With the cost of fuel unlikley to fall anytime soon and the price of tax more important than ever, opting for a large 4x4 might sound like a bad idea.
However, not all big off-roaders cost a massive mount of money to run. We've picked out ten of the greenest models that can handle a bit of mud along with the pressures of lugging the family around without breaking the bank.
Here are the ten best cars:
This third RX has seen big improvements in emissions and fuel economy over its predecessor. At the same time its comfortable and filled with equipment with impressive performance.
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The Volvo XC70 is effectively the company's popular V70 estate car with increased ground clearance and an automatic four-wheel drive system. A surprising number of XC70 customers actually take their vehicles off-road, too.
Mitsubishi’s Outlander is one of the more agricultural off-roaders still on the market. There’s loads of room, it’s good to drive and if you do find yourself venturing in to the muddy stuff should be more than adequate.
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Excellent for towing and taking on an off-road challenge, the X-Trail is one of the best family 4x4s around. The dCi diesel engine is powerful and refined plus there’s a practical interior with robust build quality.
To keep emissions down you’ll have to opt for the five-seat model, but that’s no bad thing. Whichever version you choose, the Santa Fe comes with an excellent diesel engine and plenty of kit, all for a lot less than its rivals.
Kia's big 4x4 is big on looks, big on value and big on ability. It's a great all-round package and well worth considering over some more expensive rivals such as the Land Rover Freelander and Toyota RAV-4.
If you’re after a refined and top quality off-roader that can actually handle the rough and tumble, then the Touareg is a very good choice. It’s surprisingly agile for such a big 4x4, and that 3.0-litre diesel is incredibly good.
It may not be the most capable of off-roaders in the list, but for a premium model and some high-riding posing you can’t go far wrong than the Cayenne. Despite there being a hybrid version, the diesel is the cleaner model.
BMW can rightly claim to have begun the trend towards large 4x4s that weren't meant for frequent forays into the wilderness, but rather feel like a modern car on the road. The X5 fast, roomy and agile.
Audi’s Q7 is the German brand’s response to the BMW X5, and it’s a tough competitor to the BMW. The huge Q7 is built more for tarmac than mud and offers huge amounts of space as well as a refined ride.
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