In 1972, Subaru launched all-wheel drive (AWD) in its Leone station wagon – making it, according to the automaker, the world’s first mass-produced AWD passenger car. At the time, the idea of adding an AWD drivetrain for improved handling and grip was a novel concept, but now, over 50 years later, it’s an option on all types of vehicles. Sedans, sports cars, wagons, luxury vehicles, crossovers, sport-utility vehicles (SUVs), and pickup trucks are all available with AWD or four-wheel drive (4WD) today. In the SUV and pickup truck segment, it's almost ubiquitous.
Most manufacturers offer AWD options; BMW, Audi, and Porsche offer AWD systems in their high-end luxury vehicles (though those are out of our price range), and Toyota, Nissan, Honda, and the Big Three Detroit automakers (General Motors, Stellantis, and Ford) offer more affordable AWD options.
Although the price of new cars continues to rise, you can still get an all-wheel-drive car for less than $30,000. Here, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best cars with AWD at that price point, and they’re all accessible models—you won’t find luxury cars or coupes here. The prices below are the cheapest way to get these vehicles under our price cap, but more affordable versions may be available with front-wheel drive (FWD).
Additionally, some versions of these all-wheel-drive vehicles might be available on the used car market. Most are subcompact SUVs or smaller crossovers, as midsize and full-size SUVs tend to be more expensive than what fits our budget, and many feature safety features, such as adaptive cruise control.
The Best AWD Cars Under $30K
- Nissan Kicks
- Chevrolet Trailblazer
- Mazda CX-30
- Subaru Crosstrek/Subaru Impreza
- Hyundai Kona
- Ford Maverick
- Volkswagen Taos
- Toyota Corolla Cross
- Honda HR-V
- Jeep Compass
- What Makes a Good AWD Vehicle?
1. Nissan Kicks
Price from: $24,720
All-wheel drive (AWD) was added as an option for the Nissan Kicks for the first time, priced at $1,500 to $1,650 depending on the trim level. The addition of AWD was part of the Kicks’ complete redesign for 2025, which also included more shoulder and knee room for rear seat passengers, an increased ground clearance of 8.4 inches, and a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with available wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The 2025 model year is also the first time the Kicks is available with Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats in both rows, which are designed to help distribute weight and pressure for a more comfortable seating position. It’s an excellent choice for someone looking for a vehicle with a small footprint yet roomy inside.
2. Chevrolet Trailblazer
Price from: $26,395
The 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer is a subcompact SUV that offers an AWD option on all trim levels, with the upgrade cost ranging from $1,600 to $2,000. It features a 1.3-liter three-cylinder turbo engine that delivers 155 horsepower. The Trailblazer stands out from Chevrolet's other SUVs with its combination of AWD capabilities and compact size. Additionally, it comes equipped with an 11.0-inch touchscreen display, along with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
3. Mazda CX-30
Price from: $26,415
The 2025 Mazda CX-30 comes standard with AWD. For the 2025 model year, the small SUV has received several upgrades, including a new navigation system on the 8.8-inch infotainment screen. Notably, the CX-30's infotainment system is not a touchscreen; instead, it is controlled using a knob. Additionally, it is equipped with Mazda Connected Services—allowing owners to lock, unlock, and remotely start their vehicles using a smartphone. If you’re after something smaller, then check out the Mazda3 sedan—specifically the 2.5 S Carbon Edition. It just ducks under our $30,000 price point, with an MSRP of $29,610 (the base model is much cheaper at $24,150) and comes with AWD.
4. Subaru Crosstrek/Subaru Impreza
Price from: $27,230/$24,780
The Subaru Crosstrek and the Subaru Impreza are based on the same platform, so we’re including them together. The Crosstrek crossover is aimed at the adventure-ready crowd with its body cladding, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and the ability to tow 1,500 to 3,500 pounds when equipped with a trailer hitch.
The Impreza appeals to those seeking a sporty driving experience and a slightly lower price point. They both have available portrait-oriented 11.6-inch touchscreen and standard AWD systems, which is true for most of Subaru’s lineup, including the Subaru Legacy, WRX, Forester, and Outback.
5. Hyundai Kona
Price from: $27,400
The 2025 Hyundai Kona is a subcompact SUV that offers optional AWD on all trim levels for an additional cost of $1,500. It comes with Hyundai's warranty program, which is considered one of the best in the automotive industry. This program includes a new vehicle warranty of 5 years or 60,000 miles, as well as powertrain coverage for 10 years or 100,000 miles.
6. Ford Maverick
Price from: $29,165
The 2025 Ford Maverick is the only pickup truck on this list. AWD is standard with the gas-only engine, but for the first time in 2025, it is also a $2,220 option on the hybrid. The Maverick might be a compact, unibody truck, but it can still tow up to 4,000 pounds when equipped with the 4K Tow package. A 13.2-inch touchscreen with SYNC4 and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on the AWD pickup.
7. Volkswagen Taos
Price from: $28,120
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos received a significant refresh for 2025, featuring a more powerful engine that now produces 174 horsepower, 16 more horsepower than before. Referred to as 4MOTION by Volkswagen, AWD is a $1,700 option on most trim levels and standard on the top-trim SEL. The exterior sports a redesigned front bumper and grille with LED projector headlights. All trims feature a standard 8.0-inch infotainment display that the automaker describes as “floating” because it’s positioned in front of the center console rather than incorporated into it.
8. Toyota Corolla Cross
Price from: $27,160
The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross is the SUV version of the Corolla sedan and hatchback, among some of the best-selling cars of all time. This Toyota crossover has a higher seating position and more cargo space compared to the other Corollas, and Toyota offers AWD as a $1,300 option on all of the SUV’s trims. To get AWD on the sedan, you’d have to upgrade to the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, which has better fuel economy but is more expensive, and AWD is not available on the hatchback. The long-serving Camry sedan also has AWD, but pricing starts at $31,000 for the SE model, so it falls just out of our criteria, and if you’re after a fuel efficient model with good gas mileage, then AWD is available as an option with the Prius hybrid.
9. Honda HR-V
Price From: $28,295
The 2025 Honda HR-Vis a smaller crossover version similar to the popular CR-V. It is available with AWD as a $1,500 option across all trim levels. The HR-V's 7.0-inch infotainment system includes wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The vehicle is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 158 horsepower.
10. Jeep Compass
Price from: $28,495
The Jeep Compass is a compact SUV and is part of the legendary off-road capable Jeep family. The Compass comes standard with Jeep’s Active Drive 4x4 system and a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine, delivering 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it offers a balanced blend of performance and mpg. The interior features an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
What Makes a Good AWD Vehicle?
What you consider a good AWD system will depend on your needs. Many drivers seek AWD for confidence in rain, sleet, or snow, while others need it for off-road adventures like camping or rock crawling.
Regardless of use, a well-designed AWD car should:
- Seamlessly shift power to the wheels with the most grip when slipping occurs
- Feature a responsive Traction Control System (TCS) that adjusts power and braking to optimize traction
- Have a suspension capable of managing power shifts and weight transfers effectively
- Be equipped with appropriate tires: all-season radials for daily driving, summer performance tires for enhanced grip, or off-road tires with deep treads and strong edges for rough terrain
For everyday conditions, sedans, wagons, and crossovers with standard ground clearance work well. For off-road adventures, vehicles with higher clearance and short overhangs help navigate steep terrain.
