Whenever the name 4x4 comes up in a conversation, most people picture a large, bulky, and tractor-like vehicle, that was designed to be rugged and perform exceptionally well off-road.
What if I told you that several 4x4 models combine all the benefits of all-wheel drive with a compact versatile package that remains highly practical for everyday use?
We’ve put together a list of our top small 4x4 picks and highlighted their key features:
- Dacia Duster
- Jeep Avenger
- Hyundai Kona
- Volkswagen Golf
- Audi A3
- Suzuki Jimny
- Skoda Karoq
- Volkswagen T-Roc
- Toyota Yaris Cross
- Lexus UX
- Frequently Asked Questions
Dacia Duster
A compact SUV that has become known for its reliability and practicality since its launch in 2012, the Dacia Duster offers excellent value for money. Equipped with a decent standard package that includes a range of safety and entertainment features, the Duster offers everything you need without breaking the bank.
The Duster is offered with a wide variety of engines on 4x4 models. You can choose between petrol and diesel powertrains that deliver between 100 and 150bhp, depending on the model. Petrol engines offer a fuel economy of up to 46.3mpg, while the diesel options provide even greater efficiency, delivering up to 57.7mpg.
Even though 4x4 vehicles demand strong engines in order to work, and the extra hardware affects performance by worsening acceleration by up to a couple of seconds, the Duster offers off-road capabilities and better control in harsher weather.
With a range of drive modes available, you can choose between auto, snow, mud/sand, off-road, and eco to adjust to the terrain you’re going to be driving on. This will give you situational control and ensure your Duster will be equipped to perform its best according to the situation.
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Over the years, Jeep has built a reputation for their robust and rugged vehicles that perform extremely well off-road. With the advance of technology, the manufacturer now offers all-electric and plug-in hybrid alternatives to the Avenger, even though you can still purchase petrol and diesel powered models if you wish so.
Showcasing the adventure-ready SUV aesthetic Jeep is known for, the Avenger was designed with sophisticated styling and refined detailing to elevate the driving experience. Inside, you’ll find a comfortable cabin that accommodates up to five people, including taller passengers that need the extra legroom and headroom.
As Jeep always prioritises practicality, the boot is roomy and can fit up to 355 litres of cargo. If extra storage is needed, you can expand the boot to 1,252 litres by folding down the rear sets.
As previously mentioned, the Avenger is available with a choice of powertrains, and the 1.2-litre petrol engine delivers 99bhp and has a fuel economy of 50mpg. The plug-in hybrid has better fuel efficiency increasing that number to 57mpg. If you opt for an electric model, the Avenger will deliver up to 249 miles of range, or 373 miles if you’re driving in the city.
Recently, Jeep launched the 4xe The North Face Edition, a model developed in partnership with apparel brand The North Face. In this edition, the Avenger has been reimagined to deliver an exceptional experience to off-road drivers. Equipped with dual electric motors and a 48V dual charged powertrain, the vehicle offers 210mm of ground clearance and can ford water up to 400mm with ease.
Additionally, the bonnet features anti-glare stickers to reduce light reflection, while the cabin is fitted with durable, washable materials that make maintenance easier when drivers and passengers carry muddy or wet shoes and camping gear.
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Boasting a futuristic design that exudes class, the latest generation of the Hyundai KONA was imagined to turn heads when you drive by. In addition to the beautiful exterior, Hyundai’s main focus was designing a practical and versatile cabin that included stylish elements to elevate the ambiance.
Available with a great standard kit, the on-board technology is on point and offers plenty of features for you to explore. With 12.3-inch dual wide displays, view stats and navigation information from the virtual cockpit, and access applications including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via the infotainment system.
Available with all-electric, hybrid, and traditional internal combustion engines (ICE), you can choose the powertrain that best suits your lifestyle. Higher-spec models deliver between 118 and 195bhp, and are available with manual and automatic transmission.
The KONA is an excellent vehicle to drive in harsh weather, due to its 4x4 and off-road capabilities. Offering extra traction, you can drive safely on slippery, muddy, and snow-covered roads, as well as take it for a camping trip where you'll need to drive on farm tracks and unpaved roads that aren't severe.
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There are some cars that offer a fantastic all-round package. The Golf is perhaps one of the best, if not the best do-it-all car made by German manufacturer, Volkswagen.
Available with three or five doors, lots of engine choices, a large boot, excellent safety, fine interior quality and decent reliability, the Golf does it all. The Golf is rather classless too, meaning certain models won't look out of place in a supermarket car park or outside a swanky five-star hotel.
It comes as no surprise then, that the Golf is also available with all-wheel drive. However, it's only available in the high-performance R variant, helping the car lay down all of its power no matter the weather, or if the road surface is poor.
Available with petrol and diesel powertrains both with a 4WD drive system, the Golf can handle low-grip surfaces, sporty cornering, and light off-road driving including rural roads, off-track access, and bad weather.
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You can't really mention all-wheel drive cars without mentioning an Audi. The legendary Quattro name resonates, expressing how any Audi fitted with this comprehensive all-wheel drive system will not struggle, no matter the weather, or road surface. Ideal for the UK's mainly wet and poor road conditions, that's for sure.
Quattro was made famous by Audi's rally success with the aptly named Audi Quattro, and thanks to its success Audi started fitting the all-wheel drive system to many of its road-going cars.
The A3 is one of Audi's most compact cars, going up against the BMW 1 Series, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Vokswagen Golf, already mentioned in this article. Audi offers Quattro with a multitude of A3 models excluding the performance version.
The 2.0-litre TDI Quattro S Line is a great package, with 148bhp it can return just under 60mpg and is pretty quick with 0 to 62mph happening in a respectable 6.9 seconds. You can also find the A3 in a smart hatchback or handsome saloon version too.
Search Used Audi A3 OffersSuzuki Jimny
The Jimny was launched in 1970 and over the years it has become a staple within Suzuki’s line-up until it was discontinued in 2020. Even though the Jimny can no longer be purchased brand new, there are plenty of used models available with a wide range of specs.
Designed to be an off-roader through and through, the Jimny isn’t as comfortable to drive on the road, but it shines on muddy and wet terrains outclassing most rivals within the same category.
The latest generation is offered with a 1.5-litre petrol engine that produces 100bhp and delivers a fuel economy of 35mpg on average, but you can find other options of powertrains with different specs on older models.
Designed to be compact, the cabin fits up to four average size adults although it won’t be the most comfortable journey due to the Jimmy’s dinky dimensions. Built with hard plastics, the Jimny is practical and can be easily wiped out and cleaned ahead of the next adventure.
Search Used Suzuki Jimny OffersSkoda Karoq
The Skoda Karoq is an SUV that has become a best-seller due to its comfort and practicality. Available with an excellent package and the option to add a 4WD drive system, the Karoq is ready to face uneven surfaces and drive on light off-road terrain.
Looking inside, the boot is capable of carrying 521 litres of cargo, which is ideal for transporting bikes, camping gear, and other necessities for off-road adventures.
Skoda offers 2.0-litre petrol and diesel powertrains that can be fitted with 4x4. If you're looking for power, the TSI petrol engine is the right choice for you, as it delivers 190bhp compared to the diesel's 150bhp. However, if fuel efficiency is a priority, the TDI diesel engine offers a return of 49.6mpg compared to the 37.2mpg.
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A compact SUV that has gained notoriety over the years for showcasing an expressive and youthful design, the Volkswagen T-Roc appeals to younger motorists who are looking for a good vehicle to drive in the city, and also offers good off-road capabilities.
There are a range of engines available with 4MOTION (Volkswagen variant of 4-wheel-drive drive system), and you can choose between 1.5 and 2.0-litre petrol and diesel powertrains that offer a fuel economy of 41.5 to 55.4mpg.
Available with four drive modes, you can switch between street, snow, off-road, and off-road individual, which allows you to certain parameters of your vehicle's drivetrains, including traction settings, steering feel, and gearbox shift behaviour.
Search Used Volkswagen T-Roc OffersToyota Yaris Cross
A best-seller small SUV that has become synonymous with practicality and versatility, the Toyota Yaris Cross continues to impress with its efficient performance, compact design, and advanced safety features, making it a favourite among drivers.
The Yaris Cross offers a choice of hybrid powertrains, delivering between 114 and 129bhp. Depending on the model, it accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 9.2 and 9.7 seconds and achieves an impressive fuel economy of between 64.5 and 76.3mpg.
Looking inside, the cabin is highly functional and is equipped with a 9-inch screen infotainment system. You can check your vehicle’s settings, sat nav, media, and smartphone connectivity using the touchscreen.
Available with Toyota's AWD-i system, the Yaris Cross offers better traction on loose surfaces such as mud and gravel, making it a good option for light off-road activities.
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A stylish compact SUV that combines bold design with advanced technology and confident 4x4 capabilities, the Lexus UX stands out for its refined performance, premium comfort, and cutting-edge safety features, making it a top choice for drivers seeking elegance and efficiency in an urban-friendly package.
There are a couple of hybrid powertrains to choose from, both offering all-wheel drive. You can opt for a UX 250h E-Four that delivers 181bhp and has a fuel economy of 47mpg or a UX 350h E-Four with an output of 196bhp and 50.4mpg.
Built with quality materials, the cabin feels comfortable and practical and it offers a premium ambiance. Equipped with a 7-inch infotainment system, you can control the UX navigation information, including the sat nav, using the touchscreen.
Search Used Lexus UX OffersFrequently Asked Questions
Even though most 4x4 vehicles available are considered large cars due to the extra weight an AWD drive system adds, there are some small models available with light off-road capabilities.
Yes, 4WD vehicles were designed to improve traction and control when driving on rough terrain. Most models offer different drive modes that allow you to choose between snow, mud, steep inclines, and others to improve performances on uneven and slippery surfaces.
Discover small 4x4 cars with Evans Halshaw
Even though many 4x4 cars available can be overly large and bulky, there are several options of smaller models that offer impressive off-road capabilities. These compact 4x4s combine rugged performance with everyday practicality, making them ideal for drivers who want adventure-ready vehicles that are still easy to park, fuel-efficient, and reasonably comfortable for city driving.
You can browse our offers on brand-new and used vehicles, or alternatively browse through our buying guides and exclusive articles published on our blog.
