10 of the Cheapest AWD Vehicles for 2023
You can take home a snow-worthy car or SUV without breaking the bank.
Honda
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When colder temperatures and wet weather sweep through the country, you might want a vehicle with superior traction and capability on slippery roads — one that's designed to tackle ice, snow, and sleet. But when you're on a budget, finding a reliable all-wheel drive car can feel daunting. Fret not: Here are 10 of the most cost-effective 2023 AWD vehicles. We've rounded manufacturer's suggested retail prices to the nearest $1,000.
Subaru | 2022 Impreza
2023 Subaru Impreza: $21,000
When discussing all-wheel drive, it makes sense to start with Subaru. With its rally heritage and rugged consumer cars, the brand is renowned for its standard all-wheel-drive system. This tech is featured in the 2023 Impreza, which, starting at just under $21,000, is the cheapest AWD vehicle in the U.S. at the time of this article's publication. That said, a new Impreza is due for 2024, so we'll see if Subaru sticks with its value pricing.
Mazda
2023 Mazda CX-30: $24,000
If you're looking for a stylish hatchback with AWD capabilities, the Mazda CX-30's curves might be a nice alternative to boxier options. The vehicle does come with a slightly higher price tag, starting around $24,000. Inside, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, as does an eight-speaker audio system.
Kia
2023 Kia Seltos: $25,000
The Seltos is a fairly new name from Korean marque Kia — it debuted a couple of years ago. The subcompact SUV offers 62.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats, Kia's DriveWise safety package, and torque-vectoring AWD, all starting at about $25,000.
Hyundai | 2023 Kona Limited
2023 Hyundai Kona: $25,000
Another Korean subcompact, the 2023 Kona offers plenty of options, including Hyundai's SmartSense safety features. The base model SUV starts around $25,000 when equipped with AWD. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and some trim levels offer the connectivity wirelessly.
Subaru | 2023 Crosstrek Sport
2023 Subaru Crosstrek: $25,000
It's not surprising that Subaru earns a second spot on this list. The 2023 Crosstrek, starting at $25,000, features the same AWD system as the Impreza — it's based on the Impreza hatchback, in fact, although with more ground clearance. The Crosstrek comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission and a choice between two engines: the base 2.0-liter four-cylinder or an optional 2.5-liter four-cylinder. There's a hybrid version available, as well.
Toyota | 2023 Corolla Hybrid
2023 Toyota Corolla AWD Hybrid: $26,000
If you're looking for an AWD hybrid, Toyota has you covered. The Corolla Hybrid also boasts the highest mpg ratings of any car here, with 48 mpg combined. Optioned with AWD, it costs about $26,000.
Chevrolet
2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer: $25,000
The only vehicle on this list from a U.S.-based automaker, the $25,000 Trailblazer features a compact 1.3-liter turbo engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission, along with selectable all-wheel drive that allows users to switch into front-wheel drive mode.
Subaru | 2021 Legacy
2023 Subaru Legacy: $25,000
When in doubt, add more Subaru. For its third entry, Subaru offers the Legacy, which is relatively bare-bones in base trim — the front seats are neither heated nor power-adjustable. Every Legacy trim level includes a version of Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist tech and comes standard with AWD. The 2023 Subaru Legacy starts around $25,000.
Toyota | 2022 Corolla Cross
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross: $26,000
The Corolla Cross offers a variety of driver-assistance features — such as adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning — as standard on every trim level. If you're looking for a way to get more cargo space than the Corolla sedan and all-wheel drive for just under $26,000, the Corolla Cross is worth considering.
Honda | HR-V EX-L
2023 Honda HR-V: $27,000
The HR-V rounds out our list and marks Honda's first appearance. At around $27,000 when optioned with AWD, Honda's entry subcompact SUV features an aluminum-accented interior and 55 total cubic feet of cargo space, perfect for hauling around all that winter gear.
