10 Best AWD Cars Under 20k

When faced with difficult driving conditions like mud, snow or rain, all-wheel drive gives drivers extra confidence by sending power to all wheels. The increased grip and performance used to be reserved for expensive off-road cars, like the Range Rover, but those days are gone, and you can easily pick up a used AWD car for under $20k.

In this list, we’ve ranked our best AWD cars under $20k, according to our BuzzScores.

10

2018 Honda CR-V

Fair Purchase Price: $16,069

The 2018 Honda CR-V is one of America’s favorite cars because of its practicality and reliability. This model is powered by either a 2.4L four-cylinder or a turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder. These engines won’t blow you away with their speed, but they’re smooth and are complemented by the soft ride. It also has a good-looking interior, although the touchscreen can be slow to use. All trim models are available with either FWD or AWD, and you can easily find this popular crossover SUV for under $20,000.

9

2019 Subaru Forester

Fair Purchase Price: $15,932

You really thought we’d make a list of the best used AWD cars for under $20,000 and not include a Subaru? Yeah, right. The 2019 Subaru Forester, as with many of the brand’s models, comes standard with AWD and a rugged interior that’s ready for life’s adventures. It’s composed on-road but also has enough excitement off-road through its strong 2.5L four-cylinder engine and generous amount of ground clearance. The CVT may hold it back slightly, but Forester is a household name for good reason, and it’s one of the best all-wheel-drive cars under $20k.

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8

2018 Subaru WRX

Fair Purchase Price: $14,428

The Subaru WRX is also a household name, but for a slightly different reason. It used to be a trim level on the Impreza, which was a car built for tackling dirt rallies before Subaru decided to make it a standalone car in 2015. Nowadays, you can even find the STi Limited version for under $20k, which uses the 305-hp 2.5L turbo boxer engine that Subaru is so famous for. Its capable AWD system and performance make it a fun car to drive, even in the lower trims.

7

2017 Audi A4 Allroad

Fair Purchase Price: $17,091

The Audi A4 Allroad is truly a jack of all trades. It’s shaped like a wagon but has extra ground clearance and plastic trim around the bottom to make it more capable offroad. Let’s not forget that Audi is the company that popularized AWD with its Quattro system, which helped it win multiple rallying titles. AWD comes as standard to match the looks and has a 2.0L engine to give it a sub-six-second 0-60 time, but we mainly love this car for its practicality and sleek looks.

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6

2018 BMW X3

Fair Purchase Price: $15,933

From one German brand to another with the 2018 BMW X3 that’s equipped with the strong and reliable BMW xDrive system. Unfortunately, you can’t quite squeeze in the M40i model at this price point, but the 2.0L four-cylinder that powers this German SUV is enough for most people with 248 hp. The standard interior is well-equipped and functional with a head-up display, Apple CarPlay and even gesture control. To go with the AWD, it has the usual BMW-like smooth ride and practicality.

5

2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Fair Purchase Price: $17,690

If a BMW is not for you, the 2017 Mercedes GLE-Class might be the answer. It remains a class above for luxury and refinement, but now you can find almost all trims for less than our magical $20k number fitted with Mercedes’ 4Matic AWD system. It’s got the usual big and bold Mercedes looks, and the luxury materials match the well-equipped interior. It doesn’t have the option of seven seats, so you’ll have to go up to a GLS if you need that option ticked, but otherwise, it’s a great all-round premium SUV.

4

2019 Volvo XC40

Fair Purchase Price: $17,714

It’s no surprise that there’s a Volvo on this list. The Swedes have to make cars that can deal with cold arctic winters, meaning all-wheel-drive is usually a must. The 2019 Volvo XC40 is a great-looking car that’s packed with safety features and two options for engines. With AWD, the 2.0-liter engine makes 248 hp and 258 lb-ft, which is enough for this small SUV. The interior may be great looking, but we found some of the trim to be cheap-feeling and middle-of-the-pack when it came to space for both occupants and cargo. Still, it’s a really handsome car that won’t break the bank.

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3

2020 Hyundai Palisade

Fair Purchase Price: $19,073

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade is big and bold. This three-row SUV is built on the same underpinnings as the Kia Telluride and powered by a 3.8L V6 producing at 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The interior is also well-designed and pleasant to use, featuring space for all occupants (although the back row can be tight for taller passengers). Instead of going for sportiness and driver engagement, the Palisade is supple, which is preferable for long family road trips. It’s all you would need from a family vehicle, and gets out vote as the best AWD car under $20k in the SUV segment.

2

2019 Volvo S60

Fair Purchase Price: $16,471

If you’re after a luxury midsize sedan, look no further than the Volvo S60. It’s powered (in T6 AWD form) by a twin-charged 2.0L four-cylinder making 316 horsepower, and it’ll be easy to control due to the AWD system. The inside is similar to the XC40, but has better materials and quite a bit of space for occupants. It may be hard to find a 2019 S60 with AWD for under $19k, as KBB suggests that only the lower two trims can be had for below the $20k mark.

1

2019 Kia Stinger

Fair Purchase Price: $17,089

First off, Stinger is a great name, sounding like something out of a Bond film. It’s quite surprising you can find this Korean saloon for less than $20k, as it was meant to compete with the established sports sedans like the Audi S4. The steering is sharp and nimble, while the 2.0L four-cylinder makes 255 horsepower to push you quickly along to the next corner. The 365-hp V6 can also be had for just below $20k, but you may have to search harder to find one, particularly with AWD. If you can find one, this is one of the best AWD cars you can buy for less than $20k.

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Sources: Kelley Blue Book