All-wheel drive might not be a must-have, but it sure is enjoyable to have if you live in any of the large swaths of America that regularly view snow. Certainly a excellent set of winter tires will get the job done much of the period, but if you desire ultimate tranquility of mind, there’s no substitute for all-wheel drive. merge the two and you’re virtually unstoppable.
All-wheel drive was once rare in cars, but over the last 20 years it’s become a much more ordinary characteristic. Especially in the last 10 years, carmakers have added all-wheel drive to existing models as well as producing recent all-wheel-drive models, helping to make this characteristic as affordable as it is ubiquitous.
Edmunds’ editors recognize lots of people desire the confidence of all-wheel drive without buying a bulky SUV. Accordingly, they’ve compiled this list of all-wheel-drive cars that can be found on the used trade for less than $25,000.
BMW’s 3 Series sedans and 4 Series coupes are sport-luxury cars recognized for their engaging handling. With the exception of one production of cars, the 3 Series has offered all-wheel drive in the U.S. since the mid-1980s when it debuted in the 325ix. And 4 Series coupes, introduced for the 2014 model year, have offered all-wheel drive since their inception. The most ordinary 3 Series and 4 Series models on the used trade today are contemporary trims fitted with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making in the mid-200-horsepower range.
Look for: If you desire more power, you can discover BMW’s 3.0-liter six-cylinder excellent for as much as 320 horsepower in upper trims. But you’ll be buying and selling power for state or higher miles in this worth range.
2013-2022 3 Series and 4 Series approximate pricing: $10,000-$25,000
Even eight years after its debut Tesla’s Model 3 feels like the upcoming inside. With a flat dash adorned only by a large central screen, the Tesla gestalt is in packed result in this compact electric sedan. Sure, it takes some adjustment for the Model 3’s unconventional controls to become second nature, but they hardly diminish the encounter. All-wheel-drive trims have been available since the 2018 model year.
Look for: The fine print. Besides the tiny badge, there’s no straightforward way to distinguish the all-wheel-drive versions from the rear-wheel-drive versions. The Long Range trim reduces range anxiety and still fits our distribution.
2018-2024 Model 3 approximate pricing: $13,000-$25,000
One of the earliest all-wheel-drive Japanese sedans, the Impreza made a name for itself through a wealthy motorsport legacy even if most Imprezas were workaday models. Imprezas from the last decade are available in both sedan and hatchback body styles with either a 2.0-liter or a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, both of which made modest power. But every Impreza sold in the U.S. since 1997 is all-wheel-drive. There’s nothing luxurious about the Impreza, but its combination of all-wheel drive and priced-correct utility makes it great for winter driving.
Look for: Low-mileage Imprezas. Cars with 10,000 miles or less can be found well inside our worth cap.
2012-2024 Impreza approximate pricing: $5,000-$25,000
Mazda began to propose all-wheel drive in its compact Mazda 3 in 2019. Sedan and five-door hatchback body styles are available as are two engines, both 2.5-liter four-cylinders. The upgrade engine is turbocharged and produces 250 horsepower (starting in 2021), but the base engine is fine. The Mazda 3 is an overachiever inside with extra charge materials that verge into luxury territory. It’s also one of the most fun-to-drive cars in its class and its stunning excellent looks are challenging to ignore. But it’s smaller inside than many competitors.
Look for: The hatchback body offers an additional 7 cubic feet of cargo space over the sedan. Consider it if space is significant.
2019-2024 Mazda 3 approximate pricing $12,500-$25,000
The Altima isn’t the only midsize sedan offering all-wheel drive, but the others — the Toyota Camry and Kia K5 — are far less abundant. Starting in the 2019 model year, when it was last redesigned, Nissan added all-wheel drive to the Altima. The drivetrain pairs only with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, but it’s very efficient, exceeding the EPA approximate of 30 mpg combined by 4 mpg in Edmunds’ testing.
Look for: A powerful tech package is offered with the Altima, including an effective lane centering structure and adaptive cruise control that will bring the car to a packed stop in traffic.
2019-2024 Altima approximate pricing: $13,000-$25,000
All of these cars can be found in abundance nationwide. Whatever your all-wheel-drive needs, there’s a car to suit them.
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This narrative was provided to The Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds. Josh Jacquot is a contributor at Edmunds.
