Many households can cruise through summer and autumn sharing just one car, but when winter kicks in cold weather and disruptions to public transport can make the general convenience of a cheap used car very tempting, particularly a small 4x4.
Whatever this year has to match ‘The Beast from the East’ or ‘Snowmaggedon’, the reality is that Britain’s drivers rarely have to deal with snow for very long. Met office figures show that the UK gets 23.7 days of snow per year on average – less than a month, spread out between November and April.
However, Britain’s lack of preparation can make getting to school, work or shops particularly stressful on the rare occasions when there’s heavy snowfall. The advice given is often not to drive at all in these conditions, but if you drive for necessity rather than pleasure you can’t always make that choice.
Families with expensive leased cars, electric cars that suffer a drop in range for cold weather, or drivers who decided to treat themselves to an upmarket sports car might choose to pick up a ‘winter beater of doom’ – a cheap to run and insure road-legal car to take the brunt of salt and potential higher accident risks.
If you’re going to do that, why not go for a second hand small 4x4?
Browse the selection of 4x4s for sale on Parkers, or read on for our pick of affordable small SUVs – most of which you can buy for less than £5,000.
The best used small 4x4s to beat the snow
Sophisticated and easy to use 4x4 underpins a simple, affordable car
The transmission is basic, and can be left in front-wheel drive mode to save fuel for most of the year. Auto mode switches all-wheel drive in when slip is detected, and there is a differential lock to split torque equally front and rear. Electronic systems provide additional stability by simulating a rear limited-slip differential.
It’s a good looking car, too – rugged, without going over the top, there are elements of classically functional 4x4s in the design.
Disadvantages of the Dacia Duster
Petrol models are relatively thirsty and have poor emissions – your best option is the 1.5 DCI from 2014 onwards, which offers 60mpg and 123g/km potential in 4x4 form. It’s better to choose a late 2014-on model anyway – the first couple of years of UK-market Dusters were made in India and Dacia switched to the Romanian factory in summer 2014 after persistent paint and quality issues.
Access specification is very basic, with some crude interior trim, and if safety is a concern for you, the Dacia scores relatively low in Euro NCAP – though primarily for a lack of driver-assistance fitted as standard.
Before financing a used Duster, check out the monthly cost of a new one. While the cash savings are worthwhile, if you work on a monthly budget you could get lower interest rates and a new car warranty for the same outlay.
Year-round suitability
Because the four-wheel drive system can be switched to front-wheel drive only, the Duster is light and relatively economical for the size of car. If you need a small estate car, then this is an ideal choice to cover occasional off-road and snow use as well.
To find out more, read our full Dacia Duster Estate review
Read our Owner's Reviews
Pros
- Proven off-road capability from easy, safe 4x4 tech
- Rugged attitude matched by quality on later models
Cons
- Early ones can be fragile
- Starting to rust
Small, nimble baby-SUV with clever 4x4 and high-rise visibility
All Ignis models are petrol, so you are unlikely to fall foul of diesel-restricting emissions penalties for a while. Newer versions include hybrid technology, so if you’ve a little more to spend on a used Suzuki Ignis you can get something very modern and cheap to run. Buying a more recent one with a dealer service history will also qualify for Suzuki’s seven year warranty.
Disadvantages of the Suzki Ignis
It’s quite expensive as a used buy, since it’s one of the cheaper cars sold new in the UK. ALLGrip models are sought after and hold their value, so we’d always compare the monthly payments and deposit of a new PCP if financing a second hand car.
The ALLGrip system is the lowest level. That doesn’t mean it is not as good, it just means you have less control than the Vitara and S-Cross ALLGrip Select system which offers off-road modes. You might also find the Ignis a little small for family duties.
Year-round suitability
Genuinely compact and easy to drive, the Suzuki Ignis is a great everyday car. It feels a bit basic, yet it’s refined enough that we drove one from Lands’ End to John O’Groats as part of a long-term test and concluded that it’s comfortable for long trips. That 2WD model also achieved an astonishing 80mpg on that 894-mile run.
The strongest argument against the Ignis is also from Suzuki, the Swift. That is available with ALLGrip 4x4 as well, but lacks the high driving position and flat-sided practicality.
To find out more, read our full Suzuki Ignis review
Read our Owners Reviews
Pros
- Can be very economical, particularly later models
- Seamless auto 4x4 system for effortless grip
Cons
- Ride can feel harsh on ALLGrip models
- A few cheap-feeling bits of trim, but holds its value used
The mountain goat crossed with a city car that keeps Alpine villages connected
The Cross also has underbody protection, minimising the repair costs if you do slide off road.
Disadvantages of the Fiat Panda Cross
Very few – the Panda 4x4 is an important model for the Italian manufacturer, which has a strong market in the moutains of Northern Italy as well as the rest of Europe. Economy is slightly reduced, and handling less sporty due to the increased ride height.
All models of Panda have fairly thick A-pillars, which reduces visibility out in cities, and performance is relatively leisurely. Given the most powerful model has just 84hp, that’s understandable.
Year-round suitability
It’s economical, compact and fun to drive, so the Fiat Panda 4x4 is a great car to use year-round. Clever all-wheel drive ensures economy isn’t hit too hard, either, and additional grip benefits all road conditions including leaves and rain.
Finally, if you enjoy driving for pleasure, the Panda Cross has an enviable reputation as an off-road vehicle, opening up green laning and other adventure possibilities.
To find out more, read our full Fiat Panda 4x4 review
Read our Owners Reviews
Pros
- Genuinely small, agile and easy to live with
- Remarkably capable off road, sophisticated electronic control
Cons
- Not as economical as the supermini size implies
- Some trim and parts very expensive to replace
Distinctive looks and still-compact dimensions, with a sophisticated, seamless 4x4 system
The four-wheel drive system is not the most versatile if you like to take control of how the car behaves, but it is sophisticated enough to work in most slippery conditions without the need to select modes.
Low emissions with decent economy, strong residual values and a good dealer network ensure the MINI is a good choice for the long-term, too.
Disadvantages of the MINI Countryman ALL4
Luggage space is a little cramped for the size of car, and some interior details place form over function. Dealer servicing can be expensive, too, though as a popular car it will not be difficult to maintain. It’s also fairly expensive for the size and age of vehicles you’re getting; if the styling isn’t to your taste, there are better value cars.
Year-round suitability
Brilliant – there’s little penalty at the pumps for specifying the ALL4 model, and handling and sense of fun is carried through all MINI models effectively. If you want a practical, small and stylish car to use all year with the security of 4x4 when needed, this is one of the best.
To find out more, read our full MINI Countryman Estate review
Read our Owners Reviews
Pros
- High-tech 4x4 system shared with some BMWs
- Distinctive styling brings character
Cons
- Thick pillars and poor visibility for an SUV
- Dealer maintenance costs also shared with BMWs
Better road manners than Suzuki’s off-road focused SUVs but still rugged and capable
The SX4 S-Cross fits between the firm’s compact cars and the small Vitara SUV, and is a lightweight, fun car with reasonable ground clearance that retains a sportier feel. Practicality is good too, with a decent size of boot and passenger space.
Higher-specification models are worth seeking out for features like the double panoramic glass sunroof. If you want a good small 4x4 on a tight budget, the previous generation Suzuki SX4 is also worth considering.
Disadvantages of the Suzuki SX4 S-Cross
Finding one that an owner is willing to sell may be the trickiest part – buyers of Suzuki 4x4s have traditionally held onto them, satisfied with the grip and low running costs.
Interior trim has a few low-cost components, and it’s not likely to impress the neighbours; frankly, nothing to worry about when your main concern is driving safely in poor weather.
Year-round suitability
Impressive fuel economy – particularly if you go for more recent facelift models from 2016 onwards – and an engaging chassis backed up by all-wheel drive grip, the SX4 S-Cross should be a common sight on the roads based on merit alone.
Better yet, high-specification models have features like adaptive cruise control, making them highly versatile for the cost.
To find out more, read our full Suzuki SX4 S-Cross Hatchback review
Read our Owners Reviews
Pros
- Popular small 4x4 with effective AWD
- Impressive equipment levels on late models
Cons
- Not all are AWD so shop carefully
- Is there a dealer near you?
Mitsubishi has left the UK, but its clever 4x4 cars are still a good used buy
Eco, 4WD and Lock modes are offered, allowing the driver to lock the centre differential when traction is lost. In normal driving the ASX is front wheel drive unless slip is detected.
Economy of the diesel models is fair, but where the ASX pulls ahead is in torque and refinement on the 2.2-litre – one of the larger engines in this sector – and robust interior fittings well suited to a harsh winter.
Disadvantages of the Mitsubishi ASX
Early models are fairly dull inside, and you are limited to 1.6 or 2.2 diesel models if you want four-wheel drive; the petrol is a little underpowered anyway. In later years it was overshadowed by the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and did not look very appealing as a new car, but as a used buy it represents good value.
Year-round suitability
It’s a larger car externally than most of the options presented here, so if you wanted something compact and city friendly you may want to look back up the page. However, that size is not wasted – interior capacity is well suited to a growing family.
To find out more, read our full Mitsubishi ASX Estate review
Read our Owners Reviews
Pros
- Cheap compared with rivals
- Quite capable AWD system
Cons
- Lots of 2WD models around
- Feels like an earlier generation of car
Features to look for in a small 4x4 for snow
For driving occasionally in snow, in addition to using proper winter tyres in good condition there are a number of features that are worth looking for in your four-wheel drive car:
- All-wheel drive or AWD – so traction can be sent all wheels without driver intervention, on all surfaces, not just snow
- Locking centre differential – ensuring if the front wheels have no traction and slip, the rear wheels will still be driven. This works best in conjuction with a a rear limited-slip differential
- Hill descent control – allowing the car to control speed and traction on downhill sections, compensating for ice and built up snow faster than the driver can detect the conditions
- Traction control (or electronic stability control) that can be disabled – preventing the situation where a small amount of slip prevents the driver from building momentum
Most modern all-wheel drive systems will detect slip through their centre differentials – the system that allows front and rear axles to be driven at different speeds – and lock up electronically.
Before buying a used car, get a Parkers valuation and history check, and it’s worth using the online MOT history tool before travelling to view a car; this will reveal areas that have needed attention in the past, and give an indication of mileage covered per year.
What sort of 4x4 is best for driving in snow?
It’s understandable that many drivers associate 4x4 with big, heavy and crude vehicles. For snow, you don’t need something focused on off-road ability such as a Land Rover Defender or one of the big, upmarket SUVs like the Audi Q7. In fact, the heavier the vehicle, the harder the battle with physics to keep it on the road.
A combination of light weight, manual override for features such as traction control, and the correct tyres will provide the best combination to complement your own skill and judgment when driving in snow. You want a car that offers permanent all-wheel drive, as it will provide the most benefit when tackling slow hills, unexpected patches of snow on otherwise fast clear roads, and on single-track roads helping avoid getting stuck on verges.
Most of the benefits of a 4x4 car are found in other winter conditions, such as persistent rain or damp fallen leaves, and in all shapes and sizes of 4x4 the correct winter tyres, in good condition, matter more than the technology; even large rear-wheel drive saloons and sporty hatchbacks benefit from winter tyres to the extent that only the worst conditions will cause problems.
Do tyres matter on a small 4x4?
Vehicles with a viscous centre coupling can be damaged if the wheels and tyres aren’t all the same size. Tyres should be changed in sets of four matching size, wear and brand, and it’s a good sign if you see that in the history.
Small 4x4s with viscous couplings:
- Land Rover Freelander – failure of the VCU and IRD
- Volkswagen Syncro and early 4Motion before 1998
- 2000-2008 Suzuki Ignis 4Grip
- Fiat Panda Mk2 4x4 pre-2008 (Panda Mk1 has no centre differential and is part-time 4x4)
Cars with electronic systems are more forgiving, and the majority of more economical models from 2008-onwards adopt this tech. However, it’s still better to have matching tyres.
Now freelance, Richard Kilpatrick worked across several roles with us at Parkers and in Bauer’s Automotive team. We are a close-knit group here so has been able to get stuck into helping with buying guides, reviewing and road-testing cars, editing our newsletters, and more. They offer advice from their years of experience and a chance for you to learn from the mistakes they have made!
Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us.
