The Best of the Best for Cheap AWD Cars

Top 10 List of Cheap AWD Cars

Bruce Sheridan

Four wheels are better than two

Sometimes you never know what the road will throw at you next, especially if you live in regions with some extreme weather. All wheel drive gives you an extra advantage to level the playing field against Mother Nature and anything else that comes your way.

All wheel drive is usually incorporated into bigger heavy duty vehicles or on cars like top end luxury sedans, but there are a number of cheap AWD cars you can get your hands on. Although most of these vehicles do not have the option at their base trims, most have the option at one or two trim levels up.

Without further ado, this is the top ten list of the most inexpensive and highest quality vehicles equipped with all wheel drive:

2012 Model	AWD Trim	MSRP
Suzuki SX4	Crossover	$16,999
Subaru Impreza	2.0i	$17,495
Mitsubishi Lancer	SE	$20,195
Nissan Juke	S	$21,650
Toyota Matrix	S	$21,715
Kia Sportage	LX	$22,300
Ford Escape	XLS	$23,190
Honda CR-V	LX	$23,745
Hyundai Tucson	GLS	$23,945
Chevy Equinox	LS	$25,280

The standouts

The 2012 Suzuki SX4 are not only very cheap cars, they are one of the most affordable choices to get all wheel drive. The most inexpensive trim to get it on is its hatchback Crossover trim.

Many crossover SUVs have the option to be AWD vehicles, but if you want everything they have to offer on a budget, the 2012 Kia Sportage is definitely where you should start looking. To get AWD you have to opt for the LX trim, which is just a step above the base, but it is still very affordable at just $22,300.

The trade off

Before you decide on the vehicle you like the most, understand that having AWD comes at a cost. It usually forces you to move up a trim level or two and pay more money, but you can still get some of these cars for under $20000.

The other most notable trade off is the hit you will inevitably take in gas mileage. It's all about weighing your options and seeing if the extra versatility and capability that AWD offers is worth the decrease in fuel economy.

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