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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsSmall AWD vehicles give U.S. drivers extra traction without the bulk, fuel consumption, and parking difficulty of a midsize SUV. For 2024, the best choices range from conventional hatchbacks such as the Subaru Impreza and Mazda3 to small crossovers including the Subaru Crosstrek, Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, and Mazda CX-30.
The right pick depends on what you mean by “best.” The Crosstrek is the most capable all-rounder, the Impreza is the least expensive new AWD option, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is the fuel-economy leader, and the Mazda3 is the choice for drivers who still want a low, carlike driving position. The prices below are original U.S. 2024 model-year MSRPs before destination, taxes, registration, options, and dealer fees.
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Quick comparison: the best small AWD cars and crossovers
| Vehicle | Starting MSRP | AWD availability | Power | EPA fuel economy | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Subaru Crosstrek | $24,995 | Standard | 152 or 182 hp | Up to 27/34 mpg city/highway | Overall capability |
| 2024 Subaru Impreza | $22,995 | Standard | 152 or 182 hp | Up to 27/34 mpg | Value hatchback |
| 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | $28,220 | Standard electronic AWD | 196 net system hp | 45/38 mpg | Fuel economy |
| 2024 Mazda CX-30 | $24,995 | Standard | 191 hp; turbo available | Varies by trim | Premium feel and handling |
| 2024 Mazda3 AWD | $29,060 sedan Carbon Edition | Available; standard on turbo | 191 hp or up to 250 hp | About 26/33 mpg for AWD hatchback | Carlike driving |
| 2024 Honda HR-V AWD | Varies by trim | Available | 158 hp | 25/30 mpg | Comfort and rear-seat room |
| 2024 Kia Seltos | $24,990 for S trim | Trim-dependent | 146 hp or 195 hp turbo | Varies by trim | Power and equipment |
| 2024 Volkswagen Taos AWD | Varies by trim | Available | 158 hp turbo | 24/32 mpg | Highway manners |
Fuel-economy figures are city/highway mpg. Exact results depend on body style, engine, transmission, wheels, and trim.
1. 2024 Subaru Crosstrek: best overall
The Crosstrek is the easiest recommendation for most buyers who specifically want a small vehicle with AWD. Every trim includes AWD, and its 8.7 inches of ground clearance is unusually useful in this class. That extra height helps on unplowed roads, steep driveways, gravel, and mild trails without making the Crosstrek as cumbersome as a larger SUV.
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Base and Premium models use a 152-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder, while the Sport and Limited receive a stronger 182-hp 2.5-liter engine. The smaller engine is adequate around town but can feel slow when merging, passing, or carrying passengers and luggage. For regular highway trips, the Sport is the sweet spot.
Standard X-MODE with Hill Descent Control adds low-speed traction management, and Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance system is standard. Fuel economy reaches 27 city/34 highway mpg with the 2.0-liter engine and is 26/33 mpg with the 2.5-liter.
Choose it if: you deal with snow, rough roads, occasional trails, or want SUV-like practicality in a compact footprint.
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2. 2024 Subaru Impreza: best value AWD hatchback
At $22,995, the Impreza is the least expensive new AWD vehicle in this group. It is also the most straightforward choice for shoppers who want a conventional car rather than a crossover. For 2024, the Impreza is hatchback-only; Subaru discontinued the sedan.
The 2.0-liter models make 152 hp and return up to 27 city/34 highway mpg. The RS trim uses a 182-hp engine and is the better choice if the budget allows. It retains standard AWD while offering more responsive performance than the Base and Sport versions.
The Impreza has a lower seating position and less ground clearance than the Crosstrek. That makes it feel more like a car and can improve ease of entry for some drivers, but it is not the right tool for deep snow, large ruts, or regular off-pavement driving.
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The 2024 Impreza earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick rating, not Top Safety Pick+. Its updated moderate-overlap front rating was Marginal. Cars built after December 2023 received rear-seat-belt modifications relevant to that test, so build date matters when comparing inventory.
Choose it if: you want the lowest purchase price for a new AWD vehicle and prefer a hatchback’s lower driving position.
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Watch out for: limited engine punch in the lower trims and the absence of Crosstrek-level clearance.
3. 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid: best fuel economy with AWD
The Corolla Cross Hybrid combines an elevated driving position and practical cargo area with fuel economy that most gasoline AWD rivals cannot approach. The Hybrid S starts at $28,220, uses electronic on-demand AWD, and produces 196 net system horsepower. Its rating is 45 city/38 highway/42 combined mpg.
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This AWD system uses electric assistance at the rear axle rather than Subaru’s continuously mechanical AWD arrangement. It is well suited to wet roads, snow-covered streets, and everyday traction needs, but it is not intended to make the Corolla Cross a serious off-road vehicle.
The hybrid powertrain is the reason to choose this version. It offers both stronger total output and substantially better fuel consumption than the regular Corolla Cross. The tradeoff is a higher entry price, and blind-spot monitoring was not standard on every trim.
The 2024 Corolla Cross earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick rating. Its updated side-impact rating was Acceptable rather than Good, so the award should not be treated as proof that every safety test result is class-leading.
Choose it if: you want AWD traction, crossover practicality, and the lowest fuel bill in this group.
Watch out for: the hybrid’s higher price and its traction-focused, efficiency-oriented AWD system.
4. 2024 Mazda CX-30: best small AWD crossover for a premium feel
The CX-30 feels more polished than its price suggests. Its cabin materials, quiet ride, and responsive steering give it a near-premium character, while standard AWD keeps the mechanical specification simple: every 2024 CX-30 has it.
The base engine is a 191-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Mazda also offers turbocharged versions in the Carbon Turbo, Turbo Premium, and Turbo Premium Plus trims. The turbo is the choice for drivers who want stronger passing performance, although it raises the price and typically increases running costs.
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For 2024, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert became standard. A 10.25-inch display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was available, depending on trim.
The CX-30’s drawbacks are its tight rear seat and smaller cargo area. The Crosstrek, HR-V, and Corolla Cross are better choices if passengers regularly sit in the back or if you carry bulky items.
Choose it if: you care more about interior quality and handling than maximum space.
Watch out for: rear-seat room, limited cargo capacity, and the cost of moving into a turbo trim.
5. 2024 Mazda3 AWD: best carlike option
The Mazda3 is one of the few remaining small cars that combines available AWD with genuinely engaging handling. It sits lower than every crossover here, feels more stable through corners, and offers a richer cabin than many mainstream compact cars.
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The turbocharged Mazda3 makes up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque when using 93-octane premium fuel. Output is lower on regular gasoline. That engine gives the Mazda3 far more urgency than the naturally aspirated versions, but the price and fuel requirements make it a specialized choice.
Its limitations are the same qualities that make it feel sporty: low ground clearance, a snug rear seat, and less cargo flexibility than a crossover. AWD improves traction; it does not turn the Mazda3 into an off-road vehicle.
Choose it if: you want a small AWD car that feels like a driver’s car rather than a miniature SUV.
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Watch out for: restricted rear-seat space, limited clearance, and premium fuel costs for the turbo.
6. 2024 Honda HR-V: best comfort and usable cabin
The HR-V is a sensible choice for buyers who value a comfortable ride, straightforward controls, and a spacious-feeling interior. AWD is available on the LX, Sport, and EX-L trims. All use a 158-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and AWD models are rated at 25 city/30 highway/27 combined mpg.
Honda Sensing driver-assistance technology is standard. Blind-spot monitoring was available on the Sport and EX-L, so check the equipment list rather than assuming every AWD HR-V has it.
The HR-V’s main weakness is performance. It is slower than the turbocharged versions of the Kia Seltos and Volkswagen Taos, and it cannot match the Corolla Cross Hybrid’s fuel economy. It makes the most sense for relaxed driving rather than quick acceleration.
Choose it if: you want a comfortable small crossover with useful passenger space and easy-to-use controls.
Watch out for: slow acceleration and only average AWD fuel economy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.7. 2024 Kia Seltos: best available turbo power and features
The Seltos deserves a close look because its trim strategy offers more variety than many rivals. The $24,990 starting MSRP is for the S trim, but AWD, turbo power, and advanced equipment are not identical throughout the lineup.
The X-Line and SX offer a 195-hp turbocharged engine. The X-Line pairs that power with AWD, roof rails, and 18-inch wheels, making it one of the more appealing versions for buyers who want a small crossover with real passing power.
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Because equipment varies substantially by trim, compare the actual window sticker rather than the model name. A lower-priced Seltos may not provide the AWD, turbo engine, or driver-assistance features you expected.
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Choose it if: you want more available power and features than the base engines in the HR-V, Crosstrek, or Corolla Cross provide.
Watch out for: trim complexity and a final price that can move well beyond the advertised starting MSRP.
8. 2024 Volkswagen Taos AWD: best highway-oriented alternative
The Taos is a good fit for drivers who spend more time on highways than trails. Its 4Motion AWD system is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, and AWD models use a multilink rear suspension rather than the torsion-beam setup found in front-wheel-drive versions. That hardware contributes to stable, composed highway behavior.
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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteAWD Taos models return 24 city/32 highway/27 combined mpg. The cabin is roomy for the vehicle’s exterior size, but the Taos is less compelling when the priority is the lowest price, maximum fuel economy, or the simplest long-term ownership proposition.
Choose it if: you want a small crossover with a roomy cabin and confident highway manners.
Watch out for: the AWD model’s lower fuel economy and more complicated powertrain compared with simpler alternatives.
How to choose the right small AWD vehicle
- Decide whether you need a crossover. The Impreza and Mazda3 sit lower and drive more like cars. The Crosstrek, CX-30, HR-V, Seltos, Taos, and Corolla Cross provide a taller seating position and easier access to a crossover cargo area.
- Match clearance to your roads. The Crosstrek’s 8.7 inches is useful for snow and rough surfaces. The Impreza and Mazda3 are better suited to paved roads, even though AWD helps them get moving on slippery surfaces.
- Compare the complete drivetrain, not just the badge. Seltos AWD availability varies by trim. Mazda3 AWD can mean a naturally aspirated or turbocharged engine. The Corolla Cross Hybrid uses electric rear-axle assistance, while Subaru uses a different continuously mechanical AWD layout.
- Budget for the actual trim. A vehicle’s advertised base MSRP may be for a front-wheel-drive model or a less powerful engine. Add destination, options, taxes, and dealer fees before comparing monthly payments.
- Buy tires for the conditions. AWD mainly helps a vehicle accelerate from a stop. It does not improve braking or automatically increase cornering grip. Proper winter tires can make a major difference on snow and ice, and all four tires should be replaced or matched as required by the vehicle manufacturer.
Does AWD make these cars safer in winter?
AWD can help prevent wheelspin when pulling away on a slippery road, especially when combined with suitable tires and stability control. It cannot shorten a stop on ice, and it does not compensate for worn or inappropriate tires. Drivers should still reduce speed and leave extra stopping distance.
FAQ
What is the best small AWD car for 2024?
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is the best overall choice because AWD is standard, ground clearance is 8.7 inches, and it balances snow capability, cargo usefulness, fuel economy, and price. Choose the 2.5-liter Sport or Limited if highway acceleration matters.
What is the cheapest new AWD car for 2024?
The 2024 Subaru Impreza starts at $22,995 before destination, taxes, registration, options, and fees. It is a hatchback, not a lifted crossover, and its 152-hp base engine is modest.
Which small AWD vehicle gets the best fuel economy?
The 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is the fuel-economy leader among these choices, rated at 45 city/38 highway/42 combined mpg. Its AWD uses electric rear-axle assistance and is intended primarily for traction and efficiency.
Is AWD better than winter tires?
They solve different problems. AWD can help a vehicle accelerate from a slippery stop, while winter tires improve available grip for braking, cornering, and acceleration. AWD does not make braking distances shorter on snow or ice.
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For most buyers, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is the strongest small AWD all-rounder. The Subaru Impreza is the value pick if you want a hatchback and do not need extra clearance. Choose the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid for fuel economy, the Mazda CX-30 for cabin quality, or the Mazda3 AWD for carlike handling. The HR-V, Seltos, and Taos each make more sense for specific priorities—comfort, turbocharged power, and highway composure, respectively.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
