Cars with all-wheel drive have certain advantages over their rear- or front-wheel-drive contemporaries, but they also tend to cost more. Luckily, there are a few cheap AWD cars for those who need extra traction to deal with hazardous road conditions or who want to venture off the beaten path, with models from popular brands like Volkswagen, Toyota, and Hyundai.
Hyundai
Hyundai Motor Company was founded in 1967 by Chung Ju-yung, 20 years after the birth of the Hyundai Engineering and Construction Company. The automotive marque's first model was the Cortina, birthed with the help of Ford in 1968, while its first self-developed car arrived the year after as the Pony. Since then, the company has found success with affordable cars and has consistently become known for reliability and value. Nowadays, its ventures vary from combustion, hybrid, all-electric, and hydrogen mobility solutions to robotics.
- 29 December 1967
- Chung Ju-yung
- Seoul, South Korea
- Hyundai Motor Group
- Jae-Hoon Chang
All the cars listed here cost way under $30,000, with the cheapest models dipping below the $25k mark.
These are the cheapest all-wheel-drive cars available in America for the 2025 model year. We have selected AWD trims in their cheapest form, and models are ranked from most to least expensive. The starting prices below are all for the cheapest AWD model.
The Volkswagen Taos continues to impress as one of the most refined options in the subcompact SUV category. With its 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 177 horsepower, the Taos delivers solid fuel economy and enough pep for city and highway driving. The available 4Motion AWD system ensures stable handling in all conditions. The spacious cabin, impressive cargo room, and intuitive tech features make the Volkswagen Taos a strong contender for those seeking a budget-friendly AWD vehicle with premium touches. Standard driver-assist features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist further enhance its appeal.
The latest Hyundai Kona has a fresh design, improved interior space, and an updated tech suite. The AWD variant comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or an optional turbocharged unit for more power. Hyundai’s HTRAC AWD system enhances grip on slippery roads, while a modern interior with a standard 12.3-inch digital display keeps things high-tech. With its edgy styling and strong five-year/60,000-mile warranty coverage, the Hyundai Kona is an appealing AWD choice for under $26k.
The2025 Subaru Crosstrekremains one of the most capable and affordable AWD crossovers on the market. The Crosstrek comes standard with Symmetrical AWD and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it ideal for all-weather driving. A 152-hp 2.0-liter Boxer engine powers the base model, while higher trims get a 182-hp 2.5-liter upgrade. Inside, it offers a user-friendly infotainment system and standard EyeSight safety tech. With up to 34 mpg on the highway, the Crosstrek is both efficient and adventure-ready, especially in Wilderness trim, which adds off-road upgrades.
This year’s Crosstrek is far nicer to drive than the prior generation, making it a worthy road-trip contender. It’s quieter thanks to additional sound deadening materials, which makes it much easier to relax and take a nap on longer drives. Rough, pebbled pavement no longer rattles the cabin, and uneven surfaces are largely muted. Road and wind noise are also contained, which is especially nice off-road. The sounds of dirt and pebbles bouncing about outside no longer create a horrible racket inside the cabin.
- Nicole Wakelin, CarBuzz Editor-at-Large
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Toyota's Corolla Cross brings the legendary reliability of the Corolla sedan into a crossover body with optional AWD. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine provides 169 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for smooth driving. Toyota’s AWD system automatically shifts power between the front and rear wheels, making it great for light off-road use or poor weather conditions. With excellent fuel economy and Toyota’s reputation for durability, the Corolla Cross is a practical and economical choice. It also offers a comfortable interior with ample cargo space, making it an excellent option for small families or weekend adventurers.
If you're looking for AWD and top-tier fuel efficiency, the Corolla Hybrid AWD is the perfect fit. Powered by a 1.8-liter hybrid system, it delivers exceptional gas mileage while offering the extra traction of an AWD system. Toyota’s hybrid models are known for their reliability, and the Corolla Hybrid provides a smooth, quiet ride. Standard safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist make it even more compelling value. With an estimated fuel economy of over 45 mpg combined, this is one of the most cost-effective AWD vehicles to own in the long run.
Unlike many competitors, the Subaru Legacy comes standard with AWD across all trims. The base 2.5-liter Boxer engine delivers 182 horsepower, while an available turbocharged variant offers more power. Thanks to Subaru’s commitment to safety, the Legacy comes with EyeSight Driver Assist technology, making it one of the safest sedans in its class. With a spacious, comfortable interior, a user-friendly infotainment system, and top-tier safety scores, the Subaru Legacy is one of the best AWD sedans available under $25k, and one of the cheapest AWD vehicles of this size.
The Mazda CX-30 continues to set itself apart with its premium styling and engaging driving dynamics. The AWD system is standard on all trims, ensuring great road grip. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower delivers strong performance for its class. The cabin features high-quality materials that rival luxury brands, and Mazda’s responsive steering gives it a more athletic feel compared to competitors. The CX-30’s upscale interior, high safety ratings, crisp infotainment system, and refined handling make it a standout among budget-friendly AWD vehicles.
The Kia Seltos is a subcompact SUV that punches above its weight class with its roomy interior and solid performance. AWD models are powered by a 2.0-liter engine or an optional turbocharged 1.6-liter for added power. The Seltos’ smart AWD system enhances control on rough terrain, and its sharp looks make it a stylish option for budget-conscious buyers. It also boasts an intuitive infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen as standard on all but the base model, a great feature to have in this price range.
The majority of the driving experience is great. The steering is accurate, tightening more in sport mode, and the ride is compliant on bumpy roads. We drove the Seltos on the highway for over three hours, and the Bose audio system has no trouble drowning out the minimal road noise, even at a medium volume.
- Jared Rosenholtz, CarBuzz Editor-at-Large
Subaru continues to dominate the affordable AWD market, and the Impreza is proof of that. The base model comes standard with Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD system, offering excellent grip in all conditions. The 2.0-liter Boxer engine provides 152 horsepower, and the practical five-door hatchback body adds versatility. With its solid safety ratings and standard AWD, the Impreza is the best-value AWD vehicle you can currently buy in the US. It’s one of the only compact cars in this price range that comes with AWD as standard, making it a unique and reliable option for buyers on a budget.
While not the hottest hatchback you can buy, the Subaru Impreza delivers a nice combination of performance and comfort along with the versatility to manage cargo and a more affordable price.
- Nicole Wakelin, CarBuzz
The Nissan Kicks may not be the most powerful AWD option, but it makes up for it with affordability and fuel efficiency. Powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, the Kicks delivers good gas mileage. The Kicks also offers a surprising amount of cargo space for a subcompact vehicle, making it a practical choice for city dwellers. The available AWD system provides stability on slippery roads, and its small size makes it perfect for urban driving. Standard safety features and modern tech make it a well-rounded budget AWD choice.
As a value proposition, the Kicks is strong, and was strong in its previous incarnation. But the 2025 model brings everything up to date and doesn't feel like a car you buy because it's the one you can afford. It's a value proposition that also has personality, is genuinely comfortable, looks great, and is fun to drive.
- Ian Wright, CarBuzz
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The US has a number of states that are prone to poor weather, where cheap all-wheel-drive cars are extremely popular. But even though they come in every shape and size, they might not be the best choice in every situation, so weigh the alternatives before you decide.
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4WD vs. AWD: What's the real difference between these two?
While both configurations can power all four wheels simultaneously, four-wheel-drive vehicles are typically suited for proper off-roading, with technologies like low-range transfer cases. On the other hand, all-wheel-drive vehicles are generally intended for regular road use, but with superior grip and traction in slippery conditions. AWD also benefits many high-performance cars that would otherwise struggle to put down their power to a single axle.
While all-wheel drive generally adds a few grand to the base price of a car, the cheapest AWD cars can actually be very affordable. This drivetrain is definitely more common among SUVs, so models like the Toyota Corolla Cross, Kia Seltos, and Nissan Kicks are unsurprising members of the list. However, the 2025 Subaru Impreza currently holds the title as the cheapest AWD car in the U.S., starting at just $23,495. Other affordable options include the Subaru Legacy, Toyota Corolla Hybrid, and Mazda CX-30, all offering AWD for under $26,000.
Most of the small crossovers that offer AWD are not suited for serious off-roading, but some models are built with adventure in mind. Subaru’s lineup, especially models such as the Crosstrek and Outback in Wilderness trim, features Symmetrical AWD, which is excellent for light to moderate trails and harsh weather. Other notable options would include the Jeep Renegade, Ford Maverick, and Ford Bronco Sport.
Now that EVs are becoming more common, what qualifies as good fuel economy is changing. The cheapest AWD electric vehicles can achieve well over 100 MPGe, and they sell for around $40k-$45k. The Toyota Corolla Hybrid AWD is one of the most fuel-efficient AWD gas-powered cars, with an estimate of over 45 mpg combined. Similarly, the Subaru Legacy AWD offers up to 35 mpg on the highway, making it one of the most efficient midsize sedans with AWD.
How reliable are cheap AWD vehicles?
A new AWD car should be about as reliable as a two-wheel-drive alternative, so long as it comes from a reputable brand like Toyota, Honda, Subaru, or Hyundai. Subaru's AWD system is one of the most proven in the industry, while Toyota’s hybrid AWD models are known for exceptional longevity.
