If you’re a fan of adventure, a resident of the snow belt, or just fond of forward traction, all-wheel drive is a fantastic aid, especially when paired with the correct tires for the conditions. Once a feature mainly found on luxury vehicles, all-wheel drive has become more available in affordable mainstream vehicles.
This list of the 10 most affordable new all-wheel-drive vehicles doesn’t include a single vehicle priced above $25,000. Honorable mention goes to the 11th-most affordable new all-wheel-drive vehicle, the fun and flexible 2023 Honda HR-V, priced from $25,300 with AWD. The 10 new AWD vehicles below are even more affordable. Note: Prices do not include destination fees but do factor in the price of all-wheel drive.
1. 2023 Subaru Impreza: $19,795
The 2023 Subaru Impreza
Subaru
The 2023 Subaru
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Impreza includes standard AWD in the base model and is the most affordable all-wheel-drive car in America. Available in sedan and hatchback form ($20,295), the Impreza also comes with the EyeSight driver assist system. The hatchback is an IIHS Top Safety Pick.
Plus: When winter driving gets serious, should you get snow tires? Here’s a guide.
2. 2022 Chevrolet Trax: $22,320
The Chevy Trax
Chevrolet
There’s an all-new Trax coming next spring, but until then, the 2022 Chevrolet Trax is the smallest crossover from the brand available with AWD. The most affordable trim level to shop for is the LS AWD.
3. 2023 Kia Seltos: $22,840
The 2023 Kia Seltos
Kia
Most trims of the 2023 Kia
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Seltos include standard AWD, but the most affordable form is the LX. In addition to being roomy for its size, the Seltos is also an IIHS Top Safety Pick.
4. 2023 Mazda CX-30: $22,950
The Mazda CX30
Mazda
Striking looks, dynamic handling, and an upmarket interior mark the 2023 Mazda
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CX-30 as a leader in its class and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. It’s most affordable in the 2023 CX-30 2.5 S form.
Read: Car quality is slipping: These are the brands with the most and least complaints, study finds
5. 2023 Hyundai Kona: $23,490
Also available as an EV and in sporty 276-horsepower Kona N form, the well-equipped 2023 Hyundai
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Kona’s most affordable AWD form is the Kona SE, priced from just $21,990. Adding AWD only increases the bottom line by $1,500.
6. 2023 Subaru Crosstrek: $23,645
The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek
Subaru
The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek lacks EyeSight active safety in base form, but it still earns an IIHS Top Safety Pick rating. Upgrading to the CVT transmission (from the base model’s manual) also adds EyeSight, which includes adaptive cruise control with lane centering, automatic emergency braking, and more, for $1,350.
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7. 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer: $24,100
The 2023 Trailblazer
Chevrolet
Undeniably fun to look at, the 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer is also relatively spacious for its small footprint and comes with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. It is also an IIHS Top Safety Pick+.
8. 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid: $24,200
The only hybrid on this list, the 2023 Toyota
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Corolla Hybrid LE AWD, is a remarkable value, scoring 51 mpg city and 44 mpg highway for 48 mpg combined with AWD.
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9. 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross: $24,360
The Toyota Corolla Cross
Toyota
Excellent fuel economy in a subcompact SUV form factor makes the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross economical and affordable. It’s also an IIHS Top Safety Pick+.
See: The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. the Honda HR-V: How do they compare?
10. 2023 Subaru Legacy: $24,395
Larger than the Impreza and only available as a sedan, the 2023 Subaru Legacy is still remarkably affordable considering the standard AWD and included EyeSight on top of its IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation.
This story originally ran on Autotrader.com.
Credit: marketwatch.com