Cheapest SUVs for winter

As the days get shorter, the temperature drops and conditions get a little dicey, you might be considering a capable SUV with four-wheel drive to keep you on the road this winter. Good news? There are plenty of rough and tough options which won’t break the bank, so we’ve put together a list of some of our favourites which you can pick up for £8,000 or less.
Alternatively, if you have a little more to spend, here are the best proper off-roaders you can buy new. For more tips on winter driving check out our guide to preparing your car for the colder months here.

The Skoda Yeti has attracted a cult following with its distinctive shape, great build quality and its impressive practicality winning it both loyal fans and industry awards. It’s already become something of a modern classic and the 4x4 version is surprisingly capable for a compact crossover. While many have extremely high mileages, you can still find tidy, well-equipped examples with fewer miles on the clock for under £8,000 which we think would make a perfect family wagon for winter.
Find out more about the Skoda Yeti here

When Suzuki launched a new Jimny in 2018 we all went wild for this proper miniature off-roader. Sadly, due to emissions regulations it was discontinued soon after, causing used values to skyrocket. However, if you are after something small and reliable with genuine 4x4 creds, you could find yourself a version from the 2000s for a much more affordable price. Just be prepared to put up with the Jimny’s rough and ready characteristics.
Find out more about the Suzuki Jimny here

The Toyota RAV4 has been through a transformation over the years, starting with an extremely agricultural vibe before evolving into a sleeker SUV for the school run. A modest budget will get you a 10- to 15-year-old version somewhere in the middle of this spectrum offering plenty of space and practicality for the whole family. While these models aren’t hardcore off-roaders, both the diesel and hybrid four-wheel drive versions offer more reassurance in challenging weather conditions than many two-wheel drive equivalents.
Find out more about the Toyota RAV4 here

Volvo’s focus on safety makes the four-wheel drive versions of the XC60 easy to recommend for winter. Before powerful LED lights were common, many early XC60’s were fitted with xenon headlights for improved visibility in poor weather conditions over regular light bulbs. This is on top of all the airbags and active safety systems is immeasurably reassuring. Then there’s the timeless design and Scandi chic interior which makes the XC60 feel all the more luxurious. You might need to stretch your budget to avoid cars with mega mileage, but even so, it’s a lot of car for the money.
Find out more about the Volvo XC60 here

OK, we’ll admit the Panda 4x4 isn’t really an SUV in the traditional sense, yet we think it’s still worthy of this list. The plucky little Panda’s off-roading skills really punch above its weight, so it can definitely cope with a little bit of weather. Its petite proportions make it easy to park and very light on fuel, plus it’s so full of character you’ll want to drive it all year round.
Find out more about the Fiat Panda 4x4 here

Subaru doesn’t sell many cars in the UK, which is a shame because it offers a level of go-anywhere dependability that is hard to beat. The XV is more of a hatchback on stilts than a high-riding SUV like the Land Rover Freelander 2, but its always-on four-wheel drive system makes it very capable when the going gets tough, and it provides plenty of traction whether on or off the road. This and a myriad of safety systems should help to keep you out of trouble. There’s a selection of cars with sub-100,000 miles on the clock which could make for the ideal winter wagon.
Find out more about the Subaru XV here

Like the XC60, the Freelander 2 is another lux SUV you can now pick up for a song. The Freelander 2 was a big improvement on the original Freelander both in terms of quality and reliability. It offers a commanding driving position and range-topping HSE models are particularly plush with soft leather upholstery and armrests on the front seats. Land Rover sold a few two-wheel drive versions of the Freelander 2, but you’ll want the full four-wheel drive for maximum peace of mind in bad weather. Also, remember, Land Rovers of this age do need a bit of TLC, so check for good service history and watch out for rust!
Find out more about the Land Rover Freelander 2 here

Mitsubishi stopped selling new cars here in 2021, but the service department continued which is good news for anyone looking to buy used. The Outlander was the first plug-in hybrid SUV to go on sale and tax advantages made it very popular company car drivers. As a result, there are now plenty of pre-loved cars to choose from. Alternatively, you could wait until Mitsubishi returns to the UK next year and hold out for a new Outlander. Either way, it offers loads of space for the family and could be very cost-effective to run if you can charge the battery at home.
Find out more about the Mitsubishi Outlander here

We love a Dacia Duster here at Autotrader and have been living with a new hybrid model on long-term test. Our test car doesn’t come with four-wheel drive, but there are plenty of Dusters which do send power to all four corners. The previous generations of Duster are rather more utilitarian than the latest version, but there’s an honesty to these humble Dacias which is charming. However, have no doubt, the four-wheel drive Duster is a very capable car and when the going gets tough, the Duster gets going.
Find out more about the Dacia Duster here

If you are after something a little funkier, the Mini Countryman could be for you. The endless customisation options mean there’s a Mini to suit everyone. Being the largest Mini in the line-up, the Countryman offers more space and practicality than the three-door hatchback (now known as the Cooper), but it still has the distinctive Mini style and feel. There’s a good number of ALL4 four-wheel drive versions available, too, ready to take on winter roads.
Find out more about the Mini Countryman here