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
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