The best prevention for moving safely on low-grip surfaces is the availability of a car with four-wheel drive. In many cases, accessing a vehicle equipped with this type of technology can involve a high outlay. In fact, there is a very wide offer, but at the same time, with quite high rates.
On this occasion we have updated the list of existing options and we offer you here the most affordable, the all-wheel drive models that can be yours for less than 35,000 euros.
The great dominator of this list, without a doubt, is Suzuki, thanks to its complete range of Allgrip versions. These models combine all-wheel drive with reduced fuel consumption and always reasonable sales prices. In fact, Suzuki has had 4×4 traction models since 1968 and, over time, it has become a hallmark of the brand.
Of the rest of the models present here, it is worth highlighting exceptions such as the Dacia Duster, a best-seller that can enjoy the added grip of all-wheel drive, or the new Subaru Crosstrek, a replacement for the XV and which is the best option in terms of price for this Japanese brand that, like Suzuki, has historically opted to offer models with four-wheel drive.
The list of 4×4 models currently under 35,000 euros is completed, surprisingly, with a vehicle from the pick-up segment. They are usually vehicles with much higher prices, but Ssangyong offers a version of the Musso Sport at a very competitive price.
The Suzuki Ignis is currently the cheapest 4×4 model available on the Spanish market. The Japanese brand offers this version with the AllGrip Auto system that automatically distributes engine torque, sending it to the rear wheels when loss of grip is detected in the front axle. It also has descent control and traction control (Grip Control) that transmits torque to the wheel with the most grip. The Ignis is equipped with an 83 HP gasoline engine with 12-volt hybridization, which allows it to enjoy the ECO label.
The new generation of the Swift stands out from its rivals by maintaining the all-wheel drive versions in its offer. In the 4×4 version, the three-cylinder gasoline engine with a power of 83 HP – hybrid with ECO label – is combined with a manual gearbox. For its part, Suzuki’s AllGrip Auto all-wheel drive based on a viscous coupling system that acts fully automatically. This Suzuki is currently the only model in its segment with the possibility of incorporating four-wheel drive and has a slightly higher headroom than the rest of the range.
Another Suzuki completes the podium of the cheapest 4x4s. This is the legendary Jimny, available in a version called Pro. At 3.48 m long, it is a true 4×4, very agile and light. It is equipped with 4×4 traction and reduction gear, combined with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine, capable of offering 102 HP of power. It stands out for its minimum ground clearance of 210 mm and outstanding body angles to tackle trial areas. For homologation reasons, this model does not have rear seats, replaced by a large cargo area with a flat floor and separating grille.
Recently arrived on the market, the new generation of Dacia’s best-seller maintains in its offer an interesting version equipped with 4×4 traction. This type of traction is associated with a 130 HP TCe gasoline engine that, thanks to its hybridization, provides the DGT ECO label. This version offers a higher ground clearance than the rest of the range, 217 mm, an angle of attack greater than 30º and has anti-scratch materials on its bodywork. It also has Snow driving mode
Suzuki’s iconic Vitara remains one of the most affordable 4x4s on the market. It uses the system called AllGrip Select that allows you to choose between Auto, sport, Snow and Lock driving modes, using a control located in the central tunnel. The electronics manage traction and an intelligent predictive control anticipates possible slippage and transmits more torque to the front or rear wheels, to avoid or compensate for it. It is available with 48-volt light hybridization or with the HEV Strong Hybrid system, which combines a 102 HP gasoline engine and a 33.4 HP electric engine.
A pick-up is part of the eight cheapest 4×4 models on our market. Ssangyong offers a large model, 5.41 meters long, without competition in terms of price, equipped with a connectable all-wheel drive system, with an additional range of reduction gears and rear self-locking. It is therefore a pure all-terrain vehicle, capable of successfully moving through very unfavorable terrain. The engine of this model is a diesel with a power of 202 HP and stands out for its complete equipment in sections such as safety and connectivity.
The Japanese brand demonstrates its supremacy among affordable 4x4s with a fifth model, the S-Cross SUV. With a compact length of 4.3 m, it shares with its brand brothers the 4×4 AllGrip Select traction, a complete technology capable of offering four selectable driving modes, called Auto, Sport, Snow and Low. Electronically controlled, this efficient system adjusts the amount of torque to the rear wheels and uses ESP, engine power and steering to adapt to driving requirements and grip conditions.
True to its status as a specialist, Subaru maintains 4×4 traction in its compact SUV model. It is a permanent all-wheel drive system that has adaptive operation. For this, different driving modes are offered integrated into the X-Mode concept. To tackle highly difficult areas, this car also has a reduction gear. The Crosstrek enjoys the ECO label thanks to its 136 HP hybrid mechanics equipped with a 16.7 HP electric motor that allows it to travel about 1.6 km in fully electric mode.
The Korean firm offers an excellent alternative for the competitive B-SUV segment of the market. In addition to having gasoline, mild hybrid and hybrid options, this Korean model offers as an added value the possibility of enjoying 4×4 traction in some version of its range. Enjoying this technology is possible in combination with the 198 HP 1.6 T-GDI gasoline engine, also associated with a seven-speed DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission. This version lacks hybridization and, consequently, sports the DGT environmental label C.
