Here is a list of the five lightest 4-wheel driven SUVs available for purchase in the Philippines.

While many people appreciate SUVs for their practicality and potential, SUVs are often criticized for being too cumbersome to move around in the city and waste fuel with a four-wheel-drive system. Another reason SUVs are underestimated is their heavyweights. Negative people even assume that four-wheel drive is totally unnecessary.

So let's take a look at the five lightweight SUVs in the Philippines, synthesized by Philcarnews.com to make an objective assessment of the subject. Models equipped with the two-wheel drive are not included in this list. However, the 4x4 system will be presented as a standard feature for these models. To make it easier to understand, the list is made up categorized based on size.

In addition to sub-compact SUVs, compact SUVs, mid-size SUVs and full-size SUVs, there will be a separate section for premium brands.

1. Subcompact SUV: Suzuki Jimny (1.136 kg)

This is a segment with smallest ones on the market which has a large number of models with the four-wheel drive system. A few years ago, the competition was not that hot, but then Nissan debuted the Juke. Since that point, the market began to compete fiercely as most major automakers launched a competitor with Nissan Juke. 

Despite being popular, Nissan Juke is not the lightest car in its class. Instead, the position is held by the Suzuki Jimny.

The Suzuki Jimny is a capable off-roader, but not that good on the paved road

In spite of its small size, the Suzuki Jimny still is a reliable off-roader. The car can operate both in two-wheel driven mode and it also comes with a digital low-range function on the gearbox.

The Suzuki Jimny is a capable off-roader, but not that good on the paved road, especially when cornering at high speeds. Its light weight is an important factor in crossing terrain and saves fuel.

2. Compact SUV: Mazda CX-5 SKYACTIV-G 160 4x4 (1.450 kg)

Mazda entered the compact segment a bit late but other competitors still felt its presence. Thanks to the CX-5 success, the Japanese car brand has been confident in developing great models like the MX-5 and the upcoming RX-8 successor. In terms of size, the CX-5 has a relatively large size in the compact segment in Europe.

Yet that does not stop the SKYACTIV-G 160 to be the lightest trim in this segment, according to the Mazda technical specification.

For the CX-5, Mazda does not allow the driver to switch between four-wheel drive and front-wheel drive, but the electronic monitoring system does this time to time to save fuel.

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For the CX-5, Mazda does not allow the driver to switch between four-wheel drive and front-wheel drive

3. Midsize SUV: Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi 4x4 (1.821 kg)

The Sorento is the largest model in the Kia lineup and also one of the lightest SUVs. The car is 4.78 meters long but weighs less than 1.9 tons. Like the “sibling” in the same platform Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento is also available in the seven-seat version. However, the two models differ by several dozen kgs depending on gear selection.

Hyundai SUVs also share engines and gearboxes with the Kia Sorento. Depending on the market, two models are equipped with a 2.2-liter or 2-liter diesel engine that comes with manual gearbox or automatic transmission.

The Sorento is the largest model in the Kia lineup and also one of the lightest SUVs

4. Large SUV: Audi Q7 3.0 TDI (2.070 kg)

The second generation of the Audi Q7 is one of the largest cars in this segment but happens to be the lightest one. Audi invested a lot of money to develop the MLB platform of the Q7, leading to significant weight reduction for the car. This platform also applies to many other Volkswagen vehicles.

The reduced weight helped improve the Q7's dynamic performance and fuel economy. The basic version of the Q7 comes with a 3-liter V6 diesel engine. It also has a five-seat and seven-seat version, and all variants feature an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The second generation of the Audi Q7 is one of the largest cars in this segment, but happens to be the lightest one

5. High-end SUV: Mercedes-Benz GLA 220 4Matic (1,505 kg)

Without size restriction, low-weight with four-wheel drive SUV and sold by a premium brand is a battle between Audi, MINI and Mercedes-Benz. Passing the other candidates with just a few kilograms of difference, the Mercedes-Benz GLA is the honored winner. The vehicles are based on the current A-Class MFA platform.

The lightest 4-wheel drive version of the GLA comes with a 7-speed automatic transmission and gasoline engine I4. Mercedes-Benz is developing the second generation of the GLA and is expected to have a "sibling" called GLB.

The lightest 4-wheel drive version of GLA comes with a 7-speed automatic transmission and gasoline engine I4

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