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Compare the best cheap 4x4s

High-quality affordable 4x4 cars from rated and reviewed dealers

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Rated 4.6/5 from 53,154 reviews

Cheapest 4x4s of 2024

If you want to head off the beaten track, a 4x4 is a great option, because they are great at tackling rough roads or getting you out of a tricky spot in adverse weather conditions. Some luxury 4x4s can be very expensive, but there are plenty of options that won’t leave a big dent in your wallet.

Here, our expert reviews team has put together a list of the best affordable 4x4s, and a few that don’t have four-wheel drive, but do come with decent ground clearance and rugged bodywork that can stand up to a bit of a beating if required…

Skoda Karoq

1. Skoda Karoq

9/10
Skoda Karoq review
The Skoda Karoq might be small and rather unexciting to look at, but look past that and it’s actually a fantastic SUV. It’s really well put together and comfortable to drive. Opt for the SE L model and you get clever rear seats that can be folded all over the place to make space for people or things as required. What’s more, this trim is available with a diesel engine and four-wheel drive, though this is quite a bit more expensive than the standard model.
Skoda Kodiaq

2. Skoda Kodiaq

9/10
Skoda Kodiaq review
This list is focused on value for money, so it’s perhaps no surprise that the top two spots are taken up by Skodas. If the Karoq is a bit small, the Kodiaq could be the answer. Like the Karoq there’s a four-wheel drive option, but this car also comes with seating for up to seven people, and there’s loads of space inside to accommodate them.

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Suzuki Vitara

3. Suzuki Vitara

6/10
Suzuki Vitara review
If you’re looking for a city-dwelling family SUV, the Suzuki Vitara isn’t the best option out there for the price. However, if you need an affordable SUV with four-wheel drive, it’s actually pretty good value. You get a decent amount of kit and a practical cabin, but it does feel quite cheap inside.
Suzuki Ignis

4. Suzuki Ignis

7/10
Suzuki Ignis review
The Suzuki Ignis might be small but it gets chunky ‘Honey I shrunk the off-roader’ styling. It’s not the most comfortable car, and the interior and on-board tech feel a touch dated, but it’s a quirky choice with genuine off-road ability. You’ll need the top-spec trim with AllGrip, which pushes the price up a bit, but you’ll still get change from £20,000, making it even better value than the Vitara if you don’t need the extra space.
Dacia Duster (2017-2024)

5. Dacia Duster

6/10
Dacia Duster (2017-2024) review
If you want a rugged 4x4 with space for four, then the Dacia Duster is a great choice. It may be basic inside, but you still get a decent infotainment system and more passenger and luggage space than anything else at this price point. Watch this space, because a new-look model is coming in 2024…
Nissan Qashqai
2024
Family Values Award
Highly Commended

6. Nissan Qashqai

8/10
Nissan Qashqai review
The Nissan Qashqai is a hugely popular family SUV because it’s smart, spacious and great value for money. Going for the 4x4 version pushes the price up, and it lacks the rugged body modifications and raised ride height that would make it formidable off-road. However, if you live in a rural area and need a car that won’t get stuck on a mid-winter school run, it’s a great choice.
Kia Sportage

7. Kia Sportage

8/10
Kia Sportage review
The Sportage is one of the most popular SUVs on sale thanks to its great cabin, tech and hybrid engines. This family-friendly SUV also comes with an optional four-wheel drive system, proving you don’t have to make a left-field choice to get a car that’s capable off the beaten track. The Sportage’s infotainment system is a bit fiddly to use, though, and it’s not as comfortable as similar alternatives.
Citroen Berlingo

8. Citroen Berlingo

6/10
Citroen Berlingo review
The Citroen Berlingo is a no-nonsense family car with loads of storage. And although it’s not offered with four-wheel drive, top-spec models have an option called Advanced Grip Control, which is essentially an advanced traction control system that can help in low grip conditions. It doesn’t transform the Berlingo into a Land Rover Defender alternative, but it’s useful assistance on snow- or mud-covered country roads.
Dacia Sandero Stepway
2024
Adventurer's Choice Award
Highly Commended

9. Dacia Sandero Stepway

8/10
Dacia Sandero Stepway review
The Dacia Sandero Stepway is front-wheel drive-only. However, it has rugged styling, with plastic mouldings on the side to protect the bodywork and bash plates beneath in case you hit any rocks. It’s also one of the most spacious small cars you can buy, and comfortable to drive, too. Its poor Euro NCAP safety score might put you off, though.
Toyota Yaris Cross
2024
Urban Living Award
Highly Commended

10. Toyota Yaris Cross

8/10
Toyota Yaris Cross review
The Toyota Yaris Cross is a fantastic little city car. It’s got an incredibly economical hybrid engine and a surprisingly useful boot for a car of its size. The raised ride height is useful for visibility when driving around town, but it also means that you shouldn’t get stuck if you’re feeling a little adventurous. It’s also front-wheel drive though, so don’t get too adventurous…

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Advice about cheap and affordable 4x4 cars

Cheap 4x4s FAQs

Not only is the Dacia Duster one of the most affordable 4x4s, but it has also proven to be one of the most reliable too. It’s rugged construction and relatively basic interior are plus points when it comes to long term reliability.

A good tow vehicle needs to have ample low-down torque, good traction and not be too light. That last point is because the maximum towing weight is largely dependent on the vehicle’s kerb weight. Also, if a trailer weighs more than 750kg (or is more than half the kerb weight of the vehicle), it will have to be braked.

Right, so with that in mind one of the best cheap 4x4s for towing is the Skoda Superb Estate, thanks to its combination of grippy 4x4 system and powerful engine. The Skoda Kodiaq is another great tow vehicle.

Aside from your particular risk profile, a 4x4’s engine size and price are key factors in insurance costs. It stands to reason then that smaller 4x4s like the Dacia Duster and Suzuki Ignis will be cheaper to insure than something like a Mercedes GLE or Audi Q7.

Road tax is based on emissions levels, so the more efficient your engine, the lower the road tax. Hybrids in particular can benefit from lower road tax so hybrid SUVs like the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai e-Power will have lower road tax charges than something with a big, powerful six- or eight-cylinder petrol engine under its bonnet. Four-wheel drive cars are also typically less efficient than two-wheel drive equivalents, so could be a bit more expensive to tax, too.

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