Normally used to facilitate travel on muddy and irregular surfaces, four-wheel-drive refers to a vehicle capable of providing torque to all the wheels simultaneously. Many people choose cars with all-wheel drive (AWD) traction for safety reasons, while adventure seekers opt for four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles because this system allows to direct a specific amount of power between the left and right wheels.

This feature could be the solution for those who live in remote areas or need to work in extreme weather conditions. It also meets the needs of those who occasionally want to enjoy off-road adventuring. Four-wheel-drive is very common in pickup trucks and huge American SUVs, but let's take a look at some European, Asian and Russian vehicles that are tiny, but capable of mighty adventures.

Related: Ranking The Best '90s SUVs For Off-Roading

8 Fiat Panda 4x4 Sisley

Considered legendary by many Italians, this is a Fiat Panda 4x4 Sisley. With its squared and marked lines, this small utility car divides the automotive world; on one side, we have haters of this not-so-pleasing design, on the other side, there are enthusiasts who truly appreciate the features of this light vehicle with its tiny 1.0L engine.

The tiny and narrow wheels can drive you everywhere. No fear of the mud, sand, running water streams, this solid, little car would never abandon you. Equipped with an additional roof rack, it's ready to welcome some extra luggage; this car knows how bad your off-road intentions are.

7 Suzuki SJ 413

Spartan and aggressive, the headlights of this 1987 Suzuki SJ 413, encapsulated in the wide front grille, are looking ahead with no fear: The small size did not penalize the gently aggressive line, on the contrary, this model contributed to the idea of the 'off-road vehicle for all'. We must also not forget the attractive price tag that has favored the success of the SJ.

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It is equipped with a 1.3L 4-cylinder 4-stroke engine that delivers 64HP. The overall weight of the car is favored by the aluminum engine, most of the other Japanese off-roaders of that time would feature a cast-iron one.

6 Mitsubishi Pajero

Superb and mighty - although not massive in size - this Pajero (also named "Montero" in USA) is the answer Mitsubishi gave to the demanding off-roading market. This very model is the second-generation Pajero, produced between '91 and '99, and first one to use 2.5L/2.8L TDi engines.

The intercooler is an intermediate element that basically cools the air that comes out from the turbocharger, so that the engine receives air in its optimal temperature. Through the cooling circuit, the intercooler lowers the air temperature, which improves its density.

Related: Review: Why A 1990s Mitsubishi Montero Is One Of The Best Bargain Off-Road SUVs

5 UAZ-469B

Straight out of one of the most mysterious Russian labs, this UAZ-469B is the civilian version of a military truck used by soviet soldiers. This vehicle is the result of the need to create a vehicle capable of operating from temperatures below -22 °F in Siberia up to 122°F in deserts.

Initially, the UAZ-469B adopted the 2.4L 4-cylinder gasoline engine with 72HP and a 4-speed gearbox. Starting in 1980, the UAZ-469B was in production with a more powerful 80HP engine, as well as with an improved suspension system.

4 Opel Frontera Sport

The Opel Frontera is an off-road vehicle produced by the German car manufacturer Opel from 1991 to 2003. Two versions were available, the short-wheelbase 3-door Sport, with removable hard-top and 2.0L gasoline engine (115hp), and the 5-door long-wheelbase Wagon with 2.4L gasoline (125hp) and 2.3L turbodiesel engines (100 hp).

In addition to the European version, this vehicle was also produced in the US at the Subaru-Isuzu Automotive (later Subaru of Indiana Automotive) plant in Lafayette in Indiana and marketed under the names of Isuzu Amigo (the 3-door) and Rodeo (the 5-door). In 2003, in the last year of marketing, the Amigo was renamed Rodeo Sport.

3 Lada Niva

It certainly isn't the most comfortable and efficient car available on the market, but it must be acknowledged that this Russian off-roader is capable of going practically anywhere, thanks to an all-wheel drive system with central differential that distributes torque between the two axles.

Launched in 1977, the Lada Niva quickly made the whole world fall in love and this is no exaggeration, given that in the best years it was exported to more than a hundred countries, elaborated and modified, and sold in total in more than two million units.

Related: These Are The Things We Actually Like About The Lada Niva

2 Dacia Duster Roadster 4x4

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This is a super rare example of small-sized off-roader: this 1990 Dacia Duster 4x4, in fact, was built in Romania and only commercialized in UK. The Duster was not a particularly easy car to drive. Though the pedals were light to operate, the gearshift was awkwardly notchy and the unassisted steering was very heavy at parking speeds.

Also, due to the squared and not pleasing look, this car did not receive the warmest of the welcomes. Mainly used as a workhorse by farmers, in off-road conditions the Duster was adequately competent: it was capable to drive a relatively inexperienced, fun-seeking off-road driver anywhere

1 Suzuki Jimny

Inheriting the fame of the previous Suzuki compact off-roaders, the Jimny has been considered one of the most valid vehicles of its category. The squared and marked body features a grille with the classic five slits, straight sides, accentuated wheel arches and a flat hood and roof. The wheels are located at the corners of the body, like on prepared off-road vehicles. Although tiny, the Jimny immediately communicates what it is capable of.

The 102hp 1.5L 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine is not very responsive and suffers at high speed. But this is not a car made for racing: in fact, Suzuki aficionados have been experiencing how the solid mechanic components are definitely built to last and endure the worst of the off-road conditions.

Next: 10 Best Off Road Cars You Can Buy In 2021