- Our pick of the best small off-roaders on the market
- Practical town runabouts to serious off-roaders
- Real bargains to be had at the lower end of the market
- Best Off-road Compact Suvs
- Best Off Road Compact Suv 2017
- 10 Best Off Road Suv
- Best Small Off Road Vehicle
There was a time when opting for a four-wheel drive vehicle meant heavy penalties in fuel economy, performance and drivability. But not any more – the latest crop of off-roaders can be great to drive and surprisingly cheap to run.
Packaged with grown-up styling that resembles the big Grand Cherokee, the Compass is a better off-roader than most SUVs of its size, particularly when purchased in Trailhawk trim, which has higher ground clearance and an all-wheel-drive system with a low. The 2019 Jeep Wrangler may not be your idea of the best mini SUV. However, it is capable of taking you places other compact SUVs do not dare go. It is as nimble on the road as it is off it. Jeep designed the 2019 Wrangler to give you the best of both worlds.
Best of all, there’s loads of different small 4x4s to choose from, so you’re not limited to a large, bulky SUV or old-fashioned off-roader. Buying a true 4x4 means you'll get more off-road ability than your standard SUV, meaning you can cope with all the mud and slippery stuff those off-road tracks can throw at you - but these cars are also super capable when driving on normal roads too. These cars need to be practical, sturdy, and solid - for whatever your lifestyle brings.
We’ve rounded up some of the best small 4x4s, which offer all-wheel drive but are compact, cheap to buy and will return great fuel economy. They won't give you the massive running costs that a large SUV would, while still being practical and capable. Make sure you check out our Cars for Sale section too, and get a free valuation of your car. If you're thinking about financing your new car rather than buying outright, then check out the information in our finance advice section.
Scroll down to find out more about all our favourites, or click on the quick links below to jump to yours:
Suzuki Vitara
Dacia Duster
Mazda CX-3
MINI Countryman
BMW X1
Suzuki Jimny
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Jeep Renegade
Hyundai Kona
Suzuki Vitara
It’s a bit of a hidden gem, the Suzuki Vitara. The brand actually has a lot of experience when it comes to making small SUVs – it started way back in 1970. The Vitara is a world away from those early models, but it’s a tempting proposition, with a roomy interior, brilliant petrol engines and tidy handling thanks to its light weight. All models get Bluetooth, climate control and 16-inch alloy wheels, but stepping up further will bring sat-nav, a parking camera and privacy glass in the rear.
New price: £16,999 - £22,499
Leasing price: from £253 per month
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Used price: £6,650 - £19,950
Fuel economy: 44 - 70 mpg
Best Off-road Compact Suvs
Dacia Duster
Opting for the cheapest SUV on sale in the UK today doesn’t have to be a compromise any more. Sure, the Dacia Duster isn’t as plush as some of its rivals, but it’s just as capable, and offers absolutely brilliant value. The ultra-efficient diesel engine commands a premium over the petrols, so think carefully which you choose – but opting for four-wheel drive is a no-brainer if you intend to use the Duster off-road. If you do, you’ll find it as capable as many machines costing two or three times as much.
New price: £10,995 - £19,955
Leasing price: from £201 per month
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Used price: £7,230 - £16,585
Fuel economy: 40 – 64 mpg
Mazda CX-3
Keen drivers ought to think about choosing the Mazda CX-3. The Japanese firm is one of the best at making mainstream vehicles feel really great to drive, and its compact SUV is no exception. The CX-3 is grippy, well-balanced and has nicely weighted and direct steering. The 1.8-litre diesel is a new engine, and offers decent economy – but consider opting for the wonderfully smooth 2.0-litre petrol unless you do lots of annual miles.
New price: £22,095 - £25,395
Leasing price: from per month
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Used price: £8,550 - £22,800
Fuel economy: 40 – 70 mpg
MINI Countryman
Translating the handling of the MINI hatch into a bulkier SUV body was no doubt a tough job, but the British brand has managed it with the MINI Countryman. Four-wheel drive is available on all models, but even front-wheel drive brings fantastic handling. And those who like to stand out will be overjoyed by the sheer level of personalisation on offer – there’s no reason your Countryman has to look like anybody else’s.
New price: £23,350 - £36,195
Leasing price: from £261 per month
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Used price: £13,085 - £36,660
Fuel economy: 38 – 65 mpg
BMW X1
The first-generation BMW X1 sold very well, but the current model is a far superior car. It’s based on the same underpinnings as the MINI Countryman but has more mature styling. It’s tuned for more comfort than the MINI, but still handles well. We recommend the four-wheel-drive 18d model, which manages to offer fuel economy in excess of 60mpg.
New price: £28,795 - £37,025
Leasing price: from £351 per month
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Used price: £13,735 - £29,220
Fuel economy: 45 – 61 mpg
Suzuki Jimny
The Suzuki Jimny is a proper old-school off-roader, but on a miniature scale. The end result is a small 4x4 that can outclass almost anything when it comes to the rough stuff. The Jimny is packed with charm, too, and surprisingly good to drive around town. Admittedly, you won’t want to take it on too many long journeys, but stick to slower roads and muddy tracks and this dinky 4x4 will do you very well indeed.
New price: £15,999 - £18,499
Leasing price: from per month
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Used price: £13,470 - £17,815
Fuel economy: 37 – 41 mpg
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Mitsubishi’s line-up of SUVs can, at times, be confusing , but the Eclipse Cross is the newest and probably the best of the bunch. It’s offered with a single engine – a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol – that offers good performance. Equipment levels are strong too, and Mitsubishi’s taken the bold step of eschewing a factory sat-nav system – assuming instead that most drivers will use smartphone connectivity such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
New price: £21,930 - £31,040
Leasing price: from per month
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Used price: £12,375 - £24,135
Fuel economy: 36 – 42 mpg
Jeep Renegade
Chunky retro styling really marks the Jeep Renegade out from the crowd, while also ensuring it looks cohesive next to its larger SUV peers. It’s more rugged than some so-called ‘soft-roaders’, and there’s even a bespoke off-road trim level, named Trailhawk. Mechanicals are shared with Fiat, so there’s an excellent 1.3-litre petrol engine on offer as well as an efficient diesel option.
New price: £19,745 - £31,655
Leasing price: from £267 per month
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Used price: £7,125 - £22,175
Fuel economy: 40 – 64 mpg
Hyundai Kona
Hyundai offers its smallest SUV as the brilliant Kona Electric, but petrol and diesel-powered models are worth a look, too. The Kona offers striking styling and a practical interior, plus Hyundai’s straightforward trim structure means it’s easy as pie to pick the right model. Four-wheel drive is offered with the powerful 1.6-litre petrol, too – so you might surprise some people with your turn of pace.
New price: £17,305 - £26,630
Leasing price: from £248 per month
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Used price: £10,895 - £23,955
Fuel economy: 50 – 67 mpg
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*Deals are correct at time of publication. Everyone’s financial circumstances are different and credit is not always available – Parkers cannot recommend a deal for you specifically. These deals are indicative examples of some packages available this week. Bauer Consumer Media Limited is an appointed representative of ZenAuto Limited for the broking of regulated hire agreements. ZenAuto Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. ZenAuto Limited's registered office is Number One, Great Exhibition Way, Kirkstall Forge, Leeds LS5 3BF. ZenAuto Limited's company registration number is 10967345. ZenAuto is the trading name of ZenAuto Limited. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply.
If you live in Africa, then you know that the rough conditions of most upcountry roads require a compact off-road vehicle that can withstand the hefty jostling while also being able to reliably serve you for many years. Off-road vehicles have higher ground clearance, are more spacious, and can take the beating of tough terrain. In addition, it is easy to find spare parts for most Japanese vehicles when you need to make a quick fix.
If you are looking for a smooth riding experience for your day-to-day car that can also be used as a regular family car, you have come to the right place. Keep reading as we highlight 5 of the best used cars for off-road driving.
What Are the Best Off-Road Driving SUVs?
These 5 rugged SUVs are your best bet for off-road driving, no matter the terrain.
Click below to learn more about each vehicle.
5. Toyota Kluger
Also called the Toyota Highlander in the USA, the Toyota Kluger is a mid-sized Toyota SUV that is both good looking and very effective as a family car as well as a smart urban vehicle. It is a cross between the snappy Toyota RAV4 and the sterling Land Cruiser Prado. Not as big as the Prado but not as small as the crossover SUV RAV4, the Kluger is placed somewhere in between—an SUV that really serves its purpose.
While the Kluger is not built to specifically be an off-roader, it still manages very well off the road. It is not a compact SUV since it is not built in the body on frame version of the Land Cruiser, but it serves just about the same purpose.
Unlike newer Klugers manufactured since 2015 that can seat 7 people, older models can seat up to 5 passengers. The back-most seats are very comfortable, made to hold two people, the middle seats take 3 people, and the cabin takes the driver and another passenger with ease and leg-room to spare.
The Kluger is a 5-door off-roader, with a back door that opens upwards like a station wagon. The exterior is indeed a beauty to look at, with clearly pronounced grooves, and a bold silver “K” logo on its black grill. The interior is large and spacious, with fabric or leather seats, a lockable glove compartment, and a drive shift (automatic) that is set between the dashboard and the floor.
Most models are available with a 5-speed automatic gearbox. Under the hood is a powerful V6 petrol engine, that is offered up to around 2990cc.
Average Used Toyota Kluger Price
The pricing for a used Toyota Kluger can start anywhere from around $3,000 up to a little over $4,000, depending on the year of the model*
4. Subaru Forester
Starting from as little as $800, you can buy a high-quality used Subaru Forester from Japan (exclusive of freight and other charges). This impressive vehicle packs the power of a Subaru in a body made for off-road driving without the body roll that accompanies a fast-moving vehicle like the Land Cruiser TX. Accompanied by a 2L gasoline engine, the 2006 2nd generation Subaru comes packed with features.
If you want an off-road station wagon that is a little rarer and more unique than a Toyota, then this 5-door, 5 seater Subaru meets your needs perfectly. With a 4-cylinder engine that has a displacement between 2L and 2.4L, this car is not only unique in design but also powerful beneath the bonnet. As some say, there is no point buying a Subaru that is not turbocharged. This one definitely is!
Best Off Road Compact Suv 2017
The average combined fuel economy for both city and highway driving is between 9.1km/L to 11.8km/L, which is impressive for a car of this size, and the full tank capacity is 60 liters.
The interior is more spacious than a regular station wagon like the Avensis, as this car has more headroom. Depending on the model it can come with leather or fabric seats, and the gearbox is a 4-, 5-, or 6-speed automatic or manual transmission.
This 4-wheel-drive car is built for a small family that loves to go off the beaten path every now and then. However, as the ground clearance is low it is best suited for terrain that is not too rough.
Average Used Subaru Forester Price
A used Subaru Forester can be imported from as little as $800 up to around $4,000 for newer used models.*
3. Nissan X-Trail
Hot on the heels of the Forester comes the Nissan X-Trail. As a mini SUV, it has not been built with a body-on-frame style but at the same time, it is considered too big to be a station wagon. Production for the 5-door, 5-seat, 4-wheel-drive X-Trail started in 2001 and almost 20 years later, the vehicle has only gotten better with time.
10 Best Off Road Suv
Powered by a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder petrol engine, this car is a serious contender for the top spot of the best off-road vehicles to buy in places like Africa. Where the Subaru Forester lacks in ground clearance, the X-Trail has more than enough, yet it is not as high as some SUVs. It will give you a fuel economy of around 11km/L to 14.1km/L, city and highway combined.
The interior of the X-Trail stands out thanks to the spacious cabin, and the ride is great if you have the struts and bushings in order. What makes this vehicle so popular is that it looks better and bigger and has a sizeable boot (410kg compared to Forester’s 387kg), but at the same time costs a lot less.
Nissan vehicles are well-known for their refined looks and reliability, and the X-Trail does not disappoint. The interior is neat and nicely upholstered with half-leather / half-fabric seats. There is also a lot of storage space, cup holders, and a huge glove compartment, all perfect for family use.
As for the exterior, the car offers a large, box-like frame with 15-inch rims, and the proud Nissan badge on its aggressive-looking grill—all these will make you wonder why this car is referred to as a “soft off-roader.”
Average Used Toyota Kluger Price
The cost for a used Nissan X-Trail starts at around $1,600 and continues up to around $4,000 for newer used models.*
2. Toyota Hilux Surf
People who have owned the Toyota Hilux Surf refer to it as a “little truck” and true to form, it does not disappoint at living up to its reputation. It does look a bit rugged, especially the earlier models, but it also offers a reliable and respectable appearance that is popular with male drivers.
This model may be all of 15 years or older, but it is still a solid performer. In addition, the 2002 Toyota Hilux Surf, from its fourth generation, also comes with a number of added comforts.
The engine is a 3L diesel intercooler, but there is also a petrol powered V6 4.0-liter engine option. However, the former is more popular across many places in Africa because diesel is relatively cheaper than gasoline.
Just a glance at the exterior of this vehicle will tell you that it’s ready for business. It offers a sturdy frame with a lot of ground clearance, along with 5 doors, 5 seats, 17-inch rims, and a big boot to complete the look.
The interior emphasises the idea of this car being built for functionality and off-road ability rather than for luxury. However, its cabin is spacious and allows for better visibility on the road. It also may come with or without a sunroof, depending on the model and trim.
Average Used Toyota Hilux Surf Price
A used Toyota Hilux Surf ranges from around $2,000 to around $7,000*
1. Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is an 8 seater, making it the perfect vehicle if you’re looking to pack an extended family for a long drive from the city to upcountry. With a very reliable 3.4-liter engine, you can be sure that it will continue running for years to come. In addition, the engine is pushed further from the grill making it much safer in case of minor accidents.
The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is a 5-door mid-size SUV that is a perfect fit for Africa and other countries with similarly rough terrains. The car comes with either a 5-speed manual or automatic gearbox, a comfortable interior fitted with high-quality fabric or leather, heated seats, and better visibility than a smaller car. It also features daily necessities like many cup holders, navigation system, radio, and air conditioner.
On the outside it offers high ground clearance, along with rims measuring from 17 to 22 inches. It is made for comfort as well as functionality, which makes the Land Cruiser Prado the kind of car that you want to drive off-road as well as around town. Adobe photoshop camera raw for mac.
You will love it for its prestige, and it is a car that makes a personal statement on the road. It also boasts solid safety features, a huge boot space, and an average fuel consumption of around 11 liters per 100km.
Average Used Toyota Land Cruiser Price
A used Toyota Land Cruiser Prado can be bought anywhere from around $3,000 for earlier models to around $10,000 and above.*
Which Off-road Car is Best for Me?
Off-road driving in Africa or elsewhere can be very punishing for your car if you do not have the right vehicle. From a broken suspension to serious accidents, you need a car that is specifically made for off-road driving. They do not come any better than these 5 beasts, but there are a number of things to consider before you take the plunge.
You should have the size of your family in mind, so that you can decide between something like a smaller 5 seater off-road vehicle or a bigger 7 or 8 seater. You should also consider the number of features and driving comfort in addition to the resiliency of the exterior. In all, the choice comes down to a matter of personal preference in regard to your situation and driving needs.
*Based on average 2018 BE FORWARD pricing
Best Small Off Road Vehicle
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