Personally I wouldn't go for 4wd. Disparity between front and rear tyre thread or even same axle would cause false slippage detection and future (expensive) damage. The thought of needing to replace more than the affected tyre in case one can't be repaired, as wasteful, is financially a problem, specially when you consider decent tyres at 120/150 a piece, if not more.
Also 4wd and summer tyres or cheapo ones, wouldn't perform any better than 2wd and all season. And some technologies like grip control from Peugeot work quite well with all season tyres.
Engine, a large SUV would be better suitable with a diesel engine, or a decent petrol. A smaller SUV, I would suggest at least a 2.0 diesel 150hp or a 1.8/2.0 petrol 180-200hp. The 3 cylinders may work well for city cars, but something bigger and a no so aerodynamically friendly as a SUV, on motorways, would require careful, I mean, careful, planning before any overtake.
Particularly I like the X1 and X2. Excellent automatic. Also like the GLC, but not really keen on the GLA, as feels much more like a cross over, as don't offer much improvement as one would expect, as something labeled SUV. Not high enough. Marginally higher than a golf, at least how I felt. Audi I only like the TT and the A5. And unless going for a 2.0 engine, the awful and unreliable 7 speed dry clutch DSG still being used. XC40 is nice, despite my despite for the rear lights. And the Jaguar E-Pace looks more desirable than its bigger brother, the F-Pace, but is heavier, as still uses the old stell frame from ancient land rovers.
If not only considering badges, the new coming CX30 from Mazda or the Sportage from Kia are very well equipped cars.
I also should mention the Lexus small SUV or a cheaper option, the Honda C-HR.
