Budget AWD Traction - These Are The Top 10 Cheapest All-Wheel-Drive Cars You Can Buy!

[@brianaustin1328]

Fun video! I feel Tommy is on point with his opinion of Front Wheel Drive with snow tires being better than AWD on all seasons. Can you do the testing?

[@TFLcar]

Please stay tuned

[@MarkRVillano]

He is 100% correct. My wife drives a Honda Civic which is a rather lightweight FWD vehicle, and my daughter owns a Subaru Forester. Last year for the first time I purchased a top quality set of dedicated snow and ice tires, (Bridgestone Blizzak) and I could not believe how they completely transformed the winter driving experience, especially when I compared it to driving my daughter's Subaru. The Honda drove through snow like it was on rails, while the Forester with all season tires was not nearly as confident, even with the AWD.

[@afcgeo882]

Mark Villano This is because most people (you included) confuse AWD for traction. AWD is a power delivery system. It does not improve traction. What you need for improved traction is proper tires and a good electronic slip control system. Those will help you accelerate, but more importantly brake and steer. AWD doesn’t help with the latter two. In snow and on ice, AWD literally just helps you to get going, that’s all.

[@Dia1Up]

Front wheel drive still has all wheel brakes. Stopping is more important. Just because AWD lets you move forward on all seasons, it has the same amount of braking power as a fwd.

[@Honeypot-x9s]

@@MarkRVillano yep i love blizzaks but people seem to think if you have AWD you dont need better tires as well, i see a lot of people with AWD in my area that get stuck on some really small hills around here spinning tires away or sliding backwards into each other during snow storms. i have a AWD volvo wagon which weighs a lot i guess helps cuz i never had much issues with tackling hills around here. i put on Blizzaks which are priced extremely well they came out to $145/per tire so better then my normal all season tires i get. i used to use the all seasons all year until a few years ago, nearly involved in a huge crash on a snowy back road where no cell reception (in mountain area). i decided to put on blizzak tires now during the winter months and its transformed! stops on a dime, takes off like ya sat on a wasp and even can aggressively swerve and not lose control in the snow, hll was ran off the road once by someone losing control and the blizzaks have so much grip that my wagon which i thought was high centered pulls itself free after a few attempts.

[@amybyrd419]

Love the banter between you two! I sometimes think Tommy is the more "grown up." Beautiful to see a healthy, loving and respectful relationship between you guys! Wonderful and enjoyable videos too!

[@rkalla]

Agree - this is a gift. You've done something right in your life if you have a loving family and get to work together.

[@chasegamble8507]

"Nobody is going to cross-shop a Cayenne turbo with a Ford Ecosport." I'm rolling! 🤣

[@nielsdebakker3283]

@Gus Johnson That eco is for economy(cheap), not ecology... High revving engines last as long as your beloved boat anchors, just treat them correctly and keep up maintenance.

[@27Zangle]

The base Impreza is an amazing machine and holds phenomenal used value here in Alaska.

[@27Zangle]

@Gus Johnson - I've owned two Subaru's and have have taken them down many soft-sand beeches and old ski trails most vehicle would be too heavy for. Pretty sure one of mine went through more hell than what the Top Gear staff put theirs through. Also, that is a good episode and have watched it several times.

[@JustAnotherJarhead]

Imprezas just feel so "cheap" to me, when I get into my Legacy, it is a different experience, I can't put my finger on it, but it's like a different animal, even the door close sound is different.

[@27Zangle]

@@JustAnotherJarhead - Legacies are nice for sure. For the price an Impreza is a fantastic vehicle tho.

[@Honestandtruth007]

Oh yes baby Subaru go go.

[@carluvrsd9374]

@@27Zangle Here in Utah Outbacks are very popular, but used Legacies are an excellent value.

[@doug2445]

Land rover ? No thanks i like my money.

[@MetaView7]

Land rover ? No thanks i don't want to be so intimate with my mechanic.

[@Honestandtruth007]

@@MetaView7 hahaha 😅 Wise choice and Smart

[@carluvrsd9374]

You, sir, will have a comfortable retirement.

[@simplyrise5217]

😂😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😐😐😂😂😂😂

[@TrinityWilderness1]

God Damn Right!

[@stephenzerfas5307]

Thank you Tommy for your point on the tires. I have survived snowy New England all my life with FWD cars and have never gotten stuck. Good tired make all the difference. I know so many people that will only buy an AWD car because how else could they survive the New England winters but just leave the factory meh all seasons on them. Stopping always has me more concerned than getting going and that is where tires really matter.

[@victorryan4870]

I loveee the crosstrek.. it’s literally my favorite design out there for some reason

[@RKmndo]

Get an affordable Subaru Crosstrek if you're driving more than just icy roads. The others either lack ground clearance, effective AWD, or (ESPECIALLY) good aftermarket support. Get that 8.7" of stock ground clearance and the sturdy OEM roofrails. Add skidplates. Mount a Badlands 5000-6000lb winch. (I use a UTV multi-mount cradle in my 2" rear receiver hitch, with modified jumper cables to power it.) When the stock all-season tires wear out, replace them with taller all-weather CUV ATs, like Falken AT Trails or the Nitto CUV ATs...or siped MTs, for muddy areas. Crosstreks without any lift or trimming can typically fit stock-width tires that are 1" taller (OD) than OEM, on the factory 17" rims. 15" rims can fit over the stock calipers, if you need them to fit mudders. 225/65R17 Geolandar MTs WILL fit a stock 2nd-gen Crosstrek, but they'll occasionally rub on a 1st-gen. If you want to get more serious off-road, a rear lunchbox diff-locker is available for around $430 USD. A front Cusco LSD is available too. So are steel bumpers, for 2nd-gen Crosstreks. The AWD Maverick can also be pretty affordable, until you start adding a bunch of options. You could maybe get into a stripper with just the 4K towing pkg for probably under $26K USD. Some Maverick owners are reporting 33-35MPG hwy with the AWD 2.0T.

[@JasonBoydston]

I bought a Jeep Compass with the 6-speed manual transmission. It works great in the snow, the AWD system is very good. The car has been reliable with no trips to the dealer in the last year.

[@jackp2563]

Jason Boydston Manual cars tend to be more reliable than automatics in the long run

[@balamus]

I had a stick shift Nissan Versa hatchback FWD with snow tires. It survived many many Michigan winters and never got stuck. Traction control in the form of clutch worked best.

[@GeronimoJenkins]

Good video topic! Us northerners appreciate it.

[@johninama585]

If you want a manual, though, it's Impreza hatchback or Crosstrek. Note for you guys: Subaru quietly got rid of the manual transmission in the Impreza sedan, you can only get it on the hatchback from 2020 on. Really crappy of them.

[@KyleRattay]

Sedan looked better too vs crab tail lights!

[@dearbulls]

Love the ending part. That's when you know your dad is getting old (talking talking talking……🤣🤣🤣）. As always... You know what?

[@whoawoahh]

H h h H. H. Hhhhhh.

[@Awf.lately]

Lol at Tommy towards the end rubbing his head. 😂

[@10cpaul]

My 17 Prius with x 4 snows I swear went better than some SUV'S, passed many in the winter... and MPGS!!!

[@HeatherSpoonheim]

This is really great information. I subscribe to the idea that there is a LOT of value in used cars - just as long as you plan, up front, that you WILL need to do some repairs. I have a good mechanic who is more of a preventative maintenance guy than an emergency fixer. You can buy an older car, AFTER a professional mechanic has given it a thorough inspection, then pay for all needed 'updates', and come out with both big savings and comparable reliability vs a new car purchase.

[@brianaustin1328]

When I was looking to buy a car for my daughter for college (NE Ohio), I looked at the CX-3 AWD, the Kona AWD, and the Subaru Crosstrek. Ultimately, we went with a Honda Civic EX hatchback and a set of dedicated snow tires on their own wheels. We’ll just swap them over on Thanksgiving and Easter. With Honda, there is no worry about the TPMS, as it is built into the ABS system - not the wheels.

[@tmwei396]

No TPMS on the Mazda either. At least not on my 2015 unless they changed it.

[@tmwei396]

@Cloud Nine What about the Wrangler?

[@t-bone9239]

dang your daughter is spoiled

[@neilmurphy845]

Ya the 2005 Toyota's had that system it's way better

[@Sirgromulus]

@@tmwei396 Model specific. My wife's and daughter's 2017 and 2018 CX-5s have TPMS in the wheels (thus requiring sensors) while my other daughters' 2017 Mazda3 and 2016 CX-5 are "built in".

[@DBLOCK987]

the banter at the end is priceless

[@DavidDLee]

Add Mazda 3 AWD, probably the most fun to drive on the list. Maybe add Nissan Altima AWD, just slightly over 25K

[@naeem_bari]

Not to mention, the Mazda 3 Hatchback AWD is easily had for under $23K with discounts. If they had stretched their MSRP budget to $25.5K, the Mazda 3 would have not only made the list, it would have won it.

[@djw1091994]

As a 2019 Mazda 3 owner I can't wait for some snow to see what the AWD can do! Easily the nicest interior and stereo for anything under $30K or even $35k.

[@davevolz6138]

Don Jacobs they put all the $$ into the interior at the expense of the rest.

[@STohme]

Among all cars presented, only Subaru provides a full all wheel drive transmission, all the others are only part time all wheel drive. I fully agree with your selection, it is the Subaru with manual gear is the best. Very nice video. Many thanks.

[@snowrocket]

Quit drinking the Subaru Koolaid! The Hyundai/Kia stuff uses a center differential AWD system, virtually identical to the AWD in a 5-speed Impreza. The center diff systems are the better way to go, but any AWD will get you up the snowy hill better than 2WD.

[@steamroller72]

Shocks me how many people don't factor that fact into the decision...part-time FWD CVT trash is never the answer.

[@damonlee226]

OMG, the Mazda CX-3 by far, the Subaru Crosstrek, and the Kona are the best for me.

[@danichicago9140]

Last November I bought a 2018 BMW 320i xdrive. It was 30400 out the door. Heated seats and steering wheel led headlights . Not exactly sub 25k but the performance is worth the premium

[@thatf_inguy8220]

Dani Chicago used, right? That would be an insanely good deal new

[@danichicago9140]

@@thatf_inguy8220 New. It was. I had a newer trade in too. So that could be the funny math.

[@JustAnotherJarhead]

@@danichicago9140 Who in the hell "trades in" a newer car???

[@danichicago9140]

@@JustAnotherJarhead Traded in a 2016 High country Silverado 1500. New job. New 75 mile round trip commute too!

[@sharky0]

You reference “base prices” and then mention the awd option price, it’s adding some confusion, are numbers 8,9,10 on your list the pricing with or without awd

[@vegan4thefreeprizes166]

The one not on the list, the Eclipse Cross, was my choice. Love it in the snow.

[@patricklondon6006]

Somebody in Finland I think did a test. All wheel drive with all season tires vs front wheel drive with winter tires in snow. In a straight line the all wheel drive was a little faster. But the front wheel drive with winter tires won everything else.

[@theBear89451]

Euro spec all seasons are more snow friendly than US spec.

[@DR-nc8nc]

For the price it is pretty hard to beat the Impreza with a 5 spd transmission. Not an off-roader at all, but it gets around very well in winter.

[@snowrocket]

Also, because the 5-speed has the more sporting 50/50% torque split, you can powerslide it like a rally champ in snow! In snow, where horsepower is irrelevant, you can have WRX fun for WAY less money!

[@406Steven]

I've had my 20 Impreza 5MT for about a month now and even with the stock all-season tires it gets around really well in the snow and ice. The car, doc fee, clear bra, gap coverage, and 10 year/150k mile warranty through CNA Surety came to just shy of $22k.

[@colingoldthorpe5918]

I agree that buying a good used car is way better than buying a new car nowadays. I bought a used Mini Paceman ALL4 Cooper S for $19K CDN it had 14,000 miles on it and was 3 years old. Best car in the snow and way more fun to drive than the Kona which like most new cars nowadays are dreary to drive and overpriced. A Kona in Alberta Canada with the same specs is $36K delivered. I bought another Mini Cooper S model for $15K so the reality is i bought 2 mini's for the price of a brand new similarly equipped Kona. Your completely right Roman, used cars are the way to go. I always bought new cars for years, now i just buy Lease backs and keep my hard earned money in my pocket. I have winter tires on both Mini's and they work fine in the snow, the Cooper S struggles in really deep snow. But find a parking lot and sliding sideways is just the icing on the cake :-)

[@hereigoagain5050]

Seems that Tommy is way more responsible/sensible than Roman. Love the videos. Keep them coming.

[@LarryGanz]

I rented a Kona AWD while my WRX was getting some work done, and took it on a road trip from Colorado Springs to Breckenridge CO this past summer. I didn't think it was any nicer than our loaded 2015 Impreza Sport, which cost us $23,000, but it wasn't bad. However, on winter tires I have more confidence in the Subaru AWD system, while other cars like the Mazda get stuck if 3 wheels are slipping. PS: Bought a 2018 Jeep Compass Ltd for my daughter, and you can lock the center diff - on Michelin X-ice it does quite well in the snow.

[@rossmartens]

I know a guy who has a awd fusion and he absolutely loves it will be probably getting one as a second vehicle

[@psewgobind]

With Hakkapolliita snow tires (not studded) and new 98 Civic with Prokit springs and Tokico shocks, I drove down onto frozen lake (ice fishing) and the only vehicle down there were heavily equipped 4x4s. To get back up, had to negotiate a 2 storey wall of ice boulders formed from the lake. The front wishbone and premium components allowed me to bounce over those boulders while using momentum.

[@rockymountboy]

WAGONS! They are WAGONS! Not CROSSOVERS. We can use the W word.

[@rickkop1566]

I'm not in the market for any of these cars but I really enjoy the real down to earth videos you two do. Keep up the good work.

[@TFLcar]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@weekendwarrior8179]

The cross-trek would be my choice

[@theresadumont7300]

Great video! Thank you!

[@majorcalvary6515]

I miss Suzuki SX AWD. Golf Sport wagon 4motion would’ve been good too.

[@juarezsanchez4428]

i was in a sx4 awd a few minutes ago, and that thing is nice for what it is

[@matty_o]

The golf wagon does get pricey

[@majorcalvary6515]

Matty_ o In 2018 I think. Don’t get the Allroad Golf. Regular base model Golf Wagon could be had with 4Motion, and 6 speed manual. It was just under $24k.

[@RKmndo]

@@juarezsanchez4428 MSRP around $13K USD for a basic FWD/AWD/4WD hatch. EBD, Bluetooth, cruise, MP3, and Nav were available. What a great little econocar...fun and capability for well under $20K. The ride was harsh compared to a Crosstrek, but the drivetrain was fun. The aftermarket even started supporting the car nicely before Suzuki Auto left N America. Turbos, suspensions, skids, etc. were available. It could be set up for rallycross or offroad in a pinch. With a roofbox, the little SX4 could handle 4-5ppl on a roadtrip. Ours even towed dualsport motos or a sailing dinghy.

[@regsparkes6507]

I like how Roman like's to poke at Tommy and then Tommy can't handle that too well. ( but then he's mostly better in his video productions ) hahaha! I really like the Nissan Rogue,.,,don't have one because of little tow capacity,..( I gotta tow my ATV to off-road places) I drove the Ford's Ecosport and found it comfortable, but too 'slight and noisy engine' at highway speeds. Mazda CX3 is on my 'to check out' list as is the Kona.

[@fridayjoefriday]

Once had a Nissan Rogue as a rental, drove well, good fuel mileage, decent power. Due to that noisy CVT had to turn the jukebox up, to drown all that noise out.

[@afcgeo882]

Fridayjoefriday The CVT isn’t noisy. The engine is. Also, this is the Rogue Sport, not the Rogue.

[@ofspecialk]

I will never own another Subaru till they get rid of the CVT. our impresza is a lemon. In the 83K I've owned, been through three transmissions, and countless recalls all dealing with MAJOR issues. The awd is useless in serious snow when slipping, the CVT overheats and shuts ALL power down. I loath EVER buying this car and am part of the class action suit against Subaru.

[@Welcometofacsistube]

ofspecialk cvt’s are an abomination

[@ofspecialk]

@@Welcometofacsistube it's literally the worst thing you can put in a vehicle that you come into high resistance terrain with.

[@neilmurphy845]

@@ofspecialk ya a manual or auto is way better

[@DoctorSkillz]

My favorite part of this comment is the ❤️ from TFL.

[@afcgeo882]

Neil Murphy You will destroy an automatic by doing crazy things too. That’s why professional off-road race cars are all manual. You have to manage torque properly or it will destroy your transmission.

[@brennanford6182]

Thought we were taking about cars?! SUV’s on the list

[@MarkRVillano]

The problem with buying a used, high end, out of warranty vehicle like the Cayenne is that regardless of the predicted reliability (or lack thereof) you'd better have good credit or cash on hand if and when it does break down. I purchased a new VW Sirocco back in '79 from a friend who owned a VW / Porsche dealership, and I remember him telling me that the tires and rims on one of the hot 911 models he had in the showroom cost more than my entire car to replace. This has only gotten worse since then.

[@lffit]

a 17 year old Jaguar X type manual AWD, never lets me down in the snow and ice!!

[@godgirlsguitars]

Lies, it's a Jaguar, they let you down all the time. Or maybe you got lucky on yours.

[@lffit]

@@godgirlsguitars bought in 2004 with 19OOO kms, in France, described by one magazine here as a well built car, never been polished and still shines, think what you want!

[@godgirlsguitars]

Well the ones built in Europe are probably better built and parts are more available. Here in the USA they are endless money pits, parts are hard to get and repairs are expensive and their values drop like a rock and when the repairs exceed the cost of the car you just junk the thing.

[@lffit]

@@godgirlsguitars parts are not expensive here as many are Ford based some, a water pump was only 50 euros, still has original clutch and exhaust, I buy online from a multitude of suppliers all national known brands, and used can be bought in the UK, for me it was the last good looking model in the traditional style

[@ahighervibe4086]

Here we have Tommy, the pragmatic left brainer...and Roman, the emotionally driven right brainer...

[@afcgeo882]

Patrick Schnall He’s not emotional. He’s just not very bright.

[@dchawk81]

Roman's like 6 years old.

[@stephenpaden626]

I got a 2012 Suzuki kizashi SE AWD with 75,000 miles on it for under $10,000,granted it's used but hey it works!

[@JustAnotherJarhead]

I got a 1996 Landrover Discovery for $1400 with some broken shit I fixed... what does that have to do with THIS review and comparison????

[@philipmarshall-cox2664]

Tommy, you nailed the European pronunciation first time. Qashqai Cash ky.

[@munecaeburro]

Tommy’s reaction is so natural 🤣.

[@MultiPurposeReviewer]

I thought you guys were mistaken when you said a base AWD Renegade was just under $25. Then I went to the configurator and saw you were right. What happened? I remember when the Renegade was first released, the base model started at $18,995.

[@shamelessnjc]

MultiPurposeReviewer they added more standard features. When the Renegade started under $20k air conditioning and cruise control weren’t even standard, also they got rid of the manual transmission. They’ve since added much more content to the Jeep which has made it more expensive.

[@RKmndo]

When the Renegade first started, a lot of FWD models were available.

[@DiyDadFL]

I live in Southwest Colorado and a lot of people drive Crosstrek's here. A crosstrek is definitely on my radar.

[@johnnymichael1804]

I like them too, but really don't like the idea of getting a CVT transmission. I feel like they ruin what would otherwise be FANTASTIC cars Even the new Honda Accord is a sharp car, but ugh stupid CVT.

[@DiyDadFL]

@@johnnymichael1804 You can get them in a manual

[@libertystuffnthingsreviews829]

Having owned an MP Compass Latitude 4x4 with the 6spd manual I can tell you it is a beast in the snow. I put the Toyo CUV all-weather tires on it and I would take that on a snow covered road over my Wrangler any day. I wish I still had it for a winter road driver.

[@sebbwebbo7557]

I have a Nissan Qashqai 2012 (Rogue Sport) and it worked now for 6,5 years without any trouble. Sure..a LR Disco would have been more fun.or a Wrangler...but... 1) Insurance would be way more here..2-4x 2) fuel consumption is ~ 2x of the nissan. 3) service / shop visits...2-6x of the nissan so..most people can't afford a LR or i.e. a Jeep (Jeeps are not cheap in Europe) unfortunately :(

[@LoganNolag]

It's funny you say that about cross shopping old interesting used cars with new boring ones cause I did exactly that. I set a budget and then compared all the new cars with all the interesting used ones in the same price bracket. I was cross shopping used Lexus GSes, Lexus LSes Lexus GXes, Lexus, LXes, Toyota 4Runners, Toyota Tacomas, Toyota Tundras, Toyota Sequoias, Toyota Land Cruisers, Hyundai Genesises, and Hyundai Eqquses with new Toyota Corollas, Mazda 3s, Hyundai Elantra GTs, Hyundai Konas and Hyundai Velosters. I ended up getting a new Corolla cause I didn't want to risk problems with a used car unfortunately I've had nothing but problems with the new Corolla since I got it so maybe I should have just gotten a used one since it seems like getting a new car doesn't necessarily mean you will be problem free. The only real advantage is that even though I have had tons of problems it's all being fixed under warranty for free and I have a free loaner in the meantime which would not necessarily be the case with older used cars. Although the Hyundais do have really long warranties.

[@ES44AC-2]

My wife had a 2016 Honda HRV and it may last a long time(BUT). The seats rattled and squeaked, the seats were terrible to sit in for any length of time. The floor at the front seats sticks out too far,this is where the gas tank is and just uncomfortable to ride in because of this. It also had a major air leak through the bottom of the console, so you freeze your kids to death in cold weather. The dealership had no interest in fixing any of the problems. Had it 1 year and bought a Toyota, all problems solved.

[@frenchstick245]

If it was up to me.. Subaru’s first pick on the list (any of them) Next would be a fight between the HRV and the Cx3. I think they both look smaller and maybe a little feminine but I do normally trust a Honda over a Mazda. They both have fun to drive qualities usually. also in Canada we see a lot of winter and Mazda’s sure do like to rust.. Hyundai quality and service I believe is still not up to par from my experience.

[@paulwicklund1052]

Do a video on the merger of FCA and Peugeot.

[@843MudMafia.]

They got wait on more info

[@afcgeo882]

Unlikely to be approved by the EU. Too many European brands under one roof.

[@Hallowsaw]

A lot of terrible mentions. Most of them are ticking maintenance time bombs

[@Tony-hf9mv]

Surprise the Kia Sportage didn’t make the list. Last time I prices was 23 out the door with AWD

[@ak5659]

Everything's a compromise. I don't have a place to store snows so all-seasons it is. The primary drivers are over 6' tall so headroom has to be considered. Car won't be driven off road. Snow is only concern. Decent room in back and good mpg are secondary but could be a tie-breaker. Decisions. Decisions...

[@juanaguilar9953]

what about the mazda 3 hatchback or sedan? fuel efficiency? you can even get a cx5 scratching the 25k

[@koreymayo8884]

Mazda CX-3 has a better transmission than Hyundai kona and instant throttle response whereas the kona has lag. But the kona also has a faster option and ventilated seats. They need to offer a turbo and ventilated seats in the CX-3!

[@kenfarris8069]

You forgot the Ford Fusion at $23,175. I have one. Not the base model, but the same awd package. Handles great.

[@JustAnotherJarhead]

Is Ford still making the Fusion? is there a 2020 model year?

[@johnk3195]

Maybe if you started wearing Birkenstock’s, Subaru might lend you a vehicle !. 😏🤣😂

[@RagtopRoads]

If you put identical winter tires on all cars, trucks and suv's what would be the best in the snow?

[@RKmndo]

Rubicon, Power Wagon, or Sasquatch. Basically, anything with all diffs lockable, space for big tires with chains, clearance, solid recovery points, 4Low, and a winchmount. A 2nd-gen manual Crosstrek could get close to that with some aftermarket help.

[@terrycraddock5321]

It's hard to Discount a Subaru over the other options on this list without ever having actually driven one. Maybe you should go to the dealer and look at the new Legacy for 2020 you might be impressed with what they're doing interior wise nowadays.

[@yusimiconcepcion]

You guys are awesome keep up the good work.

[@samjohnson9894]

Hey Tommy, as you prove on a regular basis (slip tests) that AWD vehicles are really just SWD (some wheel drive) vehicles it would be great consumer advice to emphasize that point. And maybe even itemize them on TFLCar (should some AWD's actually motivate ALL the wheels).

[@TheFoodieAsyraf]

In Canada it is Qashqai

[@noahmcdaniel4920]

I'm actually cross shopping a Hyundai Kona and a Porsche Cayenne Turbo. Ok not a Cayenne, but older Touaregs. You guys said the Cayenne is super reliable. How is that the case when it shares the same engine as the Touareg and yet the Touareg is known to be unreliable?

[@carbrickscity]

The reason the Impreza is $3k cheaper than the #2 is that it is a base manual. Factor in automatic and the difference is less than $2k.

[@robc8468]

The problem with AWD cars is not enough ground clearance for really deep snow.

[@snowrocket]

Define "really deep snow". Most people in the USA probably don't see more than 6" of snow on any normal road during any given snowfall.

[@RKmndo]

Most 4WDs don't have good clearance anymore either. Modern airdams and bumpers are low and fragile. The aftermarket offers steel bumpers for Crosstreks.

[@kingpin3919]

Thanks again boys

[@ambercotton5984]

Love this video! Thanks for the review!

[@pi1797]

How about a used AWD budget car video ???

[@MetaView7]

Great vid! I hope you get a chance to visit Japan and try out some of their micro 4WD cars.

[@HoboJoeGarage]

I was hoping for more of an actual list of cars that are cheap and awd. Not a list with those “crossovers” in it. I think those should be in a separate list in my opinion.

[@davidg4026]

I'd take the Impreza 5-speed hatchback, even if it was the most expensive on the list.

[@snowrocket]

It was the second LEAST EXPENSIVE on the list at around $20,000. It would be my choice too.

[@Auburn-wl7eu]

The Subaru Forester should be there, price is good, fuel mileage is ok for all wheel drive, large amount of storage and it will last 200,000 miles.

[@tuner066]

Ok I know you were talking cheap. But I do think you may have missed one. The awd Charger.

[@joseduranjr4963]

I chose the Volvo XC60 R design with the T6 AWD package.

[@xe2ac]

So, based on your comments, because of the center differential, does the Kona has a superior AWD system than the Subaru's Crosstrek?

[@frenchstick245]

A Porsche Cayenne or Landrover will cost u a fortune in repairs and if your buying a used one, u will surely endure some repairs.. I often think about cross shopping expensive used cars or getting a newer car for the same price. It’s very difficult to figure out.. I’m more recently just feeling like maybe leasing a new car and trading it in every two years is better than financing and keeping an old car along with repairs for the whole life of the vehicle.

[@fordwayne3833]

It's about time they named a car after coffee.

[@BenRSnyder]

Since most of these are hatchbacks or available as a hatchback, this could be a good place to ask this question. After witnessing a sedan that was stopped at a light get slammed into from behind at around 35mph, I've been nervous about putting my kids in the back seat of my XB2. What's the overall consensus on safely seating kids 2 feet from the rear hatch? I like all the attributes of these compact and subcompact HBs, except for the lack of any NHTSB or IIHS rear impact test, significant rear crumple zone, or any other active safety systems in such a small car. Especially with all the bad/distracted drivers out there in todays world.

[@Dia1Up]

I would love a Legacy. If it had anything other than a CTV. Hence the Crosstrek! (Comes in a Manual). However I do enjoy the Ecosport

[@Hallowsaw]

The cvt is honestly not bad. I have an '11 with auto and my wife has a 2017 with the cvt and we have no complaints of it. It os no race car but if you are buying a lifter wagon for speed you are in the wrong category

[@lolouro2266]

U r lucky to get a good cvt. My friends has 2 cvt fail on him in forester!

[@JustAnotherJarhead]

@@lolouro2266 2010 Legacy with CVT here, massive high miles on it. just now dealing with a burnt solenoid, I'm at like 260,000 mi. not all CVT are created equal.

[@lolouro2266]

@@JustAnotherJarhead you got lucky!

[@tmwei396]

I think Roman is losing it. Tommy is right in that nobody is going to cross shop a brand new budget AWD vehicle with manufacturer's warranty and low cost of ownership (fuel, maintenance, repairs, reliability) with Porsche or anything that has the word "Rover" in its name, even a cheap used one. Cost of vehicle ownership is much more than just the price of the vehicle and everyone knows that. You have to take into account all those things that Tommy mentioned and Roman acknowledged which are reliability, maintenance and repair costs, insurance, and fuel. People shop for budget AWD vehicles for a reason and that is cost of ownership, not just the cost of the vehicle. This video was useful and informative until the end when Roman had to shoehorn in those two money pits.

[@mmgee]

So good tires on FWD will perform better than AWD with average tires?

[@rickyloganjr.2362]

You two are too funny 😄. I realize you both are father and son, but the resemblance is so strong.

[@MagDumpSteve]

I got a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Premium 6spd manual. For 22k

[@JeremyHartson2000]

What's your feeling on power/ acceleration?

[@Ktheodoss]

Nice video. I agree on the CX3 and the Kona. Also agree on the value of buying a used car. But definitely not a luxury one. People looking for a good value will definitely not appreciate how much repairing those cars will cost them.

[@ldmtag]

Not sure abot the US but here in Russia used luxury cars are bought by those who appreciate luxury but don't have much money

[@Ktheodoss]

Василий Мельник There are plenty of people in the US who buy used luxury vehicles because they can’t afford a new one. But also many that shy away from luxury in general because servicing and repairs are costly. I am one of the latter. I’d rather buy a new Grand Cherokee than a used Porche Cayenne. I guess pros and cons to each choice.

[@RKmndo]

@@Ktheodoss Porsche has surprisingly good reliability these days

[@EGGINFOOLS]

I haven't driven the cx3 but it looks hands down more expensive than most of the others. Doesn't look styled down for the price

[@howardkerr8174]

As car guys I would think you would know the difference between cheap and affordable. Cheap? Costs next to nothing to buy, but can be a financial nightmare to keep running. Affordable? Not always inexpensive to buy, but good on gas, easy and cheap to maintain.

[@richards.3404]

Are small cars better in the snow ?. (sub compact and compact)

[@machosavi91]

Guys... You should have included Mazda3 AWD in there as well...

[@Dialysisforever]

For some reason I was thinking it would be all cars not SUVs.

[@fordwayne3833]

The best part when they argue is you know neither one is gonna win.

[@islandmerchandise3017]

Please do the winter tire real world test again where the general tire beat the big brands. I’d like to see all weather tire such as dsw6 vs a real winter tire like blizzard, vs a discount brand like general tire. Don’t do the winter vs all season/summer tire thing, we’ve seen too many of those.

[@TFLcar]

We’re working on it now

[@luchaDor]

I realize that you have to deal with MSRP's, but with the current rebates, Renegade Trailhawk's & Compass Trailhawk's are under $25k for the time being.

[@thehowardtam]

8:36 sounds like megatron is bout to transform lol

[@witkowskimarcin4552]

I love my Hyundai Kona 4x4.

[@ofspecialk]

But it has a useless cvt..... great for light duty.....completely falls on its face when challenged

[@massimomtl4522]

@@ofspecialk the non-electric Kona doesn't have a CVT. It has a regular 6 speed automatic transmission

[@Numbahz]

Roman has a point, so many cars have been built very well recently. Myself I highly recommend buying a used 2-4yr old car vs most of these. Only major reason I'd hop on a 2020 model would be for safety, driver assistance & tech amenities. Other then those style & design are often only key differences between this year variant & fit finish, quality are outstanding recently for nearly all 2016+ models. If it were me thou on that list I'd take the cx3 all day!

[@imrekalman9044]

Out of curiosity i looked up: Lada 4x4 (Niva) Urban in Russia costs about $8,900. There's not much in it, not fast or anything, but has four wheel drive, A/C, a few this and that. Under 9 grand. :D If it was sold here in UK I'd buy one for sure.

[@johnmoore1495]

Imre Kalman Russians get paid like garbage in comparison to Western Europe, Canada, US, and Japan. That likely a big part.

[@imrekalman9044]

@@johnmoore1495 I just looked around the world wide web, and found that poverty rate in Russia and the US is almost the same, 12-13 %, and in purchasing power parity Russia is doing quite well. Hmm. Oh well, I don't live there.

[@johnmoore1495]

Imre Kalman that doesn’t mean there labor isn’t cheap. Their GDP per capital is $12,000, the US is $60,000. The average wage there is less than $12,000 a year.

[@leederdavid4782]

Amazing. Love the bickering!