Fuel consumption - People carrier v's 4 x 4

[TreadOnTheCracks]

We are looking to buy a new/newish 7 seater in the spring. Have been looking at Ford Smax, Seat Albramha, Kia Sorento or Nissan Quashqui +2

I am thinking the Smax is probably the sensible choice, but we currently have an estate car which has 4 x4, and I am worried we might miss having it. Will the 4x4 use a lot more petrol/be lots more expensive to run?

We do a lot of camping so 4x4 is useful for muddy fields. Plus I love having it when roads are snowy.

Boot space is also an issue. Does anyone know if the Smax type choice have a lot more boot space than a Quashqui +2 ?

TIA

Do you actually need 4x4 as a driving feature?
There are websites online where you can look at real reported data on fuel economy to make your comparisons.

Oh sorry, I am a numpty & missed the bit about muddy fields. No way you should regularly try muddy fields in a non 4WD people carrier.

4WD are only a very little better than non-4WD in snow, don't get complacent about it.

We have a 3 year old kia sorento - mpg is low 30s (better on motorways). Great for camping as big boot, but not good on muddy fields. It is heavy and unless the ground is very firm it can be tough going. I am pretty sure they aren't selling them new any more - and haven't been for about a year.

Generally though, I think 4x4 are more fuel hungry and if you don't actually need it then it is better not to go for one.

Thank you all. Gives me some more info to think about.

I was talking rubbish - we have a sedona not a sorento