Top 10 Best AWD Cars Under $30k You Can Buy in 2024

Last updated on September 10th, 2024 at 10:27 pm

It’s difficult to locate a fast AWD car under $30,000 in decent condition, especially if you’re confined to exclusively AWD drivetrains, but it’s not impossible. There are many reasons to choose an all-wheel-drive vehicle rather than a front- or rear-wheel-drive vehicle. For some, it’s the ability to go off-road on their trips. For others, it’s the exhilarating performance and the ability of all four tyres to hold curves securely and quicken down straightaways. For many, it’s the assurance that their vehicle can withstand any type of weather.

You can get reliable, durable all-wheel drive cars at reasonable costs, whether you want a car for one specific purpose or a jack of all crafts. As a result, we’ve compiled a list of the finest AWD cars under $30,000. You’ll need patience and to examine a few key factors before purchasing any fast All-Wheel-Drive card car.

Care: Despite how good a car’s condition is, it will need to be serviced on a regular basis; certain models will cost less, while others will cost more.

Resale: Regardless of market value, these cars typically have limited resale liquidity, which means they are not a cash-in-hand asset and take time to sell.

Examination: A detailed guide on how to inspect a few crucial factors before offering a price on a car you’re interested in.

10 Best All-Wheel-Drive Cars Under $30k

#1. Subaru Impreza WRX 2014

It would be impossible to start this list without mentioning the Subaru. Because it is a Subaru, the Impreza has a compact design that provides safety, efficiency, spaciousness, and standard AWD. These vehicles are also available in hatchback body types, with ruggedized, elevated Crosstreks trim options. It’s one of the best AWD cars under $30,000 on the market right now.

While many Crosstrek variants are unlikely to be found for less than $30,000, there are various Impreza AWD sedans and hatchbacks to choose from at this price point. The WRX has the reputation of being a powerful, quick, compact car with a 265-hp 4000 rpm torque under his hood, but the special edition WRX STI would cost much more and might not be a deal under $30,000.

Price Range From: $23,500

Also Check: 10 Best AWD Sedans Under $20K You Can Buy Right Now

#2. Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot is another excellent option. It’s a roomy and dependable three-row family crossover. The Honda Odyssey minivan comes with a variety of basic amenities. The Honda Pilot, on the other hand, has all-wheel drive, whilst the Honda Odyssey is only front-wheel drive. The Best AWD Vehicle

Furthermore, this model has car-like driving, a smooth ride, and adequate space for you, your kids, and your belongings. This workhorse is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that provides 250 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque and is mated to a 5-speed automated transmission. This second-generation vehicle can accommodate up to 8 passengers.

Price Range From: $26,830

Also Check: 10 Best New 4-Door Sports Cars Under $20K

#3. Subaru Outback

If you’re looking for a new station wagon, the Outback is a must-see. It’s the cheapest model in this admittedly small segment – starting at about $27,000 – but it’s also the most practical for families, thanks to its generous sitting space and class-leading load space. Suaru Outack offer comparable interior room, safety features in a cheaper price range.

Price Range From: $27,000

#4. Honda Element

The Honda Element is a one-of-a-kind vehicle. The Element, shaped like a box on wheels, was only sold for one generation, from 2003 to 2011. It was soon praised for its unusual, space-saving design, which includes rear-hinged half doors behind the main front doors, a split rear tailgate, and a composite rubber interior floor that is simpler to clean than typical automotive carpet. The Element is ideal for everyone from small company owners to pet owners to weekend warriors hauling gear, bikes, kayaks, and other items. Around 400 used Elements from the 2003 to 2011 model years are presently offered on Autotrader for $30,000 or less, with around 250 of them having AWD.

Price Range From: $22,935 

#5. Infiniti G-Series

Nissan’s Infiniti brand may not be the most thrilling luxury marque, but its products tend to offer decent value, especially on the secondhand market, when compared to the Germans and even the premium brands of Honda and Toyota. Take, for example, the G-Series. The fourth-generation G was available in sedan, coupe, and convertible body styles from 2007 through 2015 model years. Power was plentiful; choosing a G35 and you’ll get a 3.5-liter V6 with 306 horsepower, while later G37s had a 3.7-liter V6 with around 330 horsepower. Beginning in 2008, a 7-speed automatic transmission was available. 0-60 took roughly five seconds flat, which is extremely quick. Around 300 AWD-equipped 2007-2015 Infiniti G-Series cars are now listed on Autotrader for under $30,000. The majority of these are sedans; however, there are perhaps 30 coupes on the list that are within our price.

Price Range From: $20,600

#6. Nissan Juke

The Juke combines the features of a high-riding crossover with a sporty hatchback in a unique package. Needless to say, this monster is one-of-a-kind, and it has the appearance to match. A 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 188 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque came standard, which are acceptable numbers for a vehicle of this size. The Juke’s continuously variable automatic transmission isn’t our favorite, but it’s the only way to have all-wheel traction. With taut suspension adjustment, the Juke offers dialed-in handling. On Autotrader, there are now over 250 AWD-equipped Jukes for sale for $30,000 or less.

Price Range From: $21,200

#7. Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 is all about simple, reliable mobility. The third-generation RAV4 was available from 2008 to 2012 model years and is now a wonderful alternative for anyone seeking for a secondhand AWD car for under $30,000. While the first-generation RAV4 had a fun 2-door option, the third-generation RAV4 is solely a 4-door. On Autotrader, there are now over 500 2008-2012 RAV4s posted for sale that meet our budget. The third-generation RAV4 was notable for having a shockingly powerful optional V6 engine, which made this otherwise unremarkable vehicle actually quite quick. Over 100 of the more than 500 RAV4s posted on Autotrader that meet our budget have this powerful V6 engine.

Price Range From: $26,150

#8. Ford Fusion

The Ford Fusion has been available with optional AWD since its first generation, making it one of only a few midsize cars on the market to do so. AWD is offered in the Fusion with either a 4- or 6-cylinder engine, giving consumers to choose between efficiency and performance. For the 2010 model year, the Fusion underwent various changes, thus we recommend looking for examples from 2010 to 2012. On Autotrader, there are approximately 150 AWD-equipped Fusions from these model years that are now within our price range.

Price Range From: $23,170

#9. Subaru Forester

The Forester is another compact SUV that is both spacious and competent. A used Forester is a smart pick for just about any budget, thanks to its generally outstanding safety ratings and standard AWD. The Forester even had a turbocharged engine as an option, which is ideal for buyers who do a lot of driving at higher altitudes. Right now, 2009-2013 models can be had for roughly $30,000, and there are about 800 to select from on Autotrader, with about 30 of them being the turbocharged XT type. If you’re looking for something a little fresher, the Forester’s fourth generation has roughly 100 cars listed from 2012 to 2015, albeit most of these come in lower trim levels and have a higher mileage.

Price Range From: $25,845

#10. Acura RL

The 2010 Acura RL’s 3.7-liter V-6 engine produces 300 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, putting it on level with the competition. Peaky power delivery, with maximum power above 5,000 rpm, gives the car a high-strung sensation, while off-the-line acceleration is nevertheless quick. Although the five-speed paddle-shifted automatic transmission is quick, it lacks the sixth gear present in many rival vehicles.

Price Range From: $30,000

WHAT IS THE MOST RESISTANT ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE CAR?

Nowadays, many vehicles come preloaded with all-wheel drive, but the most trustworthy AWD vehicles offer a little more. Even though these vehicles are designed to prevent difficult circumstances with improved traction, they also prevent constant downtime due to their high dependability. As a result, there are numerous economical solutions available, including ones that are trustworthy and cost up to $30,000. There are lots of options for drivers who want the benefits of all-wheel drive, but don’t require the extra size of a sports vehicle or one with a crossover.

The Final Comment on the Best AWD Winter Car under $30,000

The above article is a complete evaluation of the best all-wheel drive automobiles available for under $30,000. AWD versions have additional benefits, which is why many people will prefer them. You may now experience, excellent performance and enhanced confidence with the best AWD cars under $30,000. Simply select your best model from the greatest AWD, new cars under $30,000, fun used AWD vehicles, or AWD manual cars under $30,000. Lastly, don’t forget to ceramic coat your car for lasting protection. Find out more here.

My Drive Car is the simplest way in guiding you to buy a car; we provide you with a comprehensive guide to automobiles. My Drive Car has developed a list of the most important considerations to make when purchasing a new car in order to make the process go as smoothly as possible.