Small AWD SUV Models You Can Buy For Under 45K In 2025

Small SUVs are all the rage in today’s market. Their small size makes them a top pick for those who value space-saving, while their slightly lifted ride height offers extra capabilities. While the majority of these small SUVs offer front-wheel-drive at the entry-point to their ranges, they all have the option to add all-wheel drive for extra off-road and all-weather prowess. Because of the number of offerings on the market today, consumers are flooded with choices from nearly every automaker; we have compiled a list of the ten best small SUV models with AWD capabilities you can buy in 2025 for under $45,000.

2026 Volvo XC40

Base AWD MSRP: $43,895

The Volvo XC40 is the first of the more premium options on our list, starting at $41,195; adding AWD brings that price to just under $44k before destination. The XC40, when launched back in 2018, took the premium compact SUV market by storm, and quickly became Volvo’s second best-selling model, after the larger XC60. Today, the XC40 and its electric brother, the EX40, sit as a stylish compact SUV option that combines a luxurious interior with top-of-the-line safety, a signature feature of all Volvo models. While the XC40’s all-wheel-drive system may not win it any off-roading competitions, it is helpful for rough weather.

2025 Mercedes GLA

Base AWD MSRP: $43,500

Mercedes’ cheapest model, the GLA, is one of the more premium options on our list. At $41,500, this compact SUV is one of those priced high – and AWD asks for another $2,000 on top of that. However, the interior and driving experience may be worth it. The GLA carries a similar interior to other larger Mercedes SUVs like the GLE and GLS, while all being put into a more compact and economical body. Like most of the cars on this list, the GLA is not an off-road warrior. However, the all-wheel drive option on the GLA does give the car a better 0-60 time, all while being able to handle worse weather with ease.

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2026 BMW X1

Base AWD MSRP: $42,800

The BMW X1 is the last SUV on this list to surpass the $40k mark, with new models starting at $42,800. The new X1 is slightly bigger and beefier than the old model, and comes with some high-quality premium touches that set it apart from other models. For one, the X1’s interior features the same steering wheel and screen setup as more expensive models like the X3 and X5, while being half the price of the latter offering. The X1 is also one of the better-driving SUVs on our list, sharing a platform with the Mini Countryman which is also a very fun car to drive. And, with 241 hp and a 7-speed DCT at your disposal, this small all-wheel drive SUV moves to 60 mph in just 6.2 seconds. The X1 is about as premium and driver-focused an SUV as you can find at this size with all-wheel drive, and while it may be expensive, we think it’s worth it.

2025 Ford Bronco Sport

Base AWD MSRP: $30,995

The Ford Bronco Sport is another off-road capable SUV on our list. For the 2025 lineup, 4×4 is standard from the base Big Bend mode, which adds serious capability to this small SUV. While not as heavy-duty as its bigger Bronco brother, the Bronco Sport has to be both a comfortable daily on-road cruiser and also able to tackle anything and everything thrown at it. It does that with the same signature Bronco flare that the regular Bronco has, what with its chunky exterior and available brush guard and off-road tires and wheels. And now that Ford might be discontinuing the Escape crossover at the end of 2025, the Bronco Sport could become Ford’s smallest SUV with AWD; if you’re looking for a future Ford SUV with added practicality and all-wheel drive ruggedness, the Bronco Sport is your best bet.

2025 Dodge Hornet

Base AWD MSRP: $29,995

The Dodge Hornet is Dodge’s newest and smallest SUV to date. It starts at just $29,995, it offers a lot for the money – including all-wheel drive with torque vectoring from the get-go. The Hornet’s secret sauce is the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with a class-leading 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque; it can rocket to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds, one of the quickest non-premium SUVs on our list. While the all-wheel-drive system on the Hornet may not be optimized for off-roading, it is better suited for use as a street car, a vehicle ideally suited to tackling curvy roads and rainy weather (as we found in our test drive in the snow).

2026 Chevy Trailblazer

Base AWD MSRP: $29,400

The Chevy Trailblazer is Chevy’s smallest SUV on our list. It starts at $23,300 but adding AWD brings the price up to $29,400. The Trailblazer is a modern retelling of the classic SUV of the same name, and although the new Trailblazer may not be the rough-and-tumble SUV that the old school model was, the all-wheel-drive aspect of this offering means it can handle most types of weather thrown at it. The Trailblazer’s small size also means it is perfect as an urban runaround car. It has a feature-rich interior in its base model form. With features like active lane assist and ten airbags, the Trailblazer is one of the safest cars in its class, and given that it is also one of the cheapest cars with AWD, that’s a real bonus.

2026 Honda HR-V

Base AWD MSRP: $27,700

The Honda HR-V is Honda’s smallest SUV, and at just $26,200 competes directly with models like the aforementioned Corolla Cross. While not explicitly based on the Civic, the HR-V does share a platform with the small car, and, if you’re a fan of the Civic’s interior, the HR-V may be the SUV for you. The dashboard, including the screen, steering wheel, and mono-vent, are all lifted right from the Civic. What isn’t lifted from the Civic is the HR-Vs optional all-wheel-drive system, the same one found in Honda’s larger SUV models like the Pilot and Passport. That means you get the same off-road-capable system, which, even if the HR-V won’t be hitting any hardcore trails anytime soon, still leaves some peace of mind that this cheap SUV can hold its own in most situations. With AWD, it costs only $27,700.

2025 Subaru Crosstrek

Base AWD MSRP: $26,560

The Subaru Crosstrek is one of the only SUVs on our list with AWD as standard, per the Subaru SUV lineup. The Crosstrek is a smaller SUV with big aspirations, as it claims to be as off-road ready as the rest of the brand’s offerings, despite its size and $26,560 price tag. Still, the Crosstrek is a solid option for those looking for a compact SUV with AWD, as models like the Wilderness edition add extra body paneling, a tuned suspension, and more off-road modes than the typical Crosstrek – and even in those top trims, the Crosstrek doesn’t come close to our $45k cap. The Crosstrek also comes with Subaru’s legendary dependability and superior safety, getting a 5-star crash test rating by the IIHS.

2026 Toyota Corolla Cross

Base AWD MSRP: $25,935

The Corolla Cross was launched back in 2022 as an SUV version of Toyota’s ever-popular Corolla model, and became an instant success. Overnight, the Corolla Cross became one of the brand’s best-selling cars, and it’s easy to see why. The Corolla Cross combines the best of both worlds: a more capable SUV design with additional trunk space, mixed with legendary Toyota reliability. The corolla Cross’ cheap $24,635 price tag also makes it accessible to nearly everyone in the new car market – and adding AWD pushes that up with another $1,300. There’s even a hybrid option that gives even better fuel economy.