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Rural driving comes with unique challenges. You might encounter rough roads, muddy lanes, narrow tracks and steep hills. You might also have to contend with oversized agricultural vehicles looming into view, while conditions are likely to be even trickier in the winter months.
So, what are the best cars for rural driving in the UK, and what are some of the most affordable 4x4 cars to lease? Read on to find out.
If you have to pilot narrow country lanes each day, an agile, compact car might give you better motoring peace of mind than a larger, wider vehicle can.
That’s where smaller hatchbacks and compact SUV crossovers come into play.
The good news here is that many smaller vehicles can be leased with confidence-inspiring all-wheel drive - perfect for winter driving or when you regularly encounter muddy roads.
Here’s a list of hatchbacks and SUV crossovers that give you the option of a 4x4 powertrain: Suzuki Swift, Toyota Yaris Cross, Jeep Avenger, Dacia Duster, Volvo EX30, Skoda Karoq, Subaru Crosstrek.
You don’t need a car with a diesel engine to enjoy life in the country, because many modern electric vehicles now boast 4x4 powertrains and off-road capabilities.
The Subaru Solterra is all-wheel drive as standard and comes with the firm’s trademark ‘X-Mode’ traction and stability control system.
The Kia EV9 has also been praised for its off-road capabilities while the premium BMW iX can also handle light off-road duties.
Some other EVs with 4x4 skills that we’d recommend include the Audi Q6 e-tron SUV (in Quattro form), Nissan Ariya e-4ORCE, and the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo, which can handle gravel tracks, mud-drenched farm lanes, and snow-covered stretches of tarmac.
Nothing says ‘rural driver’ quite like a large SUV.
These sought-after vehicles offer a winning combination of all-wheel drive, high ground clearance for negotiating off-road tracks, a lofty ride height so that you can see over hedges and walls, and sophisticated terrain response systems for when the going gets tough.
Some of our most popular 4x4 SUVs for rural use include: Land Rover Defender, Skoda Kodiaq, Audi Q7, Volvo XC90, Toyota Land Cruiser, Subaru Forester, Ineos Grenadier, Range Rover.
You might live in the countryside but work in the nearest city. In which case you’ll need a car that can handle a bit of everything - from rural driving to motorway blasts and nimble city driving.
Some great all-rounders that also offer 4x4 driving include the Volvo EX40, Nissan Qashqai, Toyota Yaris Cross, MINI Countryman and Volkswagen Tiguan.
When it comes to off-road prowess, few vehicles can hold a candle to the 4x4 abilities that pick-ups possess.
It’s rare to find a pick-up that doesn’t come with all-wheel drive as standard and many of the models available to lease with Select are seriously capable when confronted with extreme terrain.
That’s why pick-ups are particularly suited to rural roads, where they’ll soak-up potholes, remain sure-footed on gravel tracks, and have enough ground clearance to ford floods.
The Isuzu D-Max has a dedicated ‘Rough Terrain Mode’, which sends power to the wheels with the most grip (read our off-road review of the Isuzu D-Max).
The Ford Ranger, Volkswagen Amarok and Toyota Hilux also all come with a 4x4 powertrain as standard.
Towing trailers and horseboxes is all part of the countryside way of life.
And the good news for lease customers is that there are lots of excellent towing vehicles available to lease (see our extensive guide to the best vehicles for towing in the UK).
It’s also worth remembering that, in many cases, you can add a tow-bar to your lease vehicle order. Click on a deal that you like and then hit the ‘Choose colour, trim and options’ tab. Scroll down and you’ll see things like ‘Towing Packs’ which you can choose for your lease for a small additional monthly cost.
If you’re confused or unsure about any aspect of leasing a car, give the Select Car Leasing team a call: 0118 920 5130
A jacked-up, chunkier version of the Yaris, the Yaris Cross offers SUV styling, hybrid economy and supermini dimensions in one easy-to-live-with package.
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The Swift Hatchback is a sporty hatchback with a unique and superb four-wheel drive option and a set of engines that are great fun to get behind.
The Countryman Hatchback has a wealth of interior and boot space; offering an agile ride with an iconic exterior.
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Fuel your next adventure with the Subaru Crosstrek, an all-wheel drive SUV-hatchback crossover that's perfect for lease customers who love the great outdoors.
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As an economical and durable SUV, the Dacia Duster represents excellent value in an increasingly competitive market.
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British firm Ineos has harnessed the spirit of the legendary Land Rover Defender to offer the Grenadier, a ‘rugged 4X4 that will get you there and get the job done’. Available with two or five seats, it’s a rival to the Toyota Land Cruiser and Subaru Forester.
The Kodiaq marks Skoda's first SUV and its been a huge success. With flexible interior styling and the option of 7 seats, its a great lease car.
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The long wheelbase Land Rover Defender 130 can be equipped with 8, 7, or 5 seats and is built for overland adventures.
The Range Rover 4x4 is a dominant and fierce looking vehicle with fantastic interior comfort and a powerful engine.
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There’s no messing about with the rugged Isuzu D Max Pick-Up - it’s here to get the job done. Available in a range of trims, from base ‘Utility’ to the extreme ‘XTR’, when considering a choice of pick-up lease for everyday graft, the Isuzu D Max delivers.
While there's been a general decline over recent years in the volume of motorists driving around our cities, for many the car remains their preferred means of transport for getting around home and work.
If you live in suburbia, you’ll need a car that’s as cool as it is capable - and it needs to be loaded with tech, too.
Cruise the highways in comfort and safety - all while cocooned inside your peaceful and noise-insulated cabin.
Stephen was so helpful, found us a great deal and I wouldn’t go anywhere else!
This is my 2nd time leasing with Select car leasing. I have another great car at a great price. They are very helpful.
great company to deal with , very helpfull and professional ,liam very efficient ten stars all round
