The 10 Best AWD Cars Under $10K
2020 Subaru Outback by Kevauto — CC BY-SA 4.0
There are plenty of reasons to buy a car with all-wheel drive instead of the front or rear-wheel drive. For some, it’s the ability to take your adventures off-road. For others, it’s the thrilling performance and how all four tires can tightly grip corners and speed down the straightaways. And for many, it’s the peace of mind that their car can handle any weather that comes their way.
Whether you want a car with one specific purpose or a jack of all trades, you can find reliable, durable all-wheel drive cars at reasonable prices. That’s why we’ve made a list of the best AWD cars under $10k.
2014 Subaru Outback - $7,281
The Subaru Outback is one of the most versatile cars in production. Like all Subarus, the 2014 Outback comes with AWD standard with its 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder engine. Both options provide good gas mileage for their class and provide enough power to go over some rough terrain with 8.7 inches of ground clearance.
But even if you want to drive one around the city, the Outback won’t be out of place. It has a very spacious interior for a small SUV with plenty of tech options (like a backup camera, lane departure warnings, and even Bluetooth smartphone integration) and interior design choices that seem surprisingly modern for a 2014 model. Considering these features and its reputation for reliability, backed up by J.D. Power, the 2014 Subaru Outback is among the best AWD cars under $10k.
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2010 Hummer H3 - $6,247
While nobody will be impressed by its gas mileage, there is a lot to enjoy about the Hummer H3. Many changes had to be made from its predecessors, the mammoth H2 and the military Humvees, but it kept the ability to traverse the roughest of terrains.
Its 9.7 inches of ground clearance matches the renowned Jeep Wrangler. Its 5-cylinder and 8-cylinder options under the hood provide enough power to heave the behemoth over dirt, rocks, sand, and even up to 24 inches of water on its available 33-inch tires.
It might not be the best commuter car, but it’s a very comfortable ride on the road and more than capable of it. And when deciding between reliable AWD cars under $10k, the cool factor of a Hummer might make the difference.
2015 Toyota Tundra Double Cab - $7,491
Toyota Tundras are some of the most reliable vehicles and consistently rank among the best half-ton trucks. The 2015 Toyota Tundra Double Cab is another great model that can tow up to 10,500 lb and has a max payload capacity of 2,080 lb.
A Tundra Double Cab is the do-it-all pickup truck that can do anything you want for under ten thousand dollars. With options like a Wi-Fi hotspot, smartphone integration, and comfortable lumbar adjustable seats, a Tundra can function as an all-in-one workstation while you’re on the job. But it can also haul boats and jet skis plus a family of up to 6 on the weekends.
2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser - $9,214
o While the Jeep Wrangler has fame and the Ford Bronco has notoriety, one of the best SUVs built for off-roading was Toyota’s short-lived FJ Cruiser. While it didn’t have much of a spot in Toyota’s lineup after 2018, it keeps a place in the hearts of mudding enthusiasts.
The FJ Cruiser was designed to take anything its drivers could throw at it, so the AWD option makes it a capable off-roader and an extremely reliable road vehicle. As a close competitor to the similar 2012 Jeep Wrangler that costs over twenty-thousand dollars, the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser is one of the best AWD cars under $10K.
THE BEST USED SUVS UNDER $10,000
We looked into price, reliability, features, and more to create this list of the best used SUVs under $10k on the market today. Take a look - some of the best used SUVs have gone mostly overlooked or forgotten.
2011 Volvo S60 - $8,549
In 2011, Volvo decided that being safe, reliable vehicles wasn’t enough. They decided it was time for a sporty, 6-cylinder luxury sedan with all-wheel drive. Suppose you are looking for a sports sedan with leather seats, premium audio, blindspot monitoring, and lane departure warnings for under ten thousand dollars. In that case, the 2011 Volvo S60 might be perfect for you.
Its zippy engine is still running fine after ten years and looks set to last a good while longer. With safety, performance, luxury, and reliability, this is one of the best AWD cars under $10k.
2012 Chevy Equinox - $9,843
Experts have agreed that the 2012 Chevy Equinox is a reliable, safe car, and drivers have decided that it is stylish, comfortable, and performs well. The available all-wheel drive makes it a jack of all trades.
For a small SUV, it has a spacious interior, good gas mileage, a zippy engine, and modern tech features. It can be helpful as a family car, a commuter with extra space for trips to the hardware store, or even a weekend warrior ride with some towing capacity for trailering jet skis, small boats, or equipment for home improvements.
With a price point under $10k, this is a perfect vehicle for the suburbs and country roads.
2011 Audi TT - $7,823
Even after ten years, the 2011 Audi TT remains an eye turner with its buttery smooth design. Beyond its looks, there is a lot to enjoy behind the wheel of the TT, with a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine providing great acceleration and impressive fuel mileage.
Since the all-wheel drive is standard on this model, you can expect to feel the tight handling Audi is known for, with exceptional control around tight corners. The 2011 Audi TT is a fantastic way to get a hold of a stylish German sports car on a reasonable budget.
THE BEST USED LUXURY CARS ON THE MARKET
Buying a used or CPO luxury car is one of the smartest buys you can make - you can get a lot of car for not much money. You can pick up a three-year-old luxury car for about half of what you’d pay new. Check out this list of the best used luxury cars on the market to find the best deals.
2009 Honda CR-V - $9,391
The CR-V has earned its reputation for years as a sturdy, dependable ride that can get you from place to place safely and comfortably for years. It might not be the most fun car you’ll own, but a car is a considerable expense, and it needs to be there for you every day, come rain, sleet or snow.
And if you get a 2009 CR-V with AWD, that is precisely what you will get. You can even improve your driving experience with upgrades like a backup camera, leather upholstery, a sunroof, and many other tech and safety features.
The CR-V even has some towing capabilities. And while you won’t win any off-road races, the CR-V can handle itself well enough on dirt roads and trails. It can really do it all, making it one of the best AWD cars under $10k.
2009 Acura RL - $8,997
The 2009 Acura RL almost has everything you’ll need from a luxury AWD sedan. From the excellent all-weather handling to the stylish interior to excellent build quality, the 2009 Acura RL is yet another great AWD car below $10k.
It houses a 3.7-liter V6 engine that produces 300 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. It offers a powerful and responsive driving experience that matches its luxury designation. Moreover, it has 18 combined mpg, which is relatively good for a V6-powered luxury vehicle. Then, you have a wealth of standard features that truly bring home the value.
2011 Kia Sportage LX - $9,495
The 2011 Kia Sportage was a well-received model year due to pros like a spacious cabin, good fuel economy, and excellent safety features. The full Sportage lineup features an available AWD, so you’re covered regardless of your choice of trim. However, we chose the LX model as it fits into our budget of under $10k.
It’s not the most comfortable or stylish inside, but it gets the job done as a family hauler. The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder or 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine has decent performance.
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