15 BEST USED ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE VEHICLES UNDER $20,000, RANKED

Cars are expensive. The average new car price is just south of $50,000, which puts a shocking number of new cars out of reach for the average person. Case in point: a base Honda Odyssey starts at just under $40,000. Despite the alarming revelation that a fully loaded Honda minivan costs more than the Civic Type R, the used market is full of great options at a reasonable price. Gone are the days when you can pick up a solid used car for two grand, but if you stretch your budget to $20,000, there is undoubtedly something to fit your particular use case.

We recognize that most people are in the market for vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive, so every car on this list has all-wheel drive as standard or as an option. Perhaps more importantly, we understand that cars are the two-ton metal and plastic road missiles that your loved ones ride in, so this list has made major considerations for safety. Now, not every entry manages to include the latest and greatest in safety tech, but they all received high scores from the NHTSA.

Once you buy a car, especially if you're stretching your budget, you probably want it to work for more than ten minutes before leaving you stranded and wondering why the heck a 20-mile tow costs $300. Not only are most of these vehicles on the newer side, but they all have a solid reputation for reliability, and some are even known to exceed 250,000 miles with just basic maintenance.

Though these entries were chosen for their reputation for being primarily trouble-free, we can't express enough how important it is to get a PPI (pre-purchase inspection). A PPI can cost as much as $100, but it is better to spend $100 now than pay for a new engine or transmission down the line. Finally, get a test drive in before you hand the money over. $20,000 is still a lot of money, so you may as well spend your hard-earned cash on something you really like.

2020-2021 Subaru Crosstrek

Price: $19,000 - $20,000

The Subaru Crosstrek is the new poster child for affordable AWD vehicles. While the Impreza is basically the same car with 3.5" less ground clearance, the Crosstrek offers the raised-up crossover version that's been so desirable in the current market. A 2020 or 2021 Crosstrek is probably closest to the top end of the budget, but most listings boast mileage between 25,000 and 90,000 miles.

Admittedly, there aren't as many listings with super low mileage, but the base 2.0-liter FB20D boxer-4 engine is known to be a dependable powertrain that should have no problem hitting 150,000-200,000 miles. While the more powerful 2.5-liter engine was introduced for the 2021 model year, good luck finding one for less than twenty grand. That said, if you prefer to row your own gears, the manual transmission is only available on the base engine.

According to CarComplaints, the 2020 and 2021 model years are some of the least problematic for the Crosstrek. There are some scattered reports of infotainment malfunctions, and earlier models had issues with the CVT, but for the most part, these cars appear to be pretty solid.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from media.subaru.com)

Being a newer Subaru, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard and can be operated by a 6.5" touchscreen. If you want any driver assistance technology like Subaru's Eyesight, you'll have to opt for the Limited trim. Examples are less common than the base or premium trim models at this price point, but with it, you'll get driver assistance features like blind spot monitoring, lane change assist, and adaptive cruise, as well as a larger 8.0" infotainment screen and leather seating surfaces. Ultimately, the Crosstrek is a dependable, cheap-to-operate vehicle that includes the must-haves for the modern consumer.

Pros

• Symmetrical AWD
• 8.7 inches of ground clearance
• Clever use of space

Cons

• Reports of minor electrical issues
• Finicky CVT
• Models with 2.5-liter engine costs more than $20k

Volkswagen Taos 4Motion

Price: $18,500 - $20,000

If the Crosstrek isn't your cup of tea, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos is an excellent alternative. Standard on the Taos is a 6.5" touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while an 8.0" is optional. Every Taos comes standard with a customizable and easy-to-read digital gauge cluster. Not only do you get digital gauges, but depending on the trim level, you can get heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, and even ambient interior lighting.

Our own automotive journalist, Chris Chin, had this to say about the VW Taos:

The S and SE trims have attractive and comfortable cloth seats, but leather is available on the SEL. Though the SEL comes with some nice features like a bigger screen, adaptive cruise control, and an updated audio system, the SE is really the sweet spot on the market. Plus, the SE includes some great driver assistance features like a blind spot monitor, rear traffic alert, forward collision warning, and autonomous emergency braking, to name a few.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from media.vw.com)

The killer tech in the Taos extends beyond the interior. The EA211 1.5-liter four-cylinder is a revision of the previous 1.4-liter used in the base Jetta in years prior. The engine is very technologically advanced. It uses a variable geometry turbo like the Porsche 911 and has a special oval crankshaft torsional cancelation sprocket in place of a typical circular cam gear. This reduces the radius during the working stroke, which Volkswagen reports should mean less stress on the timing components. A timing belt runs the EA211, but the unique cam sprockets should allow for a longer interval (closer to 130,000 miles) before replacement.

2022 is the first year of the Taos for the North American market. Though we usually wouldn't recommend a first model year, all the components that make up the Taos have been tried and tested in previous Volkswagen models, making for a reasonably safe bet on the used market. Please note that though the Taos should be a reliable machine, it's still a German car with advanced technology underneath its inoffensive sheet metal. The 4Motion models use a Haldex AWD system, which requires a differential fluid change every 30,000-40,000 miles, and the 1.5-liter engine requires diligent maintenance if you want it to live a long, fruitful life.

Pros

• Simple, fast infotainment
• Exceptional fuel economy
• More refined than competitors like Crosstrek

Cons

• 4Motion models only get 7-Speed DCT
• Complicated drivetrain
• Maintenance heavy

2020-2021 Toyota Camry AWD

Price: 18,000 - 19,500

For years, the Toyota Camry was devoid of AWD. Thankfully, the option arrived on the scene for 2020 and officially makes the Camry one of the best options for those prioritizing safety and reliability. Unfortunately, the silky smooth 3.5-liter V-6 can't be paired with the AWD system, but you'll still get the trusty 2.5-liter Inline-4 that should last a lifetime.

In fact, there are already a number of 2018+ examples with over 250,000 miles on the clock currently on the market. The 8-Speed did have some minor issues when it was introduced in 2018, but since then, Toyota seems to have gotten the programming dialed in. Power from the 2.5-liter isn't impressive, but 202 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque is more than enough for the daily commute. Though the XV70 generation Camry was introduced in 2018, if you want an all-wheel-drive Camry for under $20,000, you'll have to find a 2020-2021 model.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from caranddriver.com)

All 2020-2021 Camry's are equipped with "Toyota Safety Sense." Unlike the BMW 3 Series, which charges extra for such features, the Camry comes standard with a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, a full-speed radar cruise control, lane departure warning with steering assist, and automatic high beam assist. There are some optional safety features like active blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, intelligent clearance sonar, and rear cross-traffic braking.

Still, given the smaller number of all-wheel drive Camrys on the market, it's nice to have some driver assistance safety features guaranteed. Thankfully, though Toyota tends to lack in the tech department, the Camry comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto during these years.

Pros

• Bulletproof powertrain
• Easy on maintenance
• AWD system can send up to 50% of power to the rear

Cons

• Lacking on tech
• Only lower trims available in this price range
• Under budget examples near 100k miles

2019-2020 Honda CR-V

Price: $18,000 - $20,000

The Honda CR-V has long been a staple in the compact crossover segment. The good news for this list: a large percentage of CR-Vs on the market are equipped with all-wheel drive. The bad news: if you're a fan of old-school, naturally aspirated Honda goodness, you'll have to stick to a 2019 model year. In 2019, Honda still offered the 2.4-liter K24, which produced a healthy 184 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque at 3,800 RPM. The K24 is a tried and true engine and should be a safe bet if you're the type of person to put 200,000 miles on your car.

As an alternative in 2019 and subsequently the only engine available for a non-hybrid CVT in 2020, the 1.5-liter turbocharged L15 is Honda's new standard powertrain used in the Civic, Accord, and HR-V, among other things. Though not as technologically advanced as the 1.5-liter in the Taos, the small displacement Honda motor produces 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque at only 2,000 RPM. Though the specs are similar to the K24, having peak torque at such a low RPM makes the car feel noticeably quicker around town.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from hondanews.com)

Unlike the Taos, the Honda falls a bit short on standard tech. The 2020 model year includes lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and automated emergency braking as standard, but those same features were only optional in 2019. If you want smartphone connectivity, you'll have to opt for the EX or higher trim, as the LX only includes a 5.0" screen without CarPlay and Android Auto.

That said, the 7.0" infotainment screen in the higher trim levels, though a bit slow and clunky, is still good enough to get the job done if you're looking for a modern car on a budget. The CR-V is not necessarily the best car on the list, but it's got a more than acceptable level of tech, two reliable engine options (at least for 2019), and an outstanding safety record to boot.

Pros

• Decent infotainment in all but base LX trim
• IIHS Top Safety Pick in 2019
• Two reliable engine options

Cons

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto only in EX trim or above
• No 2.4-liter option for 2020
• Not as many standard features for 2019 model year

2020-2021 Mazda3 AWD

Price: $17,000 - $20,000

If the fourth generation of the Mazda3 is ever praised universally, it's for its elegant design inside and out. The compact Mazda sedan and hatchback are definitely punching above their weight when it comes to esthetics, so it wouldn't be a stretch to say it's the best looking in the segment. Beauty aside, in 2020, the only engine available is the 186 horsepower 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G inline-4. 2021 introduced the 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G turbocharged inline-4 that upped power to 250 horsepower and an astonishing 320 lb-ft of torque.

Unfortunately, though the turbo version is AWD only, you won't find many for under $20,000. That said, there are plenty of non-turbo all-wheel drive variants for sale that come under budget. If you prefer an odd number of pedals, you'll have to stick with the front-wheel drive variant, but Mazda has blessed us with a 6-speed automatic instead of a droney CVT. All we can say is thank you, Mazda.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from news.mazdausa.com)

Standard across the range is radar cruise with stop and go, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, smart brake support, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. All trims are fitted with an 8.8" infotainment screen that can only be controlled via a rotary knob and comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.

Not all that dissimilar from Audi's scroll wheel, the rotary controller is pretty easy to get used to, but the lack of a touchscreen is a bit of a letdown. Despite the lack of visibility out the back of the hatchback, the Mazda3 has been an IIHS Top Safety Pick every year of its current generation. Admittedly, the all-wheel drive Mazda3 is a bit harder to find under budget than other entries, but its design alone might make it worth a road trip to find the right one.

Pros

• The looks
• A durable, fuel-efficient powertrain
• No CVT...yay!

Cons

• No touchscreen
• Poor rearward visibility in hatchback
• Harder to find AWD models

2021-2022 Subaru Impreza

Price: $15,000 - $19,000

The Impreza is just about everything the Crosstrek is minus ground clearance. Driver assistance features like blind spot monitoring, lane change assist, and adaptive cruise, as well as a larger 8.0" infotainment screen, are optional, just like on the Crosstrek. Thankfully, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard features on even the base Impreza.

Due to the Impreza's impressively low MSRP, examples of the higher trims are readily available on the used market for well within the $20,000 budget, so if heated leather seats, a bigger infotainment screen, and driver assist technology are on your list of priorities, finding the perfect Impreza should be a breeze.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from subaru.com)

As with the Crosstrek, the Impreza only comes with a 2.0-liter Boxer-4 that produces 152 horsepower. That means the Impreza is down on power compared to competitors like the Mazda3, Honda Civic, and even the Toyota Corolla. Despite the lack of grunt, the FB20D is a solid engine that should be a safe bet as the miles start racking up miles.

Sadly, though the Impreza offers a 6-speed manual, it just isn't very good. It's floppy, vague, and not all that engaging, especially compared to competitors. However, you're presumably considering the Impreza because it's cheap, safe, and reliable transportation; on that front, it more than gets the job done.

Pros

• Cheaper than Crosstrek
• Lots of highly specced-in budget examples for sale
• Reliable FB20D engine

Cons

• Sluggish powertrain
• Minimal standard features
• A manual transmission not worth saving

2018-2019 Audi A4

Price: $15,000 - $19,000

The B9 Audi A4 is getting a bit long in the tooth, but if you're looking to buy used, that works in your favor. Since the B9's introduction in 2017, there have been updates and facelifts, but from the outside, the 2024 model year doesn't look drastically different from 2017. On the interior, the earlier 2018-2019 A4 models did not include a touchscreen.

However, like the Mazda, it uses a rotary wheel to operate the 7.0" infotainment screen equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An 8.3" screen and the 12.3" Virtual Cockpit gauge cluster are not standard. That said, plenty of fully loaded examples that fit the $20,000 budget can be found on the used market if those optional features are boxes you want checked.

Driver assistance features are plentiful for the time, but blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane keep assist are only available on the higher Premium Plus and Prestige trims. The base trim does come with heated seats, automatic braking, and automatic collision warning, so like today, Audi is anything but stingy when it comes to standard equipment.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from caranddriver.com)

Under the hood, the third-generation 2.0-liter EA888 turbocharged inline-4 powers the A4 to 60 MPH in a brisk 5.3 seconds thanks to a snappy 7-speed DCT. For 2018, you'll still be able to find some A4s equipped with a slick 6-speed manual transmission. Rowing your own gears in a luxury sedan with a potent engine makes the commute infinitely more fun.

Even without the manual, the A4 is still engaging to drive due to the 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque powering all four wheels. The fun is primarily guilt-free as the EA888 is one of the more reliable turbocharged motors in recent memory. The A4 is not the only luxury sedan on the list, but it's definitely the best blend of efficiency, performance, and tech if you're looking for an all-wheel-drive car that offers more than just the basics.

Pros

• 6-Speed manual available for 2018
• Tons of standard features
• IIHS Top Safety Pick 2018-2019

Cons

• No touchscreen
• More expensive to maintain

2018-2020 Mazda CX-5 AWD

Price: $15,000 - $18,000

The Mazda CX-5 is fitted with the same 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G inline-4 found in the Mazda3, though Mazda managed to squeeze out one extra horsepower in this application. The Skyactiv-G is a great engine and Mazda has tuned this family crossover to be a strangely engaging driving experience.

Anyone who has been behind the wheel of a late model CX-5 can attest to the surprisingly good steering feel from the electrically assisted rack. Perhaps more enjoyable is the way the chassis feels on a twisty road. It's not that other cars on this list don't surpass the driving joy the CX-5 brings, but the fact that a family crossover is as fun to drive as the CX-5 shows Mazda's dedication to making driving enjoyable for everyone.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from mazdausa.com)

For 2018 and 2019, radar cruise with stop and go, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, smart brake support, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are available options but not standard. In fact, in 2018, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto weren't even available. Thankfully, 2019 introduced smartphone connectivity on the higher trims, and 2020 made these features standard.

Much like the Mazda3, the CX-5 receives a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick in the years we've included on this list. With prices ranging as low as $15,000 for the 2018 model year, there are still plenty of 2019 and 2020 CX-5s that fit the budget. Depending on your trust in the Skyactiv-G, examples can be found with anywhere from 30,000 to 100,000 miles.

Other crossovers included in this list may offer better fuel economy, standard features, and more charismatic engines, but the CX-5 stands out for its good looks and surprisingly good driving dynamics.

Pros

• Great steering and throttle response
• Beautiful exterior
• Limited road noise at high speeds

Cons

• Fuel economy falls short of competitors
• Driver assistance features not standard 2018-2019

2013-2018 Lexus GS 350 AWD

Price: $14,000 - $19,000

The Lexus GS was discontinued after the 2020 model year, so it tends to fly under the radar. Additionally, the larger size and RWD-based layout tend to scare off potential buyers. The all-wheel drive variant, however, is the more common way you'll see the GS specced, especially if you live in New England.

The all-wheel drive is, of course, what you're here for, but what will keep you driving the GS 350 is the engine. 2013 and 2014 models are equipped with the 2GR-FXE, while the 2015-2018s get the 2GR-FKS still used in Lexus and Toyota products in 2024. Both are port and direct-injected 3.5-liter V-6 engines that are well-known for their durability and penchant for lasting 250,000 miles so long as you're kind enough to change the oil from time to time.

Though the rear-wheel-drive version gets an 8-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive models have to make do with only six forward gears. Though a bit antiquated by comparison, the 6-speed is a stout, time-tested unit that shifts smoothly and should contribute to the luxurious experience the GS aims to provide.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from lexus.com)

The lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is most notable for the modern consumer. Though the GS 350 has some nice features for its time, as with most Lexus products, you sacrifice some tech in the quest for long-term durability. That said, an optional heads-up display, intuitive park assist, and blind spot monitoring are features that may be worth seeking out on the used market. The GS 350 can be found for between $14,000 and $19,000, depending on the year, trim, and mileage. Low mileage examples are plentiful in this price range, but with the GS we wouldn't worry about high mileage.

The GS, even in F-Sport trim, is no sports sedan, but if you need a comfortable, luxurious all-wheel drive cruiser that you can count on, the 2013-2018 GS 350 is a fantastic choice.

Pros

• IIHS Top Safety Pick 2013
• Smooth, reliable V-6 engine
• Comfortable ride

Cons

• Poor fuel economy
• CarPlay and Android Auto are unavailable

2017-2018 BMW 330i xDrive

Price: $14,000 - $18,000

In 2024, BMW charges extra for heated seats and driver assistance aids. The same is true for the final years of the F30 generation. Despite the classic BMW exterior design, the F30's interior is a far cry from the current G20 3 Series. The 330i does have Apple CarPlay, but Android Auto is not available until the next generation 3-Series.

Most standard luxury features like heated seats, adaptive cruise, and even a backup camera were optional on the 330i (in 2018, the backup camera was standard), so make sure to check out which listings offer the features you need. Driver assistance tech is limited, but lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear parking aid were available and optioned on many models listed for sale in this price range.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from caranddriver.com)

It's amazing that you can buy a modern manual BMW sports sedan for under $20,000 that doesn't fall apart, but that's exactly what the 330i is. Equipped with the modular B48 2.0-liter turbocharged Inline-4, the 330i produces 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Though the B48 won't be as reliable or cheap to maintain as the 2GR V-6 in the Lexus, it's a well-built engine that should be a safe bet even on the used market with over 100,000 miles. 330i xDrive models can be found in the $14,000-$18,000 range, anywhere from 40,000 to 100,000 miles.

The 330 may not have the classic straight-6 BMW roar when you put your foot down, but it's a very competent performer and, unlike the Lexus GS, is designed to be a driver's car rather than just a comfy way to travel.

Pros

• A proper sports sedan
• Reliable, efficient powertrain
• Available 6-speed manual

Cons

• Limited standard tech
• Cheap plastics in the interior
• Android Auto not available

2012-2016 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic

Price: $12,000 - $16,000

2012 to 2016 was an exciting time for the E-Class. In 2014, it received a major refresh, which added a bunch of features and noticeably changed the design. The pre-facelift cars have a certain elegance with the split headlight design, but later models incorporated more tech that may be desirable if you're looking for a mid-size luxury sedan. 2012 and 2013 models did offer lane departure warning, driver drowsiness detection, and traffic sign recognition, which were new features at the time.

In 2014, Mercedes introduced cutting-edge features like collision prevention assist, Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control with steering assist, active lane keeping assist, brake assist plus, and cross traffic assist. Keep in mind that other cars of the same vintage didn't incorporate these features until a few years later. It's typical of Mercedes to be ahead of the game. Heck, you could even get an active parking assist and a 360-degree camera...not bad for 2014.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from media.mbusa.com)

As for price, a beat E350 4Matic can be found for under $10,000, but a solid one with between 50,000 and 100,000 miles tends to fall between the $12,000 and $16,000 range. Earlier model years utilized the M272 3.5-liter V-6, but we're recommending the 2012-2016 E350, which has the 60-degree M276 3.5-liter V-6.

The M272 is not a bad engine by any stretch, but the M276 is considered the more reliable of the two, and when you're in the market for a used German luxury car, reliability is critical. Ultimately, the E350 4Matic is a luxurious, feature-heavy, elegant, all-wheel-drive sedan that can be purchased and maintained on a budget.

Pros

• Tons of safety technology
• Old-school Mercedes durability with the M276
• Lots of comfort features like heated and ventilated seats

Cons

• Limited modern tech features
• No CarPlay or Android Auto
• More expensive to maintain than other cars on the list

2012-2016 Volvo XC70 3.2/T6 AWD

Price: $12,000 - $16,000

The XC70 occupies a very distinct niche in the market. Wagons are out of vogue despite the fact that they offer as much versatility as most crossovers minus the added cost of a crossover’s more expensive consumables. The big problem most people have: they’re not tall enough. People like being up high, and while the XC70 isn’t the tallest vehicle, it does provide a seating position that is more akin to a more traditional crossover like Volvo’s own XC60. The extra ground clearance is quite a nice combo with all-wheel drive.

On the inside, the XC70 is all about practicality. When it comes to storage space, it actually beats out the XC60 and other crossovers in that segment. It beats crossover contemporaries like the Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60 by more than 3 cu-ft. The XC70’s 33.3 cu-ft may fall short of the larger Toyota Highlander’s massive 40 cu-ft behind the second row, but with the seats folded down, the XC70’s 72.1 cu-ft is nothing to scoff at.

Admittedly, it still doesn’t beat the Highlander (83.7 cu-ft), but it’s way ahead of the Q5 and XC60. The XC70 doesn’t just have lots of cargo space, but it’s also got tons of shoulder and legroom in the front and rear seats, so even if you’re 6’4, you can spread out while you cart around Christmas trees in your giant storage area.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from media.volvocars.com)

When it comes to safety, Volvo is always near the top of the heap. The lights are xenon active bending, so you’ll actually be able to see into tight corners in the dark. Not only that, but collision avoidance, blind spot monitoring (BLIS), lane departure warning, driver alertness monitoring, and traffic sign recognition are available.

Despite the age of the XC70, we recommend it. It still comes packed with important features. Naturally, heated seats, a decent sound system, and a native navigation system are available, so as with any vehicle on the list, make sure you find an example with the options that are more important to you.

The XC70 we’re recommending comes fitted with either a 3.2-liter naturally aspirated inline-6 or a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6. Both engines do have some minor issues and Volvo’s from this era can develop some electrical problems that might convince you the car is haunted.

That said, both engines should have no problem hitting 200,000 miles so long as you are diligent with routine maintenance. Plenty of sub-100,000 mile examples can be found for under $16,000, but if you’re not bothered by higher mileage, you can find examples under $10,000. That said, we’d recommend finding a clean, lower mileage example that’s been well taken care of by previous owners.

Pros

• 300 horsepower from the 3.0-liter
• Less expensive to maintain than most German competitors
• Unending cargo space

Cons

• Potential for electrical gremlins
• Limited modern tech and no smartphone connectivity

2013-2018 Toyota RAV4

Price: $11,000 - $16,000

How did it take us this long to get a Toyota RAV4 on the list? When you think of a reliable, safe, all-wheel drive vehicle for under $20,000, the first thing that should come to mind is a RAV4. Given its age and the fact that it’s not a luxury vehicle, the RAV4 is very limited on modern features.

Depending on the trim, it is very functional and has amenities like Bluetooth connectivity, tire pressure monitoring, and dual-zone climate. Surprisingly, there is an option for navigation, blind spot monitoring, and a rear cross-traffic alert system. In 2017 and 2018, the Rav introduced Toyota Safety Sense, which adds a whole host of active safety features. This includes automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, and a rearview camera as standard. Psst…hey BMW…take notes.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from toyotacertified.com)

The RAV4's 2.5-liter 2AR-FE engine is a fantastic engine. However, it's not without its flaws. Some will consume oil at higher mileage and look for leaks from the timing chain cover and camshaft position sensor. That said, the 2AR is one of Toyota's modern forever engines, along with the 2GR-FE or the 1UZ-FE. On top of a good engine and transmission, the rest of the RAV4 has been put together pretty well too.

The early 2013–2014 models did have some reports of issues with the navigation, but it's unlikely you'd even want to use such an antiquated system anyway. The 2013 and 2014 model years also received a "Poor" rating from the IIHS on the Small Overlap Frontal Test. Thankfully, Toyota addressed the problem quickly, and the 2015-2018 model years received a "Good" rating.

Pros

• Bulletproof engine and transmission
• Lots of cargo space
• Toyota Safety Sense in 2017+

Cons

• 2013 and 2014 at risk in overlap crash
• Finicky native navigation in early models
• No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto

2010-2015 Lexus RX 350

Price: $10,000 - $15,000

Everyone who goes car hunting usually wants two things: a good deal and AWD. Much to the chagrin of many buyers, many “good deals” are only good because the car is a mechanical or electrical nightmare waiting to happen. As the reliability czar, please stop buying used Chevy Equinoxes. They will cost you a ton of money in repairs and maintenance.

Thankfully, if you’re looking for a safe AWD vehicle with legendary reliability and a surprisingly low asking price, the 2010-2015 Lexus RX 350 has you covered. Some of our readers may already be familiar, but the RX350 is another beneficiary of the incredibly durable 2GR-FE V-6. In the RX, the 2GR produces 270 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque.

For a vehicle that weighs 4,343 pounds, that’s good enough for a 7-8 second 0-60 MPH time. With AWD, fuel economy isn’t too shabby either, with 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. AWD usually incurs a significant decrease in fuel economy, but the FWD version only manages a single MPG higher on the highway. That is, in large part, due to the Active Control AWD system, which can send up to 100% of power to the front wheels during certain driving conditions to improve fuel efficiency.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from pressroom.lexus.com)

The RX also boasts a fantastic safety record with 4-star ratings for frontal and rollover and 5 stars for side impact. Some RX trims featured a pre-collision system, which is essentially a precursor to “Lexus Safety Sense.” The RX also included the usual suite of safety features, including knee airbags, making them a safe choice even for younger, less experienced drivers.

If you do buy one of these for your child, you’ll be happy to know that the tech is pretty limited. You can find these with the optional navigation system, backup camera, and heads-up display, but as is typical for Lexus, the focus is more on comfort and reliability than cutting-edge tech.

If you’re looking for some fancier features on a budget, there are plenty of RX 350’s with the optional 15-speaker 330-watt Mark Levinson sound system, heated and ventilated front seats, and even voice recognition. Plenty of nicely specced examples can be found for between $10,000-$15,000 with around 70,000-130,000 miles on the clock. You can even get them cheaper if you’re okay with 150,000-200,000 miles. With some cars, such high mileage could be scary, but with 150,000, the 2010-2015 RX 350 is just getting started.

Pros

• Bulletproof powertrain
• Good safety features (even by modern standards)
• Comfortable, quiet interior

Cons

• No modern tech or smartphone connectivity
• Native navigation is a joke

2012-2015 Volvo XC60 3.2/T6 AWD

Price: $10,000 - $15,000

The 2012-2015 Volvo XC60 is the cheapest car on this list and should be one of the most desirable to the modern consumer. First things first, the tech could be a dealbreaker if you require modern infotainment systems and smartphone connectivity. If you can do without all that, this car is pretty exceptional value for the money.

A large percentage of XC60’s were fitted with native navigation, blind spot monitoring (BLIS), and a new feature from Volvo at the time called City Safety. The system uses a closing velocity sensor to determine the risk of a rear-end collision. If it determines there is a legitimate risk, the system can actually brake the car on its own to prevent an accident. This, along with a slew of other standard safety features, means the XC60, despite its age, is incredibly safe and perfectly suited for kids just hitting driving age.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from media.volvocars.com)

When it comes to trim, we recommend the XC60 3.2 AWD or T6 AWD. Specifically, the B6324S5 3.2-liter naturally aspirated inline-6 engine offered from 2011-2014 and the B6304T4 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6. Both engines have a good reputation for long-term reliability, and many examples can be found with over 200,000 miles on the clock.

The reliability may be solid, but watch out for electrical problems and higher maintenance costs. For some inexplicable reason, Volvo thought it wise to put an inline-6 engine transversely mounted in these cars, so working room is minimal. That said, with solid reliability, exceptional safety, all-wheel drive, and a quiet, comfortable driving experience, these cars are a solid deal on the used market.

Pros

• Stout inline-6 engine options
• Legendary safety
• Blind-spot monitoring

Cons

• No modern tech
• Minor electrical gremlins
• Limited working room in engine bay

2024-04-23T10:08:27Z dg43tfdfdgfd