The 10 Cheapest AWD cars of 2024

One of the reasons SUVs and trucks have become so popular over the years is the frequent availability of AWD. We certainly wouldn't call it necessary, but we can't deny that it can be nice in nasty weather, or even from a performance standpoint, to have power at more wheels. And the great news is that you don't even need to get a huge truck or SUV anymore to have AWD. There's an increasing number of AWD cars and small crossovers that come with it either as an option or as standard, and don't break the bank. We've rounded up the cheapest vehicles with the feature, and they all start under $30,000 to boot. It's an impressive variety, too, with traditional sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, as well has hybrid powertrains, off-road capability and even some sportiness.

1. 2024 Subaru Impreza Base

Price: $24,115

Starting out at barely more than $24,000, the 2024 Subaru Impreza is the cheapest car in America with AWD. It actually used to be even cheaper, too, when it was available as a sedan and with a manual transmission. But the latest version is only available as a hatchback with a CVT. For the cheapest base model, the Impreza comes with a 152-horsepower 2.0-liter flat-four that makes 145 pound-feet of torque and returns 30 mpg combined. While not numerically the lowest output on this list, the Impreza feels like one of the slowest options in practice with its noisy engine. It's not particularly engaging elsewhere, either. But it does have a quite spacious interior and a comfortable ride. And if you need more power, it is available with a 182-horsepower engine that's more pleasant and still manages to be under $30,000.

2. 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.0 S

Price: $25,300

The third cheapest AWD option in America is also the oldest by far. The Outlander Sport has mainly seen styling and feature refreshes since its original introduction in the U.S. in 2011. The current model features stying changes implemented for the 2020 model year to help it look more like the much newer, though more expensive, Eclipse Cross and Outlander. In part due to its age, the only real advantages the Outlander Sport has are a spacious interior and the low price. Otherwise, it has a cheap, dated interior, lazy handling, subpar ride, and an underwhelming powertrain. The base models get just 148 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with a buzzy CVT. Fuel economy is disappointing for the specs at 26 mpg combined. A 168-horsepower 2.4-liter engine is available on the top GT trim, but it starts at just over $29,000.

3. 2024 Kia Seltos LX

Price: $25,865

The Seltos is a close cousin of the aforementioned Kona. It has basically the same base powertrain with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque and a CVT. It's also just as efficient at 29 mpg combined. But for the extra money, you get much more space both for passengers and cargo. Though more spacious, the Seltos isn't quite as nimble and playful as the little Kona, but it's still a well-rounded car in terms of ride and handling. For about $30,000, you can get one with the same turbo engine as the Kona with the same output.

4. 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE

Price: $25,995

The first of only two sedans on this list, and the sole hybrid, is the Toyota Corolla. And the big draw here is the outstanding fuel economy. Depending on trim, it will get from 44 to 48 mpg combined. On the downside, the Corolla Hybrid is the least powerful vehicle on this list with only 138 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque from its hybrid 1.8-liter four-cylinder and second rear motor (to give it AWD). As such, it's pretty sluggish, and it can be quite buzzy with the CVT. But otherwise, it has a very comfortable ride and relatively responsive, if not sporty, handling. It has a pleasant interior with enough space to keep adults comfortable front and rear. For a frugal commuter, the Corolla Hybrid is hard to beat.

5. 2024 Subaru Legacy Base

Price: $26,015

Almost everything on this list is a compact or subcompact vehicle of some sort. But if you're on a budget and in need of more space, you'll want to check out the Subaru Legacy. This is a very roomy family sedan, and it costs thousands less than the next cheapest AWD-equipped sedan in the same class. It's a confident and capable handler, even if it's not particularly exciting, and it's quite comfortable. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder makes 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque are underwhelming in the sizable sedan, but it gets the job done, and 30 mpg combined is pretty good. A 260-horsepower turbo engine is available that makes the Legacy pretty sporty, but it gets into the mid-$30,000 zone.