Shopping for used all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles at prices below $10,000 can be a real challenge, as interest rates, used car prices, and inflation only seem to be headed up. Still, the American car market has been so good for so long now that it’s possible to find feature-rich AWD cars with lots of value and life left in them, even at the more affordable end of the market.
Here are 10 of the best used AWD vehicles you’ll find for less than $10,000.
1. 2013 Subaru Outback
Another byword for affordable AWD, the 2013 Subaru Outback is as spacious as most midsize SUVs, with plenty of cargo space and the ability to tow up to 3,000 pounds, too. A 2.5-liter 4-cylinder powers base models, but our budget affords the 256-horsepower 3.6-liter 6-cylinder found in the Outback 3.6R Premium. That high-spec trim offers luxuries like power seating, an available power moonroof, EyeSight driver assist tech, and more. See 2013 Subaru Outback models for sale near you
2. 2013 Toyota RAV4
The 2013 Toyota RAV4 is one of the leaders in the compact SUV segment. It’s versatile, efficient, and reliable, and for 2013, the RAV4 received updated styling and new safety and tech features. The RAV4 is well equipped in base form, with standard Bluetooth, keyless entry, and a 6.1-inch touchscreen. Available upgrades include heated Softex leather-like seats, power moonroof, power liftgate, and 18-inch wheels. A 176-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder is standard, and all-wheel drive is available on all trim levels. See 2013 Toyota RAV4 models for sale
3. 2012 Honda Pilot
The 2012 Honda Pilot is a popular choice for families who want to carry eight people but don’t want a minivan. It has a spacious interior, which means there’s room for adults in the third row. This model year sports updated styling and additional interior upgrades. If you get an EX or EX-L, you’ll enjoy streaming audio, a 2GB CD library, and Bluetooth, and the EX-L also adds an 8-inch color screen. A 250-hp 3.5-liter V6 is standard, and you can get Honda’s Variable Torque Management all-wheel drive with any trim level. See 2012 Honda Pilot models for sale
4. 2010 Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V needs no introduction in the crossover SUV world, as it’s been one of the most beloved and popular models for decades now. The 2010 Honda CR-V helped build the model’s reputation thanks to its do-it-all practicality, ease of use, and remarkable value. Today, our $10,000 should buy a loaded EX-L model with leather upholstery, a 270-watt audio system, power seats, a 180-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, and, of course, Honda’s RealTime all-wheel-drive system. See 2010 Honda CR-V models for sale near you
5. 2012 Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester is a favorite of folks who frequently need cargo space, all-wheel drive, and seating for five or all three at once. The 2012 Forester is a great example of the line, with subtle styling, a spacious interior, and standard AWD. For our $10,000 budget, the sky’s the limit, including the top-spec 2.5XT Touring, equipped with all of the features on offer as well as a 224-hp 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that gives the Forester some serious zip. See 2012 Subaru Forester models for sale near you
6. 2010 Toyota Highlander
The 2010 Toyota Highlander‘s family-friendly reputation is well-deserved, as it’s a not-too-big, not-too-small fit for many families. It has available AWD, Toyota reliability, and even a hybrid variant that fits our budget. Should you opt for the Hybrid, you’ll get all-wheel drive, a 3.3-liter V6 engine paired to the hybrid system, and 26 mpg combined — not bad at all for an AWD SUV, especially one that’s more than a decade old. See 2010 Toyota Highlander models for sale near you
7. 2012 Mazda CX-9
If you want an AWD SUV that’s engaging to drive as well as powerful, refined, and spacious, the 2012 Mazda CX-9 is a great choice. With three rows of family-friendly seating (the third row is best for kids), the CX-9 is a practical choice, too. Power comes from a 273-hp 3.7-liter V6 regardless of trim, and our budget should afford either the mid-spec Touring or top-spec Grand Touring models, depending on mileage and equipment. See 2012 Mazda CX-9 models for sale near you
8. 2011 Volvo XC70
If the Outback is appealing, but you prefer a sleeker style, the 2011 Volvo XC70 is an alternative that should be on your radar. As useful as an SUV but as easy to drive and park as a sedan, the XC70 blends its wagon body style with the raised ride height and clearance needed for more off-road use. For our money, the XC70 T6 is the best choice, upgrading the engine to a 300-hp 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder with standard AWD. Look for models equipped with the optional power sunroof, rear-seat entertainment system, and Dolby Pro-Logic II sound system for a taste of luxury. See 2011 Volvo XC70 models for sale near you
9. 2014 Nissan Rogue
The Nissan Rogue got a big upgrade for 2014. This alternative to favorites like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 was redesigned, growing enough to accommodate a small third-row seat. The Rogue is a solid choice, with excellent features and fewer birthdays behind it. Our budget affords the top-spec Rogue SL, which adds 9-speaker Bose audio, a 360-degree video monitor, and more. All-wheel drive is available with every trim level. See 2014 Nissan Rogue models for sale near you
10. 2010 Ford Flex
Not a minivan, not a wagon, but also not really an SUV, the 2010 Ford Flex defies classification but welcomes daily use with an expansive and versatile cabin, quality materials, and easy-to-drive manners. Two engines are available: a 262-hp 3.5-liter V6 and a 355-hp twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6. While the turbocharged engine is considerably more powerful and quite fun to drive, the base engine is more than up to the task. All-wheel drive is optional on the base engine but comes standard with the more powerful V6, which is a good fit for our budget in the high-spec SEL trim. See 2010 Ford Flex models for sale near you
10 Best Used All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles Under $10,000
- 2013 Subaru Outback
- 2013 Toyota RAV4
- 2012 Honda Pilot
- 2010 Honda CR-V
- 2012 Subaru Forester
- 2010 Toyota Highlander
- 2012 Mazda CX-9
- 2011 Volvo XC70
- 2014 Nissan Rogue
- 2010 Ford Flex
