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:
1. Lexus RX450h SE-L (09 on)
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.
| g/km CO2 | MPG |
Fuel
|
| 145 | 44 |
Hybrid
|
2.Volvo XC70 D3 ES (07 on)
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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.
| g/km CO2 | MPG |
Fuel
|
| 149 | 50 |
Diesel
|
3. Mitsubishi Outlander 2.2 DI-D GX2 (07 on)
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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.
| g/km CO2 | MPG |
Fuel
|
| 163 | 44 |
Diesel
|
4. Nissan X-Trail 2.0 dCi 173 Acenta (07 on)
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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.
| g/km CO2 | MPG |
Fuel
|
| 168 | 44 |
Diesel
|
5. Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi Premium (06 on)
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.
| g/km CO2 | MPG |
Fuel
|
| 176 | 41 |
Diesel
|
6. Kia Sorento CRDi KX-2 (10 on)
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.
| g/km CO2 | MPG |
Fuel
|
| 177 | 42 |
Diesel
|
7. Volkswagen Touareg (10 on)
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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.
| g/km CO2 | MPG |
Fuel
|
| 184 | 40 |
Diesel
|
8. Porsche Cayenne 3.0 (245) V6 diesel (10 on)
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.
| g/km CO2 | MPG |
Fuel
|
| 189 | 39 |
Diesel
|
9. BMW X5 xDrive30d (07 on)
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.
| g/km CO2 | MPG |
Fuel
|
| 195 | 38 |
Diesel
|
10. Audi Q7 3.0 TDI Clean Diesel (06 on)
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.
| g/km CO2 | MPG |
Fuel
|
| 195 | 38 |
Diesel
|
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