Short-wheelbase SUVs perform better on challenging terrain, are able to navigate obstacles more easily, and do great in town.
Today, small 4×4 cars have become almost a rare bird. Some have been discontinued and others have been transformed into more sophisticated SUVs. In any case, some others remain and, below, we are going to tell you the best short-wheelbase SUVs on the market.
The main reason we love small SUVs is because, being small, they do better on rough terrain and are able to navigate obstacles more easily, thanks to a better breakover angle.
In addition, in some cases, they also offer good road behavior and are comfortable, which makes them a good option for driving around the city. And we cannot ignore another advantage: its price.
The best short wheelbase SUVs on the market: Fiat Panda Cross
Since it hit the market, the Fiat Panda is one of the best utility vehicles for the city, due to its great value for money. One of its most differentiating features is having a 4×4 version that has always performed very well off-road.
Currently, the most off-road version of the Panda is called Cross and we can define it as an urban SUV. It is equipped with a 1.0-liter Mild-Hybrid three-cylinder engine with 69 and all-wheel drive.
Dacia Duster
The Duster is the cheapest all-wheel drive SUV on the market. It measures 4.34 meters long and, by dimensions, it can compete with much less capable C-segment SUVs in off-road driving.
Even with 4×4 drive versions, it performs well off-road. In any case, it is also available with all-wheel drive and a 115 hp diesel engine. The rest of the versions can go with gasoline or LPG engines with an ECO label.
Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is one of the most iconic models in the off-road world. A vehicle that remains faithful to the recipe that made it a legend several decades ago, although adapted to new times, as evidenced by its plug-in hybrid mechanics, the only one that is marketed in Europe.
It is available in several versions, of which the most special is the Rubicon, with which it multiplies its 4×4 skills, using more rigid axles, front and rear differentials, specific off-road tires…
Land Rover Defender
Another legend of the off-road world is the Land Rover Defender. It is true that the new generation has lost qualities, with respect to the original Defender, and has become a sophisticated SUV.
However, it remains an outstanding SUV for its off-road performance, while gaining comfort on the road, equipment and luxury. It measures 4.32 meters and is clearly more expensive than the rest of its rivals.
suzuki ignis
And since there is no fifth bad thing, we finish this list of the best short wheelbase SUVs with the Suzuki Ignis, a vehicle designed for those who are looking for a small and agile car, capable of moving well on and off the asphalt and with an ECO label.
It has a gasoline engine linked to a light hybrid system with 83 CV that moves the Ignis with relative ease and shows very low consumption: it is difficult to reach 6 liters per 100 kilometers.
