If you’re in the market for a new all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicle, now is a great time, as there are some incredible values. From light pickups to SUVs and even a couple of sedans, there’s something here to suit nearly anyone — just in time for winter weather. Better still, not all vehicles on this list bump up against our price limit. Many are priced right around $25,000.
Here are 10 of the best AWD vehicles available for less than $30,000. Prices quoted do not include options (other than AWD), tax, title, license, delivery, or additional fees.
1. 2024 Subaru Outback
Starting MSRP with AWD: $28,895 (Base)
The 2024 Subaru Outback continues to be one of the best all-around AWD vehicles you can buy. Why? Because it has the space, ground clearance, and abilities of an SUV in a somewhat easier-to-live-with wagon body format. It’s also an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2023 (which we expect will continue for 2024). All Outback wagons come with AWD as standard equipment.
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2. 2024 Toyota Prius
Starting MSRP with AWD: $29,050 (LE)
The 2024 Toyota Prius is an all-around stunning vehicle. Head-turning looks, up to 57 mpg, available AWD, and surprisingly affordable pricing come together to make it Kelley Blue Book’s Best New Model for 2024. The 2024 Toyota Prius offers AWD in every trim for a $1,400 premium. However, only the base Prius LE ends up priced lower than $30,000 when equipped with AWD. If you want a more conventional choice, consider the 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid, which starts at $24,700 with AWD.
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3. 2024 Subaru Forester
Starting MSRP with AWD: $27,095 (Base)
As with all Subarus except the BRZ sports car, the 2024 Subaru Forester comes with standard AWD. It earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick award in 2023 (we expect the 2024 model to fare just as well) and has a roomy cabin with lots of cargo space. The Forester starts at $27,095.
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4. 2024 Toyota RAV4
Starting MSRP with AWD: $29,875 (LE)
A benchmark among all vehicles for its roomy cabin, strong standard safety features, and relative efficiency, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 doesn’t come standard with AWD. Still, it does offer it on the base model. The RAV4 LE AWD, the only trim level on the list, comes with plenty of standard safety and tech features.
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5. 2024 Ford Maverick
Starting MSRP with AWD: $26,035 (XL)
As one of the new models reviving the small pickup class, the 2024 Ford Maverick enters its third year essentially unchanged since its debut, with a hybrid drivetrain and AWD available. Unfortunately, you can’t get both systems together, but the bargain pricing makes that understandable. The 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that can be paired with the AWD system is stout, outputting 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. AWD costs $2,220 over the base price and is available as a standalone option on XL, XLT, and Lariat trims, and all but the Lariat are under $30,000.
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6. 2024 Mazda CX-30
Starting MSRP with AWD: $24,995 (2.5 S)
The 2024 Mazda CX-30 looks and drives more like a luxury sport crossover than an economy subcompact SUV. Still, its price is decidedly on the reasonable end of the spectrum, especially considering the generous base equipment. The CX-30 is one of the few vehicles on this list with AWD as standard equipment on all trims. You can get the 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select Sport, 2.5 S Preferred, and 2.5 S Carbon Edition for under $30,000.
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7. 2024 Honda HR-V
Starting MSRP with AWD: $25,600 (LX)
If you love the look of the Pilot and the CR-V but don’t need that much space — or if you have a smaller budget — the 2024 Honda HR-V offers a similar look and feel in a smaller package. The HR-V is roomy for its class and well-equipped, with Honda Sensing safety features, adaptive cruise control, steering assist, and more, all included in base form. AWD is a $1,500 add-on to any trim of the 2024 HR-V, and all three are under $30,000.
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8. 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Starting MSRP with AWD: $28,150 (SE)
Alongside the Maverick, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz is bringing the idea of a small, open-bed vehicle back into the mainstream. Although the Santa Cruz is more like the Subaru Brat than a true pickup, it’s useful for most urban and suburban daily use. AWD is a $1,500 option on the 2024 Santa Cruz and is available as a standalone feature on all trims, but the SE is the only trim that sneaks in below the $30,000 mark.
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9. 2024 Subaru Legacy
Starting MSRP with AWD: $24,895 (Base)
It should be no surprise to see this list positively peppered with Subarus. The last Subaru on our list, the 2024 Subaru Legacy, is for those who prefer a sedan but want something larger than an Impreza. Like the Forester, the Legacy was also an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2023. The Legacy starts at $24,895. You can also get into the Premium trim level and still stay within a $30,000 budget.
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10. 2024 Hyundai Kona
Starting MSRP with AWD: $25,600 (SE)
With a fresh new look and an all-new structure, the 2024 Hyundai Kona is impressively modern and high-tech. It’s also very affordable. Compared to the previous generation of the Kona, the new model is almost six inches longer, with an extra three inches of rear-seat legroom, expanding the Kona’s utility and passenger-carrying ability. Adding AWD to any trim of the Kona costs just $1,500. The SEL also fits nicely into a $30,000 budget.
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10 Best All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles Under $30,000
- 2024 Subaru Outback
- 2024 Toyota Prius
- 2024 Subaru Forester
- 2024 Toyota RAV4
- 2024 Ford Maverick
- 2024 Mazda CX-30
- 2024 Honda HR-V
- 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz
- 2024 Subaru Legacy
- 2024 Hyundai Kona
