This may not be much help to you but..
For a small 4wd with good mpg you cant get better than the fiat panda. Its not sold the States the only part of North America ist sold is mexico. they sell it with the 1.2L engine.
In the UK we can now get it a 1.3 diesel multijet that will do 53 uk mpg
The 1.2 will return 42.8 uk mpg
Its 2 wheel drive until it looses traction then the 4wd kicks in its quite a good little 4x4
also have a look into Bridgestone Blizzak tyres they may be the answer
Bridgestone Blizzak Passenger/Performance Tire Reviews. Buying guides & consumer product reviews at Epinions.com