As the temperature drops below freezing, all-wheel-drive vehicles become more useful, even if you’re not the adventure-seeking, off-roading type. Having all-wheel drive may greatly enhance your vehicle’s traction, allowing you to navigate through any weather safely, be it snow, ice, sleet, hail, or just chilly rain.
Even though all-wheel drive can’t fix all problems on the road, it can help you stay on the road and move safely when things get bad. Good deals are always welcome, no matter the season, but especially in these days of rising interest rates and inflation. Fortunately, almost all of the major car manufacturers currently offer all-wheel-drive vehicles, many of which are very cheap.
We have put together a list of the 20 cheapest all-wheel-drive cars to help you start your search.
20 Cheapest All-Wheel-Drive Cars for 2024
20. 2024 Audi A4
Starting MSRP: $42,295
Like its sibling sedans, the A6 and A8, the 2024 Audi A4 is the reserved, powerful type in a world full of gregarious cars. It might not have the lavishness and bling of other rivals, but it has confidence and a refined aesthetic all its own. The A4 is available from Audi in two strengths: 40 and 45.
Both vehicles use a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder 12-volt hybrid powertrain with all-wheel drive; the 40 produces 201 hp, while the 45 produces 261 hp. It only comes with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The EPA rates the Audi A4 40 at 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. Those figures represent a 2 mpg gain over the 2023 model in each category.
19. 2024 BMW 2 Series
Starting MSRP: $41,395
At a price that is more affordable than its siblings, the 2024 2 Series offers the performance for which BMW is famous. With the added practicality of four doors, the 2 Series Gran Coupe is equally sporty. The M240i has a 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged with 382 hp, while the 230i has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 255 hp.
Both the 230i and M240i come with rear- and all-wheel drive options. There is only one transmission option: an eight-speed automatic. The 230i has four cylinders and rear-wheel drive. It gets 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The six-cylinder M240i with all-wheel drive gets 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
18. 2024 Toyota Crown
Starting MSRP: $41,145
There are a lot of good things about the 2024 Toyota Crown. After all, this is a roomy sedan with the outlook and comfort of an SUV. Moreover, it has one of two hybrid engine options as standard to help increase fuel efficiency and all-wheel drive for improved traction on slick roads. The hybrid powertrain found in all Crown models is exclusive to the top-tier Platinum model.
This model combines an electric motor mounted on the rear axle with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder to produce a total of 340 hp. According to EPA estimates, the Crown equipped with the standard hybrid powertrain may achieve up to 42 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway.
17. 2023 Dodge Charger
Starting MSRP: $40,520
The Dodge Charger combines Challenger-like performance with four-door usability. It’s a muscle car meant for more responsible drivers. With its massive V-8 engine and loud noises, the Charger pays homage to its NASCAR heritage. Sadly, not every Charger has a powerful Hemi V-8 engine under the hood, but they all come equipped with a top-notch eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive as standard.
On the other hand, the V-6 is more subtle and offers all-wheel drive. Even though Dodge doesn’t manufacture Chargers with manual gearboxes, it would be great if they did. The Charger is a large, heavy vehicle that burns a lot of gasoline. The estimated fuel economy for this charger is 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
16. 2023 Chrysler 300
Starting MSRP: $40,490
The 2023 Chrysler 300 gives the current generation of full-size cars a taste of classic America. With its optional Hemi V8 and rear-drive chassis, it sets itself apart from the competition. The Chrysler 300 boasts strong engine power, a roomy cabin, and a large trunk. All-wheel drive is available as an option, although it is limited to the base 3.6-liter V-6 engine with 292 hp.
The 300C model is the hot rod of the group, packing a 6.4-liter V-8 engine that produces 485 hp. The EPA estimates that rear-wheel-drive Chrysler 300 sedans powered by the standard V-6 get 19 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, while all-wheel-drive models get an even poorer 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
15. 2023 Kia Stinger
Starting MSRP: $40,065
The Kia Stinger is a thrill to drive and offers a luxurious vehicle appearance and feel at an affordable price. Two different turbocharged engine options are available for the Stinger: a 2.5-liter turbo-four with 300 hp and a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V-6 with 368 hp. Both engines use an eight-speed automatic transmission that shifts quickly at the redline and quietly when left alone.
Brembo brakes on the all-wheel-drive Stinger GT2 made it stop quickly and fit in with this class of high-performance sedans. Rear-drive, four-cylinder Stinger gets the best-predicted fuel economy at 22 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway. Adding all-wheel drive results in a modest decrease in efficiency, with EPA ratings of 21 and 29 mpg, respectively.
14. 2024 Audi A3
Starting MSRP: $38,495
The 2024 Audi A3 is a sporty-handling, compact, premium vehicle with an elegant exterior design. It is a top choice in the category because of the luxurious materials and cozy seating throughout the interior. The A3’s new look stays true to Audi’s current design language while adding a touch of sportiness and modernity.
The only powertrain option for A3 purchasers is the 201-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a 48-volt hybrid system and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is an optional feature; front-wheel drive is standard. The 2024 A3 gets 29 mpg city and 38 mpg highway from the EPA, and all-wheel-drive vehicles get 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
13. 2023 Dodge Challenger
Starting MSRP: $37,395
While competitor muscle cars have recently shifted their focus to precise handling, the 2023 Dodge Challenger maintains a classic design with a package more suited for straight-line speed and nostalgic pony-car thrills. These non-SRT Challengers come standard with a V-6 engine. The tiny engine only works with the eight-speed automatic, but it lacks power and excitement in the heavy Challenger.
The real excitement comes with the optional naturally aspirated Hemi V-8 engines, which range from 375 to 485 hp and 5.7 to 6.4 liters. The Challenger with a V-6 engine is expected to get 19 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. All-wheel drive reduces those fuel economy estimates by 1 and 3 mpg, respectively.
12. 2024 Toyota GR Corolla
Starting MSRP: $37,195
If you’re looking for a high-performance hot hatch that’s small, swift, and speedy, look no further than the 2024 Toyota GR Corolla. The GR Corolla is equipped with a three-cylinder turbocharged engine that is taken from the GR Yaris, a hatchback that the Japanese carmaker sells in international regions apart from the US.
The GR Corolla’s engine has been modified to produce 300 hp, which is 185.4 hp per liter and 43 hp more than the GR Yaris. The only available transmission is a six-speed manual, and Toyota’s GR-Four all-wheel-drive system is standard on all versions. Even though its EPA estimations of 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway are far lower than those of the standard Corolla hatchback, it still gets quite good fuel efficiency.
11. 2024 MINI Clubman
Starting MSRP: $37,145
Though it is essentially a station wagon, the Clubman embodies the Mini concept and has its own attractions. Mini has just shown a Final Edition version of the model, so if you like it, act fast. There are two trim levels for the five-seat MINI Clubman. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that powers all Mini Cooper Clubman variants produces 189 hp.
Mini pairs this engine with an optional all-wheel-drive system and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The EPA estimates that the most efficient Mini Cooper Clubman gets 25 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The fuel efficiency of all-wheel-drive vehicles is slightly lower, coming in at 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
10. 2023 Subaru WRX
Starting MSRP: $31,625
With its history in rally racing, powerful engine, and agile driving, the Subaru WRX is among the most thrilling cars in its class. It may not have the same level of elegance as other competitors, but that could enhance the performance-car feel. An all-new 2.4-liter flat-four turbocharged engine powers the WRX.
Its continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) or conventional six-speed manual transmission transmits 271 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard on all WRX models. The EPA rates the WRX at 22 mpg combined with a manual transmission and 21 mpg with an optional CVT automatic transmission.
9. 2024 Mazda 3
Starting MSRP: $30,225
The 2024 Mazda3’s elegant design, upscale cabin, and exuberant performance set it apart from other compact vehicles. For 2024, Mazda is making the Turbo hatchback available with a special Carbon trim. Carbon Turbos have attractive Zircon Sand Metallic paint and gloss-black wheels, side mirrors, and grilles.
With the 3, Mazda provides two different engine options, with the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 hp. This engine has front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The most costly Turbo models come with a 250-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter engine. With EPA ratings of 28 mpg city and 37 mpg highway, the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder car is the most fuel-efficient Mazda 3.
8. 2024 Toyota Prius
Starting MSRP: $30,145
While saving big bucks on petrol has always been cool, it hasn’t always looked that way. That is something that the updated Toyota Prius tries hard to change. A single powerplant commands the Toyota Prius range. This 2.0-liter hybrid inline-four gasoline engine, mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission, generates 194 hp.
Front-wheel drive is standard. Toyota adds a high-output permanent magnet electric motor to the rear axle for all-wheel-drive Priuses, increasing powertrain output to 196 hp. The EPA states the front-wheel-drive Prius gets 57 mpg city and 56 mpg highway. The all-wheel-drive LE model gets the most fuel economy boost, from 49 to 54 mpg combined.
7. 2024 Kia K5
Starting MSRP: $29,615
Providing a sleek design and optional all-wheel drive without compromising its essential features, the 2024 Kia K5 stands out in its class. If Kia offered a hybrid model, it might just be unbeatable. Most K5 types have a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 180 hp that works with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Front-wheel drive is standard on the engine; all-wheel drive is an optional feature available only on the GT-Line. The full-Monty GT features a 2.5-liter turbo four with 290 hp and 311 lb-ft. According to EPA estimations, K5, with the base four-cylinder engine, can achieve up to 27 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.
6. 2024 Nissan Altima
Starting MSRP: $29,145
With its affordable starting price and recent upgrades, the 2024 Nissan Altima is a strong contender in its class. The 2024 Nissan Altima is a practical choice for a daily commuter. It’s reasonably priced for a midsize sedan, loaded with standard safety equipment, and offers ample room for both passengers and goods.
Every Altima is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 188 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. The range-topper’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine produces 248 hp when using premium gas. The Altima is expected to get 26 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway.
5. 2024 Toyota Camry
Starting MSRP: $28,915
The 2024 Toyota Camry is a top-notch family car because of its versatile interior, reliable engine, and high safety scores. With 13 different trim levels, almost every customer can find something they like. Although the base four-cylinder engine has a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission, its acceleration figures are underwhelming.
Hybrid trims use a battery and two electric motors to power a sedan with a less powerful engine, making it less fun to drive. But we no longer dislike driving the Camry due to the smooth 301-hp V-6 included in the XLE, XSE, and TRD models. It is estimated that this Camry will get 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the interstate.
4. 2024 Subaru Legacy
Starting MSRP: $26,015
The Subaru Legacy is a cozy midsize sedan that features a stylish interior, great basic safety features, and an extensive infotainment system with a big touchscreen available on higher model levels. Since it’s cheaper than many of its competitors, budget-conscious consumers who desire all-wheel drive might consider it.
The base engine is a 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder with 182 hp. The Sport and Touring XT models have a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine that makes 260 hp. Every Legacy model has a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive. This Legacy is predicted to provide 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
3. 2024 Toyota Corolla
Starting MSRP: $25,795
Everyone loves the 2024 Toyota Corolla, and for good reason. The newest technology and safety features make today’s model stand out, and hybrid models use much less gas than other types. The Corolla’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 169 hp, and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) transfers that power to the front wheels.
The engine is the same for all hatchbacks, but the sedan also has a hybrid powertrain. In addition to a four-cylinder, the Corolla sedan comes with a hybrid model. According to the EPA, the all-wheel-drive hybrid is rated at 47 mpg city and 41 mpg highway, while the front-drive hybrid is expected to get 50 mpg city and 43 mpg highway.
2. 2024 Kia Seltos
Starting MSRP: $25,715
The 2024 Seltos makes a name for itself in Kia’s competitive lineup of similar-value cars because of its sleek style, roomy interior, and engaging driving edge. The exterior and interior styles of the Seltos have been updated for 2024. The SUV’s exterior is enhanced with a redesigned grille, modernized lighting elements, new tire designs, and a rear light bar that connects the taillamps.
The Seltos’ optional turbo 1.6-liter four-cylinder now produces 195 hp, 20 hp more than last year, and replaces the seven-speed automatic transmission with an eight-speed unit. Four-cylinder, 2.0-liter front-wheel-drive vehicles are expected to get 34 mpg on the highway.
1. 2024 Subaru Impreza
Starting MSRP: $24,115
Redesigned for 2024, the little Subaru Impreza features a better-quality interior and more sophisticated looks. It has a four-cylinder engine with 152 hp and a continuously variable gearbox as standard, which adds up to dull acceleration and excessive noise. Though it could benefit from additional power at the base, the car’s handling and ride quality are well-balanced.
The new cabin of the Impreza seems more premium than that of previous versions, and it can accommodate five people. Although the front seats have plenty of room, taller people might find them cramped. While the optional 11.6-inch (29.4 cm) unit is much easier to operate, two 7-inch (17.7 cm) touch panels are standard. This Impreza is predicted to get 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
Conclusion
With the rising prices of all-wheel-drive vehicles, it becomes very difficult to find a suitable vehicle, especially if you are on a tight budget. However, not all AWD cars are expensive; some car makers still offer great all-wheel-drive vehicles at affordable prices. We have narrowed down a list of the 20 best and cheapest all-wheel-drive compact cars you can buy in 2024. Hopefully, this guide will help you choose the best car, and that too without breaking the bank.
