If small cars exist, why shouldn’t there be small 4x4s? They deserve just as much love as large SUVs and off-roaders, while their compact dimensions can make them surprisingly capable on narrow, muddy or snowy roads. And there is another obvious advantage: smaller vehicles can be more economical to run than large off-roaders.
This list is based on a **2018 Carwow selection of small 4x4s**. It should be regarded as a historical snapshot rather than a list of models currently available in 2026. Several vehicles from the original selection have since been discontinued, renamed or replaced, while others remain on the market.
1 Fiat Panda 4×4
The Fiat Panda 4×4 became famous for combining tiny city-car dimensions with genuine four-wheel-drive capability. Its compact body and relatively high ground clearance make it particularly useful on narrow tracks, snow-covered roads and rough terrain. Despite its small size, the Panda can accommodate four people, although rear-seat space is naturally limited.
The Panda 4×4 is no longer part of Fiat’s new-car range in 2026. Fiat’s current Panda family consists of the Pandina and the larger Grande Panda, while Fiat has presented a Grande Panda 4×4 concept as a possible modern successor to the classic formula.
2 Suzuki Ignis
The Suzuki Ignis combined tiny dimensions with unusually high ground clearance and, on selected versions, Suzuki’s ALLGRIP four-wheel-drive system. Its compact size made it particularly easy to manoeuvre on narrow roads, while the lightweight body helped it cope with snow and rough surfaces.
The Ignis was offered with a 1.2-litre petrol engine and mild-hybrid technology in European markets. By 2026, however, it is primarily a used-car proposition in markets where new production has ended. Suzuki’s current small-4×4 options are more limited than they were when this original list was published.
3 Jeep Renegade
The Jeep Renegade was one of the smallest models in the Jeep family and offered genuine off-road capability in its four-wheel-drive versions. Its Trailhawk variant was particularly well equipped for difficult terrain, with dedicated off-road systems and electronic traction management.
The Renegade is no longer in production. Jeep’s current range has moved on to newer models, so in 2026 the Renegade belongs to the used-car market rather than the new-car range.
4 Fiat 500X
The Fiat 500X was the more stylish and road-oriented alternative to the tougher-looking cars in this list. Compared with the Panda 4×4, it offered a larger and more sophisticated cabin, while selected versions were available with all-wheel drive.
The 500X was discontinued and is no longer produced as a new vehicle. Fiat has instead concentrated its current European crossover range around models such as the 600 and Grande Panda.
5 Range Rover Evoque
The Range Rover Evoque is considerably larger and more expensive than most of the other vehicles on this list, but its compact dimensions by Range Rover standards made it an interesting choice for buyers who wanted luxury without moving to a full-size SUV.
The Evoque also has genuine off-road credentials. Modern versions use Land Rover’s Terrain Response technology, which adapts the vehicle’s systems to different surfaces. The 2026 Evoque remains in production, with petrol mild-hybrid and plug-in-hybrid versions available depending on market.
6 SsangYong Tivoli
The SsangYong Tivoli was designed as a practical and relatively affordable compact crossover. Depending on the market and model year, four-wheel drive was available, while its compact dimensions and generous luggage space made it useful as a family car.
There is an important 2026 update to the name: SsangYong’s parent company became KG Mobility, and the UK brand was renamed KGM Motors. The Tivoli itself is still sold in the UK as the KGM Tivoli, although the current UK version is **front-wheel drive only**. So the original article’s description of an all-wheel-drive Tivoli should be understood as referring to earlier versions.
7 Subaru XV
The Subaru XV was one of the more capable compact crossovers in its class, thanks to Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and generous ground clearance. It was particularly well suited to poor roads, snow and light off-road driving.
However, the XV name is now historical in Europe. In 2023, Subaru introduced the new-generation **Crosstrek**, which replaced the XV in the European lineup. The Crosstrek retains the permanent symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and offers 220 mm of ground clearance.
8 Dacia Duster
The Dacia Duster has built its reputation on combining a relatively low price with useful ground clearance and genuine off-road ability. Its practical interior and large luggage area have also made it popular with families and outdoor enthusiasts.
The current third-generation Duster remains available in 2026, including a four-wheel-drive version. Modern versions also offer hybrid technology, while the 4×4 model retains features designed specifically for driving on rough terrain. Carwow continues to include the Duster among its small 4×4 recommendations in 2026.
9 Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is the odd one out in this list: it is a genuine off-road specialist rather than a particularly small crossover. Nevertheless, the two-door version is substantially more compact than many modern SUVs and retains the classic Wrangler formula.
The 2026 Wrangler continues to offer serious off-road equipment, including solid front and rear axles, low-range four-wheel drive and, on Rubicon versions, the Rock-Trac system. Depending on configuration, the 2026 model can also be fitted with 35-inch tyres and offers up to 11.1 inches of ground clearance.
10 Suzuki Jimny
The Suzuki Jimny is one of the most compact genuine off-roaders ever produced. Its narrow body, short overhangs, high ground clearance and ALLGRIP Pro four-wheel-drive system give it impressive ability on difficult terrain.
The Jimny’s compact dimensions remain one of its greatest advantages off-road, although its firm suspension, limited luggage space and modest highway refinement can make long journeys less comfortable. In the UK, Suzuki has now sold out of its new Jimny stock, making used examples the practical option there. The model continues to exist in other markets, including versions with different body configurations.
Small 4x4s have always occupied an unusual place in the automotive world. They combine the manoeuvrability of a small car with some of the traction and ground clearance normally associated with much larger off-roaders.
The market has changed considerably since this 2018 list was published. Several of the original models have disappeared from European showrooms, while others have evolved into newer generations or changed names. The Suzuki Jimny, Fiat Panda 4×4 and Dacia Duster remain particularly interesting examples of how much off-road capability can be fitted into a relatively compact vehicle.
