Are you on the hunt for the best cheap 4x4 in the UK? Look no further! Here are the ten best cars according to our 4x4 maintenance and running cost comparison:

• Dacia Duster

• Peugeot 3008

• Kia Sportage

• Suzuki Vitara

• Ford Kuga

• Volkswagen Tiguan

• Honda CR-V

• Range Rover Vogue

• Toyota Hilux

• Skoda Kodiaq

Also in this guide:

Top 10 lowest 4x4 service costs

Average 4x4 repair costs

#1 Dacia Duster

The Duster is a low-cost compact crossover that has soared in popularity over the last few years. Though less refined than some other 4x4s on the market, what it lacks in style and luxury it makes up for thanks to its phenomenal value for money and overall reliability.

Average costs to maintain a Dacia Duster

Fuel economy

The fuel economy of the Duster isn’t by any means headline grabbing, but this doesn’t have a significant impact on the overall affordability and running costs of the car. You can expect a combined fuel economy figure of up to 57.6mpg from the 1.5 dCi 115 diesel engine.

Total maintenance cost: £389.64

#2 Peugeot 3008

The Peugeot 3008 has undergone a makeover in recent years which, though making it less original, has certainly improved its overall appearance and styling. There are a wide range of engine sizes available, and two new plug-in hybrid models have joined the lineup as well. True, it isn’t the sort of 4x4 that you can easily imagine tackling rough terrain; instead, it offers style, space and comfort.

Average costs to maintain a Peugeot 3008

Fuel economy

Fuel economy for the 3008 ranges from between 39mpg to just over 56 mpg, which is very reasonable for a car of this kind.

Total maintenance cost: £394.67

#3 Kia Sportage

Now in its fifth-generation, the Kia Sportage looks totally different to its first-generation predecessor and has, like the 3008, adopted a more by-the-book appearance for a typical compact SUV. With a competitive starting price and a spacious interior, there’s plenty to like about the Sportage, but overall it lacks the kind of wow-factor that would allow it to stand out in such a crowded segment.

Average costs to maintain a Kia Sportage

Fuel economy

The Sportage manages fuel economy of up to 54.3mpg, or 50.4mpg using all-wheel drive. The petrol engines, on the other hand, manage around 41.5mpg.

Total maintenance cost: £398.13

#4 Suzuki Vitara

There’s no doubt that the Suzuki Vitara is at the modest end of the SUV class, but it offers more to drivers than you’d expect for its very reasonable price. It’s a small 4x4, but make no mistake; the Vitara packs a punch and is quicker than you might think.

Average costs to maintain a Suzuki Vitara

Fuel economy

The average fuel consumption of the Vitara is 33.4mpg, with a claimed maximum of 49.7mpg.

Total maintenance cost: £403.52

#5 Ford Kuga

With plenty of practicality and an attractive exterior, the Ford Kuga has already proved a hit. It offers drivers plenty of choice when it comes to the drivetrain - in fact, more choice than ever before - with a mild-hybrid petrol Kuga and a plug-in hybrid being added to the mix. One area that lets the Kuga down is the interior, which features a number of cheap plastic components, but overall this is another strong offering from Ford.

Average costs to maintain a Ford Kuga

Fuel economy

Petrol engines can reach up to 42.8mpg; diesels can reach up to 60.1mpg; and hybrid petrol engines can reach up to 51.4mpg.

Total maintenance cost: £403.59

#6 Volkswagen Tiguan

The Tiguan is Volkswagen’s best selling model worldwide, combining a practical, family-friendly design with an upmarket image, all while maintaining a fairly affordable price tag. There’s no quirkiness about the Tiguan, that’s for sure, and it isn’t particularly sporty either, but it does everything you’d expect from a compact SUV which is no doubt part of its appeal.

Average costs to maintain a Volkswagen Tiguan

Fuel economy

The Tiguan boasts exceptional fuel economy for a car of its type - upwards of 50mpg when touring.

Total maintenance cost: £411.12

#7 Honda CRV

The Honda CR-V is undoubtedly a good all-round 4x4 ticking a number of boxes. It has good fuel economy, it’s relatively cheap to run, it’s comfortable and it’s spacious. Indeed, despite coming up against fierce competition throughout its twenty-three years of existence, the CR-V has managed to become one of the world’s best-selling compact SUVs.

Average costs to maintain a Honda CR-V

Fuel economy

Petrol engines can get between 31.7 - 38.7mpg and hybrid petrol engines can get between 39.2 - 42.8mpg. 

Total maintenance cost: £411.33

#8 Range Rover Vogue

Here’s one we didn’t necessarily expect to find in our top 10! The Range Rover Vogue has a reputation as one of the most capable 4x4s out there, with plenty to offer both on and off the beaten track. Not only can the Vogue tackle even the most challenging of terrain, but it’s also supremely comfortable and luxurious both inside and out.

Average costs to maintain a Range Rover Vogue

Fuel economy

This is one area where the Vogue notoriously pales in comparison to many of its competitors; the nickname “gas guzzler” has been given out with good reason. The official fuel economy figure is 20.5mpg, but this assumes that you’re hardly making use of all the power available to you in the Vogue. Make use of its performance and you’ll be looking at a figure closer to 10mpg.

Total maintenance cost: £417.15

#9 Toyota Hilux

The Toyota Hilux is another very capable off-roader with an outstanding reputation for reliability. It’s Europe’s best-selling pickup for a reason; it’s priced competitively and, though it lacks the stylish refinement of a Range Rover Vogue, it makes a top-notch all-rounder.

Average costs to maintain a Toyota Hilux

Fuel economy

With a 2.4 litre engine you can expect an economy of up to 30mpg, whereas the larger 2.8 litre engine can achieve around 33mpg.

Total maintenance cost: £429.84

#10 Skoda Kodiaq

Taking the final place on our list is the Skoda Kodiaq, a family SUV that has been met with hundreds of positive reviews citing its spaciousness and affordability. Unfortunately it doesn’t do quite as well as some of its competitors when it comes to running costs, but the Kodiaq certainly makes up for this in other ways.

Average costs to maintain a Skoda Kodiaq

Fuel economy

During touring tests the Kodiaq has managed an impressive economy of 50mpg, and it boasts an average of 37.2mpg generally, so not bad at all for a car of this class.

Total maintenance cost: £440.24

Which is the cheapest 4x4 to maintain?

The cheapest 4x4 to maintain based on the average cost of an MOT, full service, interim service and aircon regas is the Dacia Duster at £389.64.

The 4x4s with the best fuel economy include the Duster, Tiguan, Kuga and Sportage. These cars are all likely to have the lowest running costs.

Top 10 lowest 4x4 service costs

Based on average service prices from 2021.

Average 4x4 repair costs

Based on WCFMC data from 2020 and 2021.

Total = £997.49

Total = 951.63

Total = £954.87

Total = £965.35

Total = £1,101.72

Want to save money on maintaining your 4x4?

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