Grip Strength: Good AWD Cars Under $20K
In an effort to increase engagement around here - as if you lot in the B&B have ever been shy with nothing to say - our corporate overlords in Downtown Canada have asked us to pen a few articles of this type, ones in which we muse and mull about some sort of topic we think you’ll find interesting. It’s our way of quenching their thirst for infernal lists without completely selling you guys down the river yet still providing topics about which you can give an opinion.
Anyone living in the Snow Belt knows the benefits of all-wheel drive are legion. Sure, there’s a case to be made that extra running costs eat into the return-on-investment but one is not likely to think about such minutiae when they’re the only one able to make it up the steepest hill in town after Old Man Winter throws untold misery out of the sky. This author will acknowledge that front-wheel drive with a great set of winter tires does beat all-wheel drive on baloney skins - but that’s a topic for another day.
Even at this time of year, or in parts of the country where the sun shines more often than not, AWD can have its benefits. And it doesn’t need to break the bank. We’ve selected a motley crew of vehicles which can generally be had for less than $10,000 on the used car market.
Subaru Outback
You know the Exploding Galaxy will appear on any list of affordable AWD vehicles, such is the brand’s ubiquity when talking about that feature. It’s dead simple to pick up a decent Impreza in our price range these days - but we were surprised to find a bevy of relatively late-model Outbacks crop up in the search parameters, as well. Foresters, too. Make sure to have it checked thoroughly by a trusted mechanic if the odometer displays terrifying mileage.
Ford Fusion AWD
Yes, it’s a dead model - but support remains at any Blue Oval garage, not to mention your local mechanic will know their way around the thing, as well. While the last Fusion wasn’t exotic in terms of parts and pieces, its styling was suspiciously reminiscent of the era’s Aston Martin. Imbuing it with optional all-wheel drive made it even better. Just watch for clueless (or unscrupulous) dealers advertising a Fusion as AWD when it is actually a front-driver; look for a small AWD badge on the bottom-right of the trunklid.
Ford Flex AWD
We’re really trying to stay away from the hateful and bland crossovers which typically inhabit this type of list, explaining why the funky Ford Flex was chosen as a more interesting representative of the breed. Square as a breadbox and packed with useful interior touches, the Flex is a great way to get three rows of seats and all-wheel drive without settling for a boring car.
Jaguar XF
This one’s for the adventurous shopper, as even TTAC editors might think twice before plunking down for a used Jaaaag with a complicated powertrain. At least as our primary car. Still, even the most recent bodystyle of these things has depreciated into four-figure territory - just keep your mechanic on speed dial and be comfortable with the fact you’ll likely be funding their kid through college.
Lexus RX
The pragmatic amongst us (read: the SEO dweebs who want at least one sensible recommendation on this list) will appreciate the fact that a dead-nuts reliable Lexus RX can be found for well under $10k. Body styles from the 2013 era, which only just recently got replaced, are available if one isn’t scared of high mileage, meaning the neighbors will think you paid way more than you actually withdrew from yer bank account. [images: Subaru, Ford, Jaguar, Lexus] Become a TTAC insider. Get the latest news, features, TTAC takes, and everything else that gets to the truth about cars first by subscribing to our newsletter.
