While all-wheel drive is typically used to boost dynamic performance on powerful cars or improve off-roading abilities on trucks or SUVs, its role in smaller cars is more limited. Here, AWD is primarily for increasing traction and control when the vehicle is driven in wet or slippery conditions. Not everyone who lives in cold-weather states needs a large vehicle, and for these drivers, a smaller AWD car is perfect. These are the best vehicles in this category we’ve tested.
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1 Volvo XC40 Recharge
Base MSRP $52,450
Fuel Economy 118/95 MPG
Horsepower 248 hp
Engine Electric
Electric Range 254-293 miles
It may not have been built as a fully electric vehicle from the ground up, but the Volvo XC40 Recharge is good enough to convince you otherwise. In dual-motor, AWD guise, the XC40 Recharge has 402 horsepower at its disposal, resulting in a decidedly swift 0-60 mph time of around 4.5 seconds. It has 254 miles of range, which is lower than the 293 miles with the less powerful rear-wheel-drive variant. All XC40 Recharge SUVs have smart styling, a solidly built and fashionable interior, and a useful frunk. It doesn’t handle as sharply as some competitors, but the XC40 Recharge isn’t dull to drive, either.
Expert Opinion
“The Twin Motor setup trounces the Single Motor setup with 402 hp and 494 lb-ft of torque. A 4.6-second 0-60 mph is among the best in the subcompact electric luxury crossover segment, outmatched only by the 2024 Genesis GV60 Performance.”
2 Volvo XC40
Base MSRP $40,500
Fuel Economy 24/30 MPG
Horsepower 247 hp
Engine 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
If you aren’t looking to switch to fully electric power yet, consider the Volvo XC40. It shares the same stylish design and build quality of the XC40 Recharge, but starts at a more palatable price. For the 2024 model year, every XC40 has AWD equipped by default. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine features turbocharging and mild-hybrid assistance. With 247 hp, it easily handles the small XC40’s body, but it isn’t the most refined mill. All XC40s have exemplary safety ratings, as is the norm for Volvo, while storage space in the posh interior is good.
3 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
When Toyota slapped the Corolla name on a crossover, it was virtually guaranteed to succeed. The Corolla Cross Hybrid is more powerful than its non-hybrid sibling, with 196 hp from the 2.0-liter engine and electric motor. It starts at under $30k, so is also one of the most affordable AWD hybrid cars for sale. The Toyota is comfortable, quiet enough, and operating its controls requires no learning curve. There are more exciting cars to drive in this segment, but for what it’s meant to do, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is hard to fault.
4 BMW 2 Series Coupe
Although it comes standard with BMW’s classic RWD layout, the sporty 2 Series Coupe is available with the xDrive AWD system. The four-cylinder 230i AWD costs around $40,000, and although it has more than enough performance, it lacks the engaging exhaust note of the six-cylinder M240i. The latest 2 Series has a more upmarket interior than before and a bit more flair to the layout than in the 4 Series. It also has a reasonably sized trunk and can seat four people, so it’s a practical daily driver.
5 Audi Q3
Base MSRP $37,400
Fuel Economy 22/29 MPG
Horsepower 184 hp
Engine 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
One of Audi’s smallest crossovers, the Audi Q3 starts at $37,400 and all versions have the brand’s quattro AWD system equipped as standard. However, with just 184 hp, the 40 TFSI model isn’t particularly quick, so we’d recommend going for the 45 TFSI with 228 hp; this model starts at $39,800. Not only does the Q3 convey the right image, but it backs that up with a smart interior, a smooth ride, and decent handling. The back seat and cargo area aren’t massive, though, so do bear this in mind if you have a small family.
6 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
The big German brands all offer their most affordable models with the option of AWD, and the CLA-Class is another example of this. The CLA 250 4Matic costs $2,000 more than the FWD model. With a 221-hp engine, it manages the 0-60 mph sprint in 6.3 seconds. Ritzy styling inside and out will thrill fans of the brand, and the quality is a bit better than it was in smaller Mercs a few years ago. Standard features for this small sedan include power front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a 64-color LED interior ambient lighting setup.
7 Volkswagen Golf R
VW knows how to tune a performance car with FWD – as proven with the Golf GTI – but the Golf R is a much more potent hot hatch, so it uses the brand’s 4Motion AWD system to transfer the turbocharged engine’s 315 hp. When equipped with the dual-clutch automatic transmission, the Golf R is a very quick machine, regardless of the conditions. It has deep grip reserves that many drivers won’t be able to challenge on normal roads. Being a Golf, it’s no one-trick pony, either. It has a spacious cabin, good cargo space, and the ability to to cover long distances on the highway without punishing occupants with a harsh ride or too much road noise.
8 Toyota GR Corolla
2024 Toyota GR Corolla
Base MSRP $36,500
Engine 1.6L Turbocharged Inline-3 Gas
Horsepower 300 hp
Fuel Economy 21/28/24 mpg
While most of the cars here have AWD to improve grip in difficult conditions, the GR Corolla’s advanced four-wheel-drive system has different torque splits to offer a range of driving characteristics. With the 50:50 split, the car offers the most control and the best lap times, but more power can be sent to the back for the most engaging experience. This is an all-out hot hatch, producing 300 hp and equipped with a manual gearbox. It starts at around $36k and delivers brilliant performance for the price, coming in much cheaper than the Honda Civic Type R.
9 BMW X1
Base MSRP $40,500
Fuel Economy 25/34 MPG
Horsepower 241 hp
Engine 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
BMW recently introduced a new-generation X1, and it’s one of the least controversially styled vehicles in the brand’s lineup. This time around, the xDrive AWD system is standard; the base xDrive28i starts at $40,500 and will complete the 0-60 sprint in 6.1 seconds. Despite being one of the brand’s smallest crossovers, passenger and cargo space are generous, and the X1 inherits a similar Curved Display to those in more expensive BMWs. This layout groups the touchscreen and instrument cluster in a single panel. Although steering feel is still lacking and the Audi Q3 is cheaper, the X1 is a strong contender for the best luxury crossover in its class.
10 Mazda CX-30
Base MSRP $24,995
Fuel Economy 26/33 MPG
Horsepower 191-250 hp
Engine 2.5L Inline-4 Gas
This is one of the nicest subcompact crossovers to drive. AWD is standard on every model, but if you want to unlock better performance, you have to upgrade to the turbocharged model with up to 250 hp. All CX-30s handle well, though, with more feedback through the steering than you’d get from the Toyota Corolla Cross. Mazda’s upmarket push extends to even its cheaper models, so even the CX-30 is built from classy materials. Rear-seat space is average rather than great, but children will be fine in the second row. Overall, this is one of the best small crossovers.
11 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35
One of the few performance-oriented cars in this category, the GLB 35 combines practicality and swift acceleration at a price that’s lower than most AMGs. That said, it still costs over $60k, so it’s far from cheap. The 2.0L engine makes 302 hp and directs that to all four corners via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. 60 mph comes up in just 5.4 seconds, and the sporty AMG trimmings give it a more appealing look than the normal GLB. It’s possible to specify a third row, which is rare for such a small crossover, but this row only has sufficient space for kids to get comfortable.
12 Audi A3 Sedan
Base MSRP $35,800
Fuel Economy 27/34/30 mpg (AWD)
Horsepower 201 hp
Engine 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
Unlike the Q3 crossover, the A3 Sedan comes with front-wheel drive as standard. However, the base AWD model is still reasonably priced at $37,800. It may not be as practical as the Q3, but the A3 is more fun to drive, thanks to the lower seating position and center of gravity in the sedan. The 201-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, resulting in a 6.3-second 0-60 sprint. Attractively designed, solidly built, and refined, the Audi A3 Sedan is a very competent package.
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13 Best Of The Rest
Besides our top-rated models, there are several more all-wheel-drive small cars on sale that deliver a good combination
Base MSRP $54,500
Fuel Economy 21/29 MPG
Horsepower 349 hp
Engine 3.0L Turbo V6 Gas
Base MSRP $62,300
Fuel Economy 19/29 MPG
Horsepower 401 hp
Engine 2.5L Turbo Inline-5 Gas
Base MSRP $24,600
Fuel Economy 26/32 MPG
Horsepower 158 hp
Engine 2.0L Inline-4 Gas
Base MSRP $42,000
Fuel Economy 24/33/28 mpg (xDrive28i) | 23/32/26 mpg (M35i)
Horsepower 241 hp
Engine 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
Base MSRP $39,735
Horsepower 201 hp (RWD Base) | 282 hp (RWD 82 kWh) | 335 hp (AWD)
Base Trim Fuel Economy Equivalent (city/highway/combined) 115/98/107 MPGe
Engine Electric
Base MSRP $49,500
Fuel Economy 20/26 MPG
Horsepower 246 hp
Engine 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
2024 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45
Base MSRP $65,400
Engine 2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4
Horsepower 416 hp
2024 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35
Base MSRP $54,950
Engine AMG 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 MHEV
Horsepower 302 hp
Base MSRP $35,540
Fuel Economy 43/41 MPG
Horsepower 181 hp
Engine 2.0L Inline-4 Hybrid
14 Characteristics Of Small Cars With AWD
Despite their improved versatility, small cars with AWD still have to tick certain boxes:
They provide better traction than front- or rear-wheel-drive cars They come in various configurations and body styles They should achieve good fuel economy figures They generally have a reasonable price tag
15 What To Consider When Buying AWD Compact Cars
While they do have a lot going for them, the smallest AWD car models are still subject to certain limitations that may make them unfit for certain consumers. Make sure you know what you’re getting before you sign on the dotted line.
Pros
All-weather grip Several high-performance sports cars are on offer Usually more affordable than larger cars AWD is standard on some models and cheaply available on others Gas, hybrid, and fully electric options
Cons
Small sports cars are still expensive Heavier than 2WD cars, affecting fuel economy Not as accommodating as mid- or full-size vehicles Some models in this segment are underpowered
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What are the best small AWD cars?
Volvo’s XC40 tops our list of small all-wheel-drive cars, but there are many good cars in this category. For performance, the GR Corolla is hard to beat, while the CX-30 from Mazda is one of the best non-luxury small crossovers with AWD.
How much do compact cars with AWD cost?
The price varies vastly depending on if you’re after a mundane everyday car or a more luxurious or athletic model. Some of the cheapest cars on this list cost under $30k, while others are more than double that amount.
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Are there any AWD compact cars that can go off-road?
Small trucks aren’t too bad off the road, and both Jeep and Land Rover have some models that don’t mind getting dirty. For the most part, though, small sedans, SUVs, and crossovers aren’t meant to be driven in the wild.
How reliable are small cars with all-wheel drive?
Reliability expectations have little to do with whether a car is AWD or not. However, on an older used model, an AWD setup may require more complex repairs or higher maintenance costs.