Best used 4x4 cars

Having a 4x4 can help to bring extra capability when you’re driving in poor conditions, which is quite a common occurrence in all parts of the UK. Plus, if you’d like to go off the beaten path and try your hand at some off-roading, then a 4x4 is really the only way to get it done safely.

There are all types of cars that fall within the 4x4 category, too, appealing to a range of needs and budgets, too. In this article, we’re going to take a look at 10 of the best 4x4s that can be found on the AA Cars website today.

£2,000 – Toyota RAV4

If you’re after a 4x4 which won’t cost too much, then try checking out the Toyota RAV4. It might not be the largest 4x4 around, but if you need something nimble and agile to get you out of a sticky situation then it could be a great option.

You can find good examples for £2,000 or less, too, and Toyota’s good reputation for reliability should mean that maintaining a RAV4 won’t cost the earth. Nearly all versions of the RAV4 at this price point come with four-wheel-drive, too, so there’s plenty of choice on the used market.

£2,500 – Daihatsu Terios

The plucky Daihatsu Terios may look like a car that wouldn’t cut the mustard off-road, but thanks to its light weight and good ground clearance, it can give far larger 4x4s a run for their money when the conditions are slippery.

The inside might not be the plushest of places to be, but it’s all very hard-wearing and can be cleaned down easily. Plus, at under £2,500, the Terios represents excellent value for money and it has a great reputation for reliability, too, so it shouldn’t cause you too many mechanical headaches during ownership.

£3,000 - Suzuki Grand Vitara

Suzuki has a great reputation for small and capable off-roaders, and though the Jimny grabs the limelight, we reckon it’s worth looking at the slightly larger Grand Vitara instead. Available with a choice of three- and five-door derivatives, we would go for the third-generation model, sold between 2005 and 2015, which offers surprisingly modern styling.

With genuine talent when it comes to off-roading, the Grand Vitara is also well made and with examples available for less than £3,000, it represents great value for money.

£5,000 – Skoda Yeti

The Yeti arrived in 2009 as Skoda’s first SUV, and quickly gained traction in this class. In fact, even several years after it was discontinued, it still has a loyal audience. The Yeti’s boxy and chunky design makes it look reassuringly rugged, while its cabin is very flexible and surprisingly roomy for something with relatively compact dimensions.

Less than half of Yetis sold new came equipped with four-wheel-drive, so you might have to search a little harder for a ‘4x4’ model, which was available on both petrol and diesel versions. Used four-wheel-drive models can be bought for under £5,000.

£7,500 – Fiat Panda 4x4

If you think a four-wheel-drive car means choosing a large SUV, the Fiat Panda will prove otherwise. That’s because this funky city car is also available with a ‘4x4’ version. It’s no soft-roader either, with genuine talent on tough terrain.

Ideal for tight lanes or around town thanks to its dinky dimensions, there’s a lot to like about this Panda. Used models are available for as little as £3,000, but we’d recommend spending a bit more for a newer example as you should be able to buy a low-mileage 2014 car for around £7,500.

£10,000 – Ford Ranger

There’s nothing quite like a rough-and-tough pick-up truck for getting you where you need to be. The Ford Ranger is one of the most popular in the UK, too, and that means there are loads to choose from on the second-hand market, and you’ll be able to find a good example for under £10,000, too.

With strong, reliable diesel engines under the bonnet, the Ranger is fantastic off-road and a little easier to live with on-road than you might expect from a truck with this level of capability. Plus with a huge load bed, the Ranger is great for transporting goods, or you can purchase an optional cover to keep things covered up when you need to.

£12,500 – Dacia Duster

One of the best budget 4x4s on the market is the Dacia Duster. First introduced in 2013, it really helped to get this value-focused car firm noticed. Only a fairly small percentage were sold with four-wheel-drive, so you might have to search a bit harder for one.

Used prices for a first-generation Duster start from under £5,000, but we recommend the second-generation, launched in 2018, if your budget will stretch. Prices for these models, which get a far smarter interior and more space, are holding up well, and you’ll need around £11,000 to buy a tidy used example.

£15,000 – Suzuki Jimny

It’s a true case of David and Goliath when it comes to the Suzuki Jimny. Despite its compact size, it is fearsomely accomplished at going off-road, where its low weight helps it tackle conditions that many cars would struggle in. Of course, this compact 4x4 won’t be ideal for those drivers who need lots of space, but as a tool to get you through the worst conditions, it’s hard to beat.

Plus, the Jimny’s compact petrol engine shouldn’t be too costly to fuel and repair bills won’t be eye-watering due to this Suzuki’s solid build. The only downside is price; Jimny prices have continued to rise over the years, so you’ll need to pay around £15,000 for a good example.

£20,000 – Volvo V90 Cross Country

A four-wheel-drive model can come in all shapes and sizes, and these can include raised estate cars. Ideal for those looking for something a little sleeker, one of the best choices is the Volvo V90 Cross Country. Introduced in 2019, it was a raised version of the V90 estate car, with all versions boasting four-wheel-drive that brings genuine off-roading ability.

To our eyes, it looks fantastic while the interior is stunning, and offers a great balance of quality and technology. It’s a fairly rare car on the used market, but it’s worth finding a V90 Cross Country, with a 2018 example available for around £20,000.

£30,000 – Volkswagen Amarok

Another type of 4x4 vehicle worth considering is a pick-up, and one of the best choices is the Volkswagen Amarok. It’s one of the more ‘premium’ trucks available, with a higher-quality interior than many of its rivals.

Though the Amarok first went on sale in 2011, we would recommend finding a newer 2016-onwards model as these then adopted a smoother V6 diesel engine that offered particularly brisk performance for a pick-up. This VW is ideal for towing and surprisingly useful off-road as well. For £30,000, you could pick up a 2019 example. J

ust be aware that some vehicles advertised might have additional VAT to pay as the Amarok is classed as a commercial vehicle.

Prices correct at time of publication [11/2024].