All-wheel-drive vehicles you can get for under $30,000
Vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive continue to be popular among buyers looking for that extra sense of security when the weather gets sketchy, or for increased capability when they’re off the beaten path. But finding a new car or SUV that can put the power down to all four tires at an affordable price can be something of a challenge, depending on your space, pace and safety needs. So, what are the cheapest new AWD cars and SUVs you can buy? Which vehicles can get you the traction and features you need at a sticker you can swallow? Read on to find out which affordably priced 2024 all-wheel-drive models under $30,000 could potentially suit your lifestyle.
10. 2024 Kia Seltos S | $27,965
Stylish and roomy for a subcompact SUV, the 2024 Kia Seltos is a solid contender in the segment. That said, the Seltos doesn’t exactly rise above its station in terms of overall refinement, with interior materials that feel cheap for its price point and significant cabin noise at speed. The cabin of the Seltos is comfortable, save the lack of ride quality on rough pavement, and cargo space is genuinely impressive.
9. 2024 Hyundai Kona SE AWD | $26,935
It seems like every new subcompact SUV these days has its share of funky styling, but Hyundai took it to another level with the 2024 Kona, which looks like it rolled out of 2077, only without the dystopian cues. The Kona’s futuristic vibe continues inside thanks to two large screens, and an impressive amount of interior space. Gas mileage suffers a bit thanks in part to the Kona’s increased size, but the cabin is quiet and the ride is good.
8. 2024 Volkswagen Taos S 4Motion | $27,760
It’s hard for us to heartily recommend any 2024 Volkswagen Taos, but especially the AWD version. Not only is the privilege of AWD a $2,340 option, but the seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission it comes with makes just about every drive in an AWD Taos an annoyance. The Taos’ cabin is surprisingly spacious, with plenty of cargo capacity, but this VW SUV isn’t the best choice for folks in need of every wheel being driven.
7. 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross L | $26,510
Flashy isn’t the forte of the 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross. This inexpensive, Corolla-based crossover features a relatively large cargo area, spacious front seat and enough room in the back for the kids to be comfy. Although AWD is an optional extra, the feature is only $875 and is available for the base model.
6. 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS AWD | $26,395
Edgy looks and plenty of space make the 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer stand out from the rest of its subcompact crossover peers, but unfortunately the accolades mostly end there. The Trailblazer’s optional, 1.3-liter, inline three-cylinder, turbocharged engine struggles at times to get the small crossover up to speed with traffic, taking over nine seconds to wade up to 60 mph from zero.
5. 2024 Mazda CX-30 S | $26,370
Just about everything Mazda builds continues to be infused with a decent amount of zoom-zoom, especially the 2024 Mazda CX-30. This hatchback-turned-crossover’s handling will make some sport sedans blush. The CX-30’s interior feels upscale, far more so than its humble sub-$27,000 starting price would suggest. All 2024 CX-30s are equipped with AWD standard.
4. 2024 Subaru Legacy Base | $26,015
The least expensive AWD midsize sedan you can buy is the 2024 Subaru Legacy. A workhorse whose specs sit largely in the middle of the category, the Legacy’s main claim to fame is its standard AWD system, and its price is noticeably more budget-friendly than anything else in the class that drives all tires. The Legacy rides well, provides decent interior space and was a 2023 IIHS Top Safety Pick.
3. 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid | $25,995
All-wheel drive hasn’t traditionally been a Corolla feature, but the 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid is available with the additional sure-footedness its eAWD system provides for an added $975 if you want it. It also gets tremendous gas mileage for an AWD car at beyond 50 mpg in the city in its most efficient spec. On the downside, the Corolla Hybrid is one of the slowest vehicles on sale at 9.7 seconds from 0 to 60 mph for a 2023 AWD model we tested.
2. 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport S | $25,300
By our reckoning, the least expensive AWD SUV on the market is the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, which features AWD as standard equipment. The Outlander Sport’s cheap price is a double-edged sword, as its performance, efficiency and refinement are unimpressive for its class, to the point where the value is hard to find. Interior space isn’t terrible, but it also lags behind that of other vehicles in its competitive set.
1. 2024 Subaru Impreza Base | $24,115
On the flipside, when it comes to the 2024 Subaru Impreza, being cheap is a good thing. Perennially the most affordable AWD option you can get, the Impreza hatchback offers more space than some crossover SUVs while providing better gas mileage and a much sleeker silhouette. While Subaru’s proficient AWD system and plenty of interior space for a small car are upsides, the base Impreza isn’t exactly quick to merge, with acceleration bordering on acceptable at best. Safety ratings are good, though, and the Impreza handles excellently while providing solid ride quality and a quiet cabin.