Winter is coming. Is your vehicle ready? If it’s not equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD) and you live in a region that gets lots of snow and ice or other treacherous wintry conditions, you may want to consider upgrading to an AWD vehicle of some type, whether it’s a wagon, a hatchback, or an SUV. If you’re on a budget, don’t worry — there are plenty of great options out there at almost any price point. As always, when shopping for maximum used-car value, look for well-maintained, well-documented individual cars rather than focusing on a specific trim level or color.
Here are 10 of the best used all-wheel-drive vehicles you’ll find for less than $20,000.
1. 2018 Subaru Outback
The Subaru brand has become a byword for affordable, capable AWD vehicles, and the 2018 Subaru Outback is a great example, with the interior space of a crossover SUV and standard AWD but in a more refined, better-handling wagon body style. Base models tick the boxes for rugged winter transport, but our budget should swing even top-spec Touring models with the upgraded 256-horsepower 3.6-liter flat 6-cylinder engine. See 2018 Subaru Outback models for sale near you
2. 2016 Toyota RAV4
The 2016 Toyota RAV4 was a significant model for the line, not only because it was updated with more standard safety equipment and parking aids but also because it was the first year available as a hybrid. Our $20,000 budget should afford the hybrid version, which gets a combined EPA rating of 32 mpg as well as standard AWD. Look for mid-tier XLE models or higher; if you opt out of the hybrid, fully loaded Limited models are within reach. See 2016 Toyota RAV4 models for sale near you
3. 2016 Honda CR-V
Honda’s answer to the RAV4, the 2016 Honda CR-V wasn’t yet available as a hybrid but still manages 27 mpg combined when equipped with Honda’s Real Time AWD system. As with the RAV4, you should be able to afford leather-upholstered, fully loaded models on our budget. However, you may be better off looking for lower-mileage mid-tier examples, especially if you plan to put a lot of miles on the vehicle yourself. See 2016 Honda CR-V models for sale near you
4. 2015 Toyota Highlander
The 2015 Toyota Highlander‘s mix of comfortable ride quality, spacious cabin layout, and confident, safe driving manners make it a favorite of families everywhere. It’s also a great choice for winter weather when equipped with the optional AWD. The midrange XLE trim is a good fit for our budget, although savvy shoppers may find the nearly loaded Limited model within reach. See 2015 Toyota Highlander models for sale near you
5. 2017 Subaru Crosstrek
If, on the other hand, you’d prefer your high-ground-clearance winter mobile to be compact, nimble, and relatively efficient, look no further than the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek. With standard AWD across all trims, up to 33 mpg on the highway, and a practical, spacious hatchback body style, the Crosstrek is a year-round choice for all your adventures. See 2017 Subaru Crosstrek models for sale near you
6. 2016 Mazda CX-9
For a 3-row SUV with seating for seven that’s also stylish, upmarket, and fun-to-drive, the 2016 Mazda CX-9 lets you have it all without breaking the bank. Look for top-spec Signature or Touring trims on our budget, with features like a 12-speaker Bose audio system, an 8-inch center display, radar cruise control, advanced safety features, and more. Whichever trim you choose, you’ll get a peppy 227-horsepower turbocharged engine. See 2016 Mazda CX-9 models for sale near you
7. 2019 Ford Fusion
The 2019 Ford Fusion is one of the newest vehicles on this list, meaning it’s a strong value for its feature set. If you don’t want or need an SUV, the Fusion AWD can even be found in high-spec Titanium trim for less than $20,000. See used 2019 Ford Fusion models for sale near you
8. 2021 Mazda3
If you want a sporty compact car with AWD, the 2021 Mazda3 is a great choice. With excellent steering response, an elegant interior, and impressive reliability, you can choose sedan or hatchback forms and get all-wheel drive. In both body styles, the Select is the most affordable trim level where all-wheel drive is available. It comes standard with models equipped with the turbocharged engine. See used 2021 Mazda3 models for sale near you
9. 2018 Nissan Rogue
While it’s not as top-of-mind as the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V, the 2018 Nissan Rogue is just as capable and an even better value, offering similar equipment, space, and functionality in a newer package, all for the same money as the more popular alternatives. Like the RAV4, the Rogue is also available as a hybrid on our budget, even if you pick the top-spec SL trim. See 2018 Nissan Rogue models for sale near you
10. 2019 Subaru Impreza
The go-to choice for many who live in snowy climates, the 2019 Subaru Impreza is a bargain in either sedan or hatchback/wagon body styles. For 2019, all models offered Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist tech, and it was standard on Limited trims. That suite of features includes adaptive cruise control and active lane keeping. See used 2019 Subaru Impreza models for sale near you
10 Best Used AWD Cars Under $20,000
- 2018 Subaru Outback
- 2016 Toyota RAV4
- 2016 Honda CR-V
- 2015 Toyota Highlander
- 2017 Subaru Crosstrek
- 2016 Mazda CX-9
- 2019 Ford Fusion
- 2021 Mazda3
- 2018 Nissan Rogue
- 2019 Subaru Impreza
