10 Cheapest 4-Wheel Drive Cars

2015 Jeep Renegade ・ Photo by Jeep

Though most affordable cars put power to the front wheels only, shopping for a new car on a budget doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll get stuck in a rut. Cheap cars with all-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive systems are out there. In a few cases, the 4-corner power comes standard, though for most, it’s available with a reasonable upcharge. The provided MSRPs for each of the 10 cheapest 4-wheel drive cars are based on the least-expensive version that comes with 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.

2016 Subaru Impreza — MSRP $18,295

The 2016 Subaru Impreza is an affordable compact car that seats five in its available sedan and hatchback bodystyles. Like all Subarus (with the exception of the BRZ coupe), the Impreza includes the brand’s excellent all-wheel drive system as standard equipment. It’s this system that’s helped make Subaru such a strong seller in northern climates and among adventurous types, since even the most basic Subarus (like the Impreza) are capable of occasional soft-roading. The 2016 Impreza is one of the most fuel-efficient all-wheel drive vehicles available as well as one of the 10 cheapest 4-wheel drive cars.

Photo by Subaru

2016 Jeep Patriot — MSRP $19,695

It might not be the least expensive 4-wheel drive vehicle out there, but the 2016 Jeep Patriot takes the cheapest SUV title. In its most basic (and least expensive) 4-wheel drive configuration, the Patriot will get the job done—but Jeep offers plenty of options for buyers with bigger budgets. Available systems include the Freedom-Drive II Off-Road package, which comes with low-range 4-wheel drive, skid plates, and hill descent control. A less hardcore all-wheel drive system is also a totally valid option for the Patriot.

Photo by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

2016 Jeep Renegade — MSRP $19,995

Jeep’s 2016 Renegade SUV is known for a few things: its cheap entry-level price, attention-getting and unique styling, and serious off-road capabilities. The compact Renegade may look cartoonish and rather un-Jeep-like, but its underpinnings remain true to the brand’s objectives. Jeep offers the Renegade with a choice between two off-road systems, both of which come with Jeep’s Selec-Terrain traction management system. Selec-Terrain enables the driver to change driving modes based on the type of surface, totally customizing the Renegade’s driving dynamics.

Photo by Jeep

2016 Mitsubishi Lancer — MSRP $19,995

Though the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer’s actual cost of entry is a bit less than what’s quoted here, the sedan must be ordered in the ES trim level or above to come equipped with all-wheel drive. This compact, five-passenger sedan is no longer available in the high-performance Evolution trim, but the all-wheel drive Lancer still offers admirable driver-focused dynamics. That said, the Lancer’s hard cornering and tight turning abilities may come as a bit of a shock to some passengers, since comfort isn’t exactly a high priority, although it is one of the cheapest 4-wheel drive cars.

Photo by Mitsubishi

2016 Mazda CX-3 — MSRP $21,210

The price of an all-wheel drive version of the 2016 Mazda CX-3 starts about $1,300 above the base front-wheel drive version, making this compact crossover another option for a cheap 4-wheel drive car. The Mazda CX-3, which is a totally new addition to the Mazda lineup for this year, comes powered by a 146-horsepower engine that delivers very competitive fuel economy, which also increases the crossover’s value. And, like the other vehicles in the Mazda lineup, the CX-3 is rather fun to drive, with athletic handling and a peppy personality.

Photo by Mazda

2016 Honda HR-V — MSRP $21,315

The Honda HR-V is another small SUV that’s new for 2016 and represents an inexpensive way to get all-wheel drive. The cheapest HR-V on the market puts its power to the front wheels, but all-wheel drive is an option on the HR-V’s base trim, adding a couple grand to the car’s bottom line. The 2016 HR-V is designed to be a basic, well-rounded vehicle rather than a true off-road contender. Ride quality favors comfort over sportiness, but all-wheel drive provides an edge.

Photo by Honda

2016 Subaru Crosstrek — MSRP $21,595

When a brand is known for its all-wheel drive system, it should be no surprise when that brand shows up several times amongst the cheapest 4-wheel and all-wheel drive cars. Spoiler alert: the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek won’t be the last Subie to make an appearance here. The Crosstrek is refreshed for this year, following through on the same concept of a wagon-esque crossover. More aggressive styling and more ground clearance help the Crosstrek stand out from the less expensive Impreza, although the two have much in common.

Photo by Subaru

2016 Jeep Compass — MSRP $21,695

While the aforementioned Jeep Patriot has mild styling, and the aforementioned Renegade goes a bit off the rails in terms of aesthetics, the 2016 Jeep Compass is the most “Jeep-like” Jeep on this list of cheap 4-wheel drive vehicles. That’s thanks mainly to its exterior, which is clearly inspired by the Grand Cherokee school of design. This compact SUV seats five, and, like the other Jeeps highlighted here, offers a couple of different 4-wheel drive systems, depending on how much the buyer is willing to spend on upcharges.

Photo by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

2016 Subaru Legacy — MSRP $21,745

The 2016 Legacy is Subaru’s mid-range midsize sedan, offering more power and features than the Impreza. Like the Subaru cars we’ve already discussed, every Legacy includes all-wheel drive, providing a smooth ride for five passengers and a thoroughly engaging experience for the driver. For 2016, the Subaru Legacy features a retuned suspension and updated power steering system, further enhancing the sedan’s athleticism. Though the Subaru Legacy isn’t the cheapest vehicle on this list of cheap 4-wheel drive vehicles, its capable design and thoughtful features ensure it’s still a strong value.

Photo by Subaru

2016 Chevrolet Trax — MSRP $21,800

Chevrolet snags the last spot among the cheapest 4-wheel drive cars with the 2016 Trax. The Trax is a 5-passenger crossover with a reputation for providing a great value (when all-wheel drive is checked off on the options seat, it costs just a few bucks more than the Subaru Impreza). That said, Chevrolet did have to cut some corners to attain this price point—the budget-oriented cabin is one such casualty. Overall, though, this Chevy is a solid choice for a domestic all-wheel drive alternative to Jeep.

Photo by General Motors