Affordable Cars with All-wheel Drive: a Rarety
For several years now, sport-utility vehicles are in fashion, and most subcompact and compact models offer, either as standard or on their options list, an all-wheel drivetrain to handle to winter season.
However, no matter their size or feature content, these AWD SUVs generally cost at least more than $25,000. And what if we prefer the handling of a car instead of an SUV, such as a sedan or a five-door hatchback? The affordable choices are few and far between.
At the moment, the most affordable car in Canada equipped with all-wheel drive is the 2018 Subaru Impreza, which starts at $19,995 before adding freight and delivery charges. The 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer, which will retire early in 2018, remains a compelling choice with its ES AWC version that starts at $21,498.
At Volkswagen, the 2017 Golf SportWagen can be equipped with AWD for as low as $26,045, while at MINI, the little 2017 Clubman wagon with AWD starts at $27,490. In the sports-car segment, the 2018 Subaru WRX starts at $29,995. As for midsize sedans, the 2018 Subaru Legacy offers full-time all-wheel drive starting at $24,995, while the well-equipped 2018 Ford Fusion SE AWD retails for as little as $30,988.
In the pre-owned vehicle market, we can find slightly used editions of the aforementioned models, but also of the Suzuki SX4 and Suzuki Kizashi, the Buick Regal, the Dodge Charger, the Chrysler 300 and the Volkswagen Passat, among others. In good shape, many of these cars will cost much less than $20,000. However, as is the case for any pre-owned vehicle, make sure a comprehensive mechanical inspection is performed before purchasing.