11 Best First Cars with AWD, 4×4, or 4WD (for New Drivers)
Four-wheel power delivery offers enhanced traction on slippery surfaces for better and safer car control, so the system benefits new and less-experienced drivers.
This post lists all-wheel-drive (AWD) first cars, plus some with four-wheel-drive (4WD), but it’s crucial to first understand the difference between the two systems.
AWD vs. 4WD: The Difference
All-wheel-drive (AWD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD or 4×4) aren’t the same, and using these terms interchangeably is incorrect.
In short, an all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicle:
- Has an electronic control unit (ECU) that detects and delivers power to the wheels that need the extra traction.
- The driver has no manual control over the system.
- Typically available in cars and small and midsize SUVs.
And a four-wheel-drive (4WD or 4×4) vehicle:
- Has a switch or lever that the drive can use to control the system’s activation (part-time 4WD).
- The vehicle is in charge, and the system is always active (full-time 4WD).
- Part-time 4WD is marginally more fuel-efficient with less wear and tear (on front axle components) than full-time 4WD.
- Typically available in large SUVs and trucks; for serious off-roading.
The explanation above would make AWD and full-time 4WD similar, but they aren’t the same; the difference lies with the all-time 4WD having a Hi/Lo gear selector – AWD doesn’t.
With full-time 4WD, the system is always active, but the driver gets to decide Hi or Lo gear to suit vehicle speed.
The off-roader community generally considers AWD inferior to 4WD. So as part of marketing, automakers use the phrase “full-time 4WD” rather than “Hi/Lo AWD.”
Best First Cars with AWD
#1 Subaru Impreza
All-wheel-drive: Standard.
Subaru is the only automaker that equipment all its vehicles with all-wheel-drive (AWD), except the rear-wheel-powered Subaru BRZ coupe.
If you’re shopping for a compact AWD first car, the Subaru Impreza should top your list.
As this drivetrain is standard on all Impreza trim levels, opting for a less expensive, lower-specification model will still get you a wet-weather-capable vehicle.
It adds peace of mind to less experienced drivers who regularly deal with snow, rain, or low-traction surfaces.
The Impreza is a solid choice for teenagers also because it is a
- Safe first car,
- Rides quietly and comfortably, and
- Has solid reliability.
It might not be flashy, but the Impreza is just right for young drivers.
#2 Mazda 3
All-wheel-drive: Optional from 2019.
Although it’s a compelling choice for youngsters of both sexes, the Mazda 3 looks great, particularly for new female drivers.
Sharp handling and premium-quality interior add to the Mazda 3’s attractive styling.
The Mazda 3 isn’t big on cabin space, nor is it the most fuel-efficient, but this compact delivers excellent driving characteristics stretching back several generations; used Mazda 3 buyers need not worry about missing out on a superb driver.
That said, all pre-2019 models come with the more conventional front-wheel-drive.
If you like the design and want an AWD Mazda 3, you’ll need to choose a newer model with a slightly pricier specification to enjoy the AWD’s all-weather benefits.
This sporty premium experience is available in the sedan or hatchback body styles.
#3 Subaru Legacy
All-wheel-drive: Standard.
While the compact Impreza serves small car buyers, the midsize Legacy is the better choice from Subaru for taller drivers or those who also need their first car for family duties.
The Subaru Legacy is arguably the safest midsize first car with a top-notch crash safety record – above the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry – consistently winning the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick award.
Besides the solid safety rating, the Legacy has:
- Standard all-wheel-drive for enhanced traction.
- A quiet and comfortable cabin.
- Excellent outward visibility.
Subaru loyalists know that the Legacy is a sensible choice for a first car and is one of the least expensive among midsize sedans.
#4 Toyota Camry
All-wheel-drive: Optional from 2020.
Like class rivals, the Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Camrys were primarily front-wheel-drive vehicles until recently.
A new all-wheel-drive Camry debuted in 2020 as an option, the first time since Toyota had this drivetrain in pre-1992 Camry models.
Regardless of the model year, Toyota Camry has long held these strengths:
- Segment-competitive, if not class-leading, fuel economy.
- Long-distance ride comfort.
- Good visibility.
- Spacious interior.
- Rock-solid reliability.
At less than $2,000, you can get an AWD Camry of similar trim level, an affordable and worthy upgrade for all-weather car control.
Newer Camrys adopt a sleeker design to keep up with the trend, although they lose a little rear passenger headroom and glass area.
Still, they are some of the most popular first cars, precisely for their long-standing reliability and economy.
#5 Hyundai Kona
All-wheel-drive: Optional from 2018.
It may be a relatively new entrant in the SUV segment with its extra-small dimensions, but the Hyundai Kona is an excellent choice for teenage drivers with a stylish design and value for money.
Although optional, an all-wheel-drive Kona is inexpensive, the cheapest AWD specification costing less than $2k extra over the base model with FWD.
In fact, the AWD Hyundai Kona is one of the least expensive subcompact crossovers at under $23k, ideal for young shoppers after an AWD first car with SUV-like ride height.
It is feature-packed like all Hyundai vehicles, with generous warranty coverage.
Plus, the Kona is easy and fun to drive with athletic handling, especially with the optional turbocharged engine.
#6 Subaru Crosstrek
All-wheel-drive: Standard.
Another AWD Subaru, but this time, a compact SUV with a hatchback-like body style in the form of the Crosstrek.
Although the first-generation Crosstrek was a little slow with an underwhelming engine, the latest-generation model is quicker, especially with the optional 2.5-liter powertrain.
Besides the guaranteed AWD drivetrain across all trim levels, the Subaru Crosstrek has:
- Good fuel economy – around 30-mpg combined, trim-dependent.
- Solid build quality.
- Impeccable crash safety record – see the Crosstrek’s safety awards.
- Above-average ground clearance for enhanced off-road ability.
If you know and like the Impreza’s qualities, you will love the Crosstrek as it’s essentially an Impreza hatchback with elevated ride height and added rugged capability.
#7 Mazda CX-30
All-wheel-drive: Standard from 2022.
Although still a subcompact, the CX-30 is slightly larger than the CX-3, but both are compelling options for first-time drivers.
They exhibit Mazda’s penchant for striking looks, sharp handling, and premium interior design.
When the CX-30 debuted in 2020, it carried front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models; but from 2022, all-wheel-drive became standard.
The CX-30’s price is higher than its competition, but it offers an abundance of value for your money, including providing advanced safety features in the base model.
While it’s decent on space and fuel economy, the Mazda CX-30 excels at driving dynamics and refinement that new drivers seeking a fun-to-drive and sleek-looking first car would appreciate.
#8 Honda CR-V
All-wheel-drive: Optional.
Teenage drivers seeking an all-wheel-drive first car will be happy to know that the class-leading compact SUV, the Honda CR-V, has been available in FWD and AWD since the first model appeared in 1997.
Although the AWD version typically returns one or two mpg less than an FWD of equivalent specifications, it is a worthy trade-off for the enhanced wet-weather grip.
It started as a solid little SUV, but subsequent generations made marginal but consistent improvements to maintain the CR-V’s position as the king in overall quality and car sales – its popularity among first car seekers is indisputable.
The Honda CR-V’s superior first car qualities are:
- Strong yet thrifty engine.
- Roomy cabin with cavernous cargo capacity for its class.
- A balanced blend of comfort and athleticism.
- Highly dependable.
- Excellent safety ratings.
A gas/electric hybrid powertrain has been available since 2020 with all-wheel-drive as standard.
Best First Cars with 4WD (or 4×4)
Unless you frequently venture off-road on extremely challenging terrain, you don’t need a four-wheel-drive (4WD) first car; what you need on regular pavements is an all-wheel-drive (AWD).
#9 Chevrolet Trailblazer
All-wheel-drive: Optional.
Four-wheel-drive: Optional in pre-2010 models.
The Chevy Trailblazer is a unique option on this list.
A twelve-year hiatus separates two generations of entirely different vehicles:
- Trailblazers up to 2009 were midsize SUVs with standard RWD and optional AWD and 4WD.
- The Trailblazer revived in 2021 is a subcompact SUV, offering FWD as standard and AWD as an option.
If you want an inexpensive AWD or 4WD first car, a 2019 or earlier Trailblazer is worth checking out.
But if you have the budget for a newish and brand-new extra-small SUV, the latest-generation Chevy Trailblazer is a great choice.
The newer model’s pluses include:
- Plenty of the latest technology and safety features.
- Roomy cabin and cargo space.
- Excellent ride comfort, especially at highway speeds.
- Good fuel economy in the FWD and a couple of mpg less in the AWD.
#10 Jeep Cherokee
Four-wheel-drive: Optional.
4WD is much less common in small SUVs than in larger SUVs and trucks.
If you desire a 4×4 first car, the Jeep line of SUVs are worth considering; stand-out models are the small Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Wrangler (next on the list).
New drivers should note Jeep’s low rank among automakers – the brand placed #26 out of 28 manufacturers in Consumer Reports 2021 reliability survey.
Still, small SUVs are more suitable for first-time drivers than trucks, Jeep makes 4WD SUVs, and the Cherokee and Wrangler are the most reliable models among them.
But if your wish list includes a 4WD first car with excellent off-road capability, Jeep Cherokee should make your shortlist.
Its on-road ride quality is better in the newer models.
#11 Jeep Wrangler
Four-wheel-drive: Standard.
The Jeep Wrangler is massively popular among off-roaders and young drivers pursuing a rugged SUV for style and off-road prowess.
It oozes rustic charm and distinct proportions in a body-on-frame construction, although the latest-gen Wrangler has a more comfortable interior with extensive customization options.
That said, those seeking creature comfort and a quiet ride should consider the alternatives.
Four-wheel-drive is standard across all Wrangler trim levels.
References:
https://www.carsforsale.com/used-cars-for-sale
