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All-wheel drive is a popular option for cars and SUVs — and it’s not hard to see why. Having that extra confidence-inspiring traction when the roads get nasty can mean a safer drive in any road condition you might encounter. If you live in a snowy climate, AWD is worth serious consideration.
Luckily, getting AWD doesn’t mean spending a fortune. Here are the 10 most affordable new all-wheel-drive vehicles you can buy in 2020. The prices listed are the MSRPs of the most affordable version of that vehicle that you can get with AWD.
Subaru Impreza — $18,695
The 2020 Subaru FUJHY, -1.73% Impreza continues its reign as the most affordable AWD car on the market. The compact car is also the only vehicle on this list under the $20,000 mark. The Impreza comes standard with AWD on every trim, and it’s available as a sedan and as a hatchback. Its seating is surprisingly roomy for a compact car, and its good fuel economy is another part of what makes it a great value. The EyeSight safety tech suite is now standard on 2020 models equipped with the continuously variable transmission.
Ford EcoSport — $21,590
The Ford Ecosport.
Ford
The Ford F, -1.28% EcoSport got a price cut for 2020, making it the most affordable AWD-equipped crossover SUV you can get. The subcompact SUV is maneuverable and easy to park thanks to its small footprint, and it has a cute aesthetic that gives it some character. The swing-out cargo door is a unique touch, and we like this crossover’s optional SYNC 3 infotainment system. A Wi-Fi hotspot is now standard in every 2020 EcoSport, making it a little more tech-savvy.
Hyundai Kona — $21,700
The Hyundai Kona
Hyundai
The 2020 Hyundai HYMTF, +0.89% Kona is a small SUV with a big personality, and it’s one of the most affordable ways to get behind the wheel of an AWD-equipped crossover. A clear segment leader, the Kona has stylish looks, a nicely designed interior and user-friendly technologies — including the UVO infotainment system, which is one of our favorites. Its handling is composed and its ride is smooth, and we especially like the lively available turbocharged engine, which we recommend if your budget allows it.
Mazda CX-3 — $22,040
If you’re looking for an affordable, practical AWD crossover but you also want something that’s fun to drive, then the 2020 Mazda CX-3 could be exactly what you’re looking for. Its agile handling makes it the athlete of the group. The sole engine option won’t win any drag races, but it gives this MZDAY, -4.56% more than enough kick to be fun at any speed. You get a generous list of standard features, too, including Android Auto and Apple AAPL, +1.91% CarPlay connectivity and Mazda’s i-Activsense suite of driver assistance technologies.
Subaru Crosstrek — $22,145*
The Subaru Crosstrek.
Subaru
Nothing combines ruggedness and cuteness quite like the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek. Whether you want to call it a crossover or a tall hatchback, the Crosstrek is a capable off-roader with generous ground clearance and standard AWD. It’s also a great value thanks to its affordable price tag and standard equipment, which now includes automatic climate control. Not only is it great off-road, but it’s comfortable on-road, and its generous cargo hold adds to its practicality.
Honda HR-V — $22,320
The 2020 Honda HR-V is a super practical choice in subcompact SUVs. Not only does it have the safety, reliability and resale value ratings you would expect from a Honda HMC, -0.03% , but it’s also one of the roomiest crossovers in its class, with a stunning amount of interior space for passengers and cargo. Like the rest of the top players in its class, it’s agile in the city yet plenty smooth and comfortable on the highway. It also returns excellent fuel economy, even when equipped with optional AWD.
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Subaru Legacy — $22,745
The Subaru Legacy is the only midsize sedan on this list and the only car in its class that comes standard with AWD. There are a few other alternatives in the AWD midsize sedan segment, such as the Nissan NSANY, -6.33% Altima and the Toyota TM, -1.17% Camry, but the Legacy is the most affordable of the bunch. Completely redesigned, the all-new 2020 Legacy has an upscale new interior, modern technology and an awesome new turbocharged engine that replaces the outgoing V6.
See: The all-new Ford Bronco Sport: a smaller Bronco with more mass appeal
Chevrolet Trax — $22,800
If a great infotainment system is important to you, then the 2020 Chevrolet Trax is a good, affordable choice if you’re looking for a crossover with AWD. This subcompact SUV got a tech update for 2020, and it includes the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System as standard kit on every trim. The user-friendly system with a 7-in touchscreen is packed with features such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Trax also comes with the easy driveability that you get with most of the pint-size SUVs in this class.
Mazda CX-30 — $23,300
The Mazda CX30
Mazda
The Mazda CX-30 is all-new this year, and it’s as sporty as it is practical. It has the considerable fun-to-drive factor that Mazda’s famous for, plus some of the finest interior quality this side of a true luxury SUV. The CX-30 earned the coveted Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and it comes standard with driver assistance tech like low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist and more. For a seamless blend of fun and practicality, the 2020 Mazda CX-30 is hard to beat.
Also see: These are the most popular cars this summer
Jeep Compass — $23,780
Jeep Compass
Jeep
The most affordable way to bring home a Jeep with AWD is the 2020 Jeep Compass. The Compass serves up authentic Jeep character with its distinct appearance and its impressive off-road capabilities when equipped with AWD. It also has the excellent Uconnect infotainment system, which is easy to get used to and comes standard with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. If you want to get serious about off-roading in a small crossover, consider upgrading to the more capable Trailhawk trim if you have some extra room in your budget.
This story originally ran on Autotrader.com.
