10 of the Smallest 4x4 SUVs

2018 Jeep Renegade Orange Driving Front Quarter ・ Photo by Jeep

Gone are the days when driving a small 4x4 on the highway was a deafening experience that felt like you were in a tractor wrapped in a thin boxy body. While today’s models might not be quite as good off-road, they are safer, much more comfortable, much more feature-packed and better to drive on-road.

To help you determine what’s what in the crowded subcompact crossover market, the expert editors at Autobytel have come up with a list of 10 of the smallest 4x4 SUVs that should be on your radar if you’re in the market (and even if you aren’t). Read on to get a feel for what’s out there and see if anything tickles your fancy.

2018 BMW X1

The X1 is the smallest SUV in BMW’s lineup, though an entry-level all-wheel drive version will set you back at least a good $35,900. Other than by size, the exterior of the X1 is hard to distinguish from other SUVs in BMW’s lineup, which might be good or bad depending on your view.

All X1s come with a 228-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that’s good for a combined 25 mpg in all-wheel drive configuration. The chassis offers excellent handling and easily could handle more power, but even with only 228 ponies, the X1 never feels lacking. The X1 also is surprisingly roomy inside with plenty of cargo space, making it great for getting to the slopes or the campsite.

Photo by BMW

2018 Buick Encore

Thanks to its compact stubby dimensions, the Buick Encore has a unique look that is unlike most of the other entries on our list. It’s very comfortable, with a smooth ride and a quiet interior that features nice materials (though not quite up to the same standard as those found in more expensive Buicks), and also surprisingly good to drive.

Engine options include a naturally aspirated 138-hp 1.4-liter four-cylinder or a 153-hp turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder (which we prefer), with fuel economy rated at 27 mpg or 28 mpg combined, respectively. All in all, the Encore has lots to offer for its $26,895 starting price (for an all-wheel drive model).

Photo by General Motors

2018 Fiat 500X

The Fiat 500X might look like a slightly larger and more robust version of the Fiat 500, but it’s actually more closely related to several Jeep models than it is to the 500.

That said, with a starting price of $23,890 for an all-wheel drive version, it’s more expensive than the Renegade. And unlike a Jeep, the Fiat 500X isn’t tuned for as much off-road use and feels much more at home on the pavement. Ride quality is good and while its handling isn’t as go-kartish as the smaller 500, it’s fun to drive for a crossover. All-wheel drive models use a normally aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 180 hp while delivering just 24 mpg combined.

Photo by FIAT

2018 Ford EcoSport

The Ford EcoSport is surprisingly capable, offering 2,000 lbs of trailer towing capacity in a small package. With its ‘EcoSport’ name you’d expect it to come with one of Ford’s EcoBoost engines, but all-wheel drive versions come with a 166-hp normally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes the EcoSport neither sporty nor all that economical at the pumps, with a combined fuel economy rating of just 25 mpg.

While its compact dimensions make it nimble, if you plan on using the rear seats to carry passengers, be warned that quarters are tight in the rear of the EcoSport. The interior quality is acceptable on lower-cost versions, but higher-end models get considerably nicer materials.

Photo by Ford

2019 Honda HR-V

The Honda HR-V has a very attractive and sporty-looking exterior that might make you think that it’s a Type-R in SUV clothing. Unfortunately it isn’t (though we’d welcome a higher-performance version), with a 141-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that feels a bit weak during some maneuvers and a continuously variable transmission (mandatory with all-wheel drive) that doesn’t do much to help the situation.

Fuel economy at 29 mpg is good, and it does have some other things going for it, including a starting price of $21,920 for an all-wheel drive version, a roomy rear seat and a good-sized cargo area. For drivers who crave practicality and economy over performance and handling, the HR-V is worthy of attention.

Photo by Honda

2018 Hyundai Kona

The Hyundai Kona is one of the best-looking and most-affordable vehicles on our list, with a price starting at $22,450 for an all-wheel-drive model. Power comes from a 147-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder mated to a 6-speed automatic, or from a 175-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, both rated at 27 mpg combined.

The Kona has a comfortable ride and is surprisingly fun to drive, and quite quick with the more powerful engine. The main downside is a tight interior but for many shopping in this class it won’t make a difference, as with the rear seats folded down there’s still more than enough luggage space for two.

Photo by Hyundai

2018 Jeep Renegade

As you might expect, the Jeep Renegade is the most off-road capable vehicle on our list (especially the Trailhawk version), making it the best option for those who do light off-roading or live where the road goes unplowed for days on end.

Starting at $20,100 for a four-wheel drive model, power comes from a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 160 hp and gets 26 mpg combined (and offers the rare option of a manual transmission along with all-wheel drive), or a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that’s good for 180 horses and a not-so-great 24 mpg. The Renegade isn’t particularly quick but it is quite refined, with a nice interior full of hidden easter eggs.

Photo by Jeep

2019 Mazda CX-3

If you’re looking for a relatively affordable and economical SUV that’s fun to drive, then you should take a serious look at the Mazda CX-3. While it doesn’t sound amazing on paper (with only 148 hp from its naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder), like many of Mazda’s models it somehow manages to do more with less.

That includes a starting price of $21,790 for an all-wheel drive model and combined fuel economy of 29 mpg (without the use of a complicated and expensive forced-induction engine, but instead concentrating on efficiency and weight savings). Like many other subcompact crossovers the rear seat and cargo area are tight, but if you can sacrifice the space, the CX-3 will put a smile on your face.

Photo by Mazda

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA

The Mercedes-Benz GLA has a starting price of $35,950 in all-wheel-drive trim, making it the most expensive vehicle on our list.

Most models use a 208-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that’s good for 26 mpg combined. If you want more power, you can upgrade to the AMG GLA 45 with its 375-hp version of the same engine that can get it to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds while still averaging 25 mpg combined. Ride quality can be a bit harsh and the rear seat and cargo area is a bit small, but the GLA shines in the handling department (especially in AMG versions).

Photo by Mercedes-Benz

2018 Mini Countryman

The Mini Countryman has a remarkably spacious interior for a vehicle with the word Mini in its name, but it isn’t based on the smaller Mini hatchback. Instead, it shares a platform with the BMW X1, which might help account for its starting price of $28,900 in all-wheel drive ALL4 configuration.

There are several power levels available, ranging from the standard 134-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder (26 mpg combined in all-wheel-drive trim) to a 228-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (24 mpg combined with a manual) in the John Cooper Works model. A plug-in hybrid all-wheel-drive model also is available, with 12 miles of electric range and a combined fuel economy rating of 27 mpg after that.

Photo by MINI