Which smaller 4x4 SUV for use in winter?

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Which smaller 4x4 SUV for use in winter?

I have owned since new a 1996 automatic two-door RAV4. After 15 years and nearly 100,000 miles I want to replace it with a small car for ease of parking. I'd like a 4x4 to cope with winter conditions at 800ft above sea level in the Peak District with an automatic gearbox. I have spoken to the Toyota dealer who says Toyota has no plans to make another two-door RAV4, and the current model is too big for me. I have considered a 4x4 Mini but the ground clearance might be too low for our track, so I wonder if you have any other suggestions that may be suitable?

Asked on 5 May 2012 by JM, Peak District.

Answered by Honest John

The most direct equivalent is the Suzuki Grand Vitara SWB from 2006. It's very cute looking with the same low rear floor and still current. It looks remarkably similar to the Mk II RAV4: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/suzuki/suzuki-gran.../

Toyota’s smaller 4WD, the Urban Cruiser 1.4 D-4D is not available as an automatic.

Tags: automatics suvs 4x4s

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