In rainy and snowy weather, the driving mode of a car directly affects the safety and stability of the vehicle on the road. Driving a car with all-wheel drive provides a better sense of control, as well as enhanced safety. However, all-wheel drive vehicles tend to be more expensive compared to front-wheel drive cars. Fortunately, there are still affordable all-wheel drive options available on the market.
Many regions around the world experience seasons with snow and heavy rainfall throughout the year. Such weather conditions can lead to slippery roads, making it harder for vehicles to maintain traction. Therefore, having a suitable vehicle during adverse weather conditions is crucial, with all-wheel drive offering increased traction by distributing power to all four wheels.
Although SUVs are often praised for their all-weather performance, many sedans also offer comparable traction and handling capabilities in addition to being more stylish and efficient.
All-wheel drive models may come at a premium, but “U.S. News & World Report” has selected cost-effective car models that offer all-wheel drive functionality. This list highlights the most affordable all-wheel drive sedans and SUVs from the 2025 and 2026 lineup, all priced below $30,000 in ascending order.
Starting Price: $23,330
“Nissan Kicks” receives a rating of 8.8/10 from “U.S. News & World Report” for its affordability and grip performance with all-wheel drive. The car is praised for its generous standard features and cost-effective nature. While the engine power of this model could be improved, it boasts excellent fuel efficiency. The front-wheel drive variant offers a cargo space of 60 cubic feet, which slightly decreases to 50.1 cubic feet for the all-wheel drive model.
All models offer an all-wheel drive version, requiring an additional cost ranging from $1,500 to $1,650, depending on the model. The Nissan Kicks provides a comfortable driving experience on most road surfaces, with its lightweight steering system proving valuable in tight city spaces and strong braking capabilities enabling quick stops.
Starting Price: $23,610
“Subaru Impreza” comes standard with all-wheel drive across all models. While experts note the somewhat cheap feel of the cabin materials with an abundance of hard plastics, the interior structure is robust, providing ample legroom for second-row passengers, along with 56 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats.
The base engine of the Subaru Impreza performs well in city driving but may struggle when overtaking on highways. The driving experience is smooth, and the balance of handling is impressive. All models come equipped with convenience features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, dual-zone automatic climate control, and adaptive cruise control.
Starting Price: $24,690
“The Kia Seltos” LX base model comes standard with all-wheel drive, as do the X-Line and SX models, with the S and EX models offering it as an option.
Kia has upgraded the cabin materials of the 2025 Seltos, providing unexpectedly high-end cabin experience below $25,000. Passengers enjoy ample legroom, and the cargo space in the Seltos is generous, with 26.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 62.8 cubic feet behind the front seats.
Standard driver assistance systems include lane-keeping assist and automatic high beams.
Starting Price: $24,995
Receiving a rating of 9.1/10 from “U.S. News & World Report,” the “Mazda CX-30” stands out as a compact SUV with luxurious cabin features. However, compared to some competitors, the CX-30 offers less passenger space, especially in the rear seats, and has a smaller cargo space relative to other small SUVs in the market.
The CX-30 is an ideal choice for driving enthusiasts and is one of the sportiest models in its class. All models feature all-wheel drive.
Starting Price: $25,210
All Subaru models come standard with all-wheel drive capability. The Subaru Legacy provides a smooth driving experience, making it an ideal choice for shopping and commuting. While the cargo space is decent, it may not lead its class, offering 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space. 2025 marks the final year of production for this car.
The Legacy’s standard features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, dual touchscreens, and satellite radio. All models come with practical driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
Starting Price: $25,225
Earning a rating of 8.5/10, the Toyota (Toyota) vehicle offers excellent fuel efficiency, resulting in significant fuel savings. All-wheel drive is optional, and models with all-wheel drive achieve impressive fuel efficiency, with city mileage up to 51 miles per gallon and highway mileage reaching 44 miles per gallon.
Starting Price: $25,435
With a starting price of $25,810, the Toyota SUV offers various standard features such as adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, wireless smartphone integration, and satellite radio. All configurations come with all-wheel drive as an option, requiring an additional $1,300.
Starting Price: $25,810
Similar to many Subaru models, the Ascent comes standard with all-wheel drive. This affordable compact SUV offers a comfortable interior, well-thought-out layout, smooth driving experience, making daily commuting and shopping a breeze. The SUV’s rear storage space is 19.9 cubic feet, which expands to 54.7 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. All models come equipped with adaptive cruise control, adaptive headlights, and lane-keeping assist.
Starting Price: $26,050
Hyundai Kona boasts a spacious cabin, with a stylish interior as you move up the configurations from the base model. Each model is equipped with blind spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, forward collision mitigation, and driver attention monitoring, while all models offer all-wheel drive as an option.
Starting Price: $26,695
The Volkswagen Taos may have a slightly underwhelming engine performance, but its supportive seats and comfortable driving experience make up for it. Both lower trim levels are available with all-wheel drive, while the top-tier SEL model comes standard with all-wheel drive.
Starting Price: $27,700
If you’re in the market for a spacious subcompact SUV, the Honda HR-V is a notable option. The front space is generous, and the rear seats are equally comfortable, providing ample seating for adults. The HR-V is known for its agile handling and smooth driving experience. All models offer all-wheel drive with an additional $1,500 cost.
Starting Price: $28,000
Buick Encore GX boasts outstanding cargo space, with 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.2 cubic feet when the seats are folded. The model offers three configurations, all of which can be equipped with all-wheel drive, including standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning.