim choice: 0.9 TwinAir

Price: £14,295

Fuel economy: 57mpg

CO2 emissions: 114g/km

First year tax cost: £0

Yearly tax cost: £30

Power: 83bhp

Parkers star rating: 4 stars

To find out more read our full review of the Fiat Panda 4×4 here.

Click here to view the latest Fiat Panda 4×4 leasing deals.

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Based on the popular A-Class hatchback, the Mercedes-Benz GLA is the firm’s first compact 4×4 to enter the busy segment and competes with the likes of the Audi Q3 and BMW X1.

Entry-level diesel models are two-wheel drive only but the rest of the range is fitted with Mercedes’ ‘4MATIC’ four-wheel drive system which is proven to offer excellent off-road abilities.

Luxurious and stylish, the Mercedes-Benz GLA is also one of the most expensive cars in our list here. That said, you get plenty of kit for your money too with DAB radio, Bluetooth, reversing camera, air-con, privacy glass and 18-inch alloy wheels available as standard in entry-level SE trim.

Vital statistics

Engine and trim choice: GLA220 CDI 4MATIC SE

Price: £30,035

Fuel economy: 55mpg

CO2 emissions: 132g/km

First year tax cost: £130

Yearly tax cost: £130

Power: 167bhp

Parkers star rating: 4 stars

To find out more read our full review of the Mercedes-Benz GLA here.

Click here to view the latest Mercedes-Benz GLA leasing deals.

Ford Kuga

With market leading cars like the Focus and the Fiesta under its belt, as you would expect, Ford has something to offer those car buyers looking for an SUV too.

Although designed more for on-road than off, Ford’s all-wheel drive system enables the Kuga to be more than capable dealing with more trickier terrains and difficult weather conditions.

Available in three trims, here we’ve picked the entry-level Zetec trim which includes 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front windscreen, daytime running lights, DAB radio, cruise control, air-con, keyless start and six speakers as standard.

Vital statistics

Engine and trim choice: 2.0 TDCi Zetec

Price: £26,345

Fuel economy: 54mpg

CO2 emissions: 135g/km

First year tax cost: £130

Yearly tax cost: £130

Power: 177bhp

Parkers star rating: 4 stars

To find out more read our full review of the Ford Kuga here.

Click here to view the latest Ford Kuga leasing deals.

Mazda CX-5

Arguably one of the best looking cars in our list here, the Mazda CX-5’s striking design is sure to turn some heads. But it’s more than a pretty face offering low running costs, genuine off-road ability, plenty of kit as standard and a spacious and practical cabin.

SE-L trim includes 17-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, USB port, climate control, air-con, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers and tinted glass.

Vital statistics

Engine and trim choice: 2.2D SE-L AWD

Price: £25,995

Fuel economy: 54mpg

CO2 emissions: 136g/km

First year tax cost: £130

Yearly tax cost: £130

Power: 147bhp

Parkers star rating: 4.5 stars

To find out more read our full review of the Mazda CX-5 here.

Click here to view the latest Mazda CX-5 leasing deals.

Mitsubishi ASX

In a busy segment which includes the likes of the Nissan Qashqai and Skoda Yeti, sometimes the Mitsubishi ASX can get overlooked.

Revised only last year, the ASX offers something different to other more mainstream models. Roomy and practical, if you opt for ‘4’ trim there’s a wealth of kit as standard on offer too including 17-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass in the rear, rear parking sensors, climate control, cruise control, heated front seats, sat-nav, DAB radio, Bluetooth, reversing camera and keyless entry.

Vital statistics

Engine and trim choice: 1.8 4 AWD

Price: £23,249

Fuel economy: 54mpg

CO2 emissions: 136g/km

First year tax cost: £130

Yearly tax cost: £130

Power: 114bhp

Parkers star rating: 4.5 stars

To find out more read our full review of the Mitsubishi ASX here.

Click here to view the latest Mitsubishi ASX leasing deals