Small SUVs with All-Wheel Drive (14 Models: New + Used)
Small SUVs are an affordable way to enjoy the body style’s enhanced utility and higher ground clearance for better visibility, while all-wheel drive (AWD) provides extra grip, a crucial safety feature in suboptimal conditions.
The following compact crossover SUVs have AWD, either as standard or optional, depending on the model year (as listed).
Affordable Small SUVs with AWD
#1 Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 has been among the best-selling compact SUVs in America and globally, backed by the Japanese manufacturer’s solid reliability and low running costs.
All-wheel drive isn’t standard across all RAV4 models, but the automaker has been offering an optional AWD or 4WD with this ultra-popular small SUV since 2006; 4WD from 2006 to 2012, and all-wheel-drive from 2013 onwards.
Its AWD-mated powertrains have consistently been among the class leaders in fuel efficiency.
You can opt for the hybridized version of this crossover if you desire even stronger fuel economy, as all RAV4 Hybrids since the model’s 2016 debut get all-wheel drive as standard equipment.
The Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid is similarly AWD equipped and one of the compelling hybrid SUVs with AWD.
#2 Mazda CX-5
CX-5 and CX-50 (later on the list) spearhead Mazda’s challenge in the small SUV class and perform admirably against front-running rivals.
The Mazda CX-5 had been offering optional all-wheel drive up to 2021, after which AWD became standard across the range.
The upscale cabin, quiet ride, and communicative steering make the CX-5 an exceptional choice for a small SUV with standard AWD.
#3 Honda CR-V
The Japanese manufacturer has always provided compelling reasons to own a CR-V despite stiff competition in the segment.
All-wheel drive isn’t standard for the Honda CR-V, regardless of the model year, but all trim levels have the drivetrain as optional, ensuring the grip-enhancement system is available for most budgets.
Further, the Honda CR-V typically offers plenty of room in both rows, good fuel economy, and copious cargo-carrying space with the rear seats folded.
Costing slightly more than a regular gas-only CR-V, the Honda CR-V Hybrid is a good option to save more on fuel as it has had all-wheel drive since 2020 when the gas-electric hybridized model first appeared.
#4 Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson is one of the select small crossovers with available gas-only, hybrid, and plug-in-hybrid variants to satisfy various powertrain preferences and efficiency needs.
Since 2011, all Hyundai Tucson trim levels have had an optional all-wheel-drive system to suit those in colder climes.
Tucson’s notable pluses include a spacious cabin, smooth ride, and a generous cargo area, even with the second-row seats up.
Hyundai introduced the Tucson hybrid and plug-in-hybrid versions in 2022, and both models have had all-wheel drive as a standard offering since.
#5 Kia Sportage
The latest-generation Sportage has many appealing attributes, like aggressive styling, a high-quality interior, and a spacious cabin.
Not all Kia Sportages have the wet-weather-capable AWD system, but the all-wheel drive has been optional since 2011, which is good news for used SUV shoppers.
Pre-2011 Kia Sportage model years had available four-wheel drive (4WD) instead.
Kia Sportage is one of the small SUVs that offer gas-only, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
All-wheel drive is available in the Kia Sportage Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid, offering drivers a fuel-saving option considering AWD vehicles’ slightly higher fuel consumption.
And if you think the time is ripe for an EV switch with a value-packed Kia, the Korean company produces the EV6, one of several electric SUVs with AWD.
#6 Subaru Forester
Seeing a Subaru crossover on a list of AWD SUVs shouldn’t surprise you, as the Japanese carmaker carries the reputation of an all-wheel-drive specialist.
Besides the standard all-wheel power delivery, the Subaru Forester’s cargo capacity is generous, and its above-average ground clearance lends it enhanced off-road prowess.
You can take the Forester on dirt roads and off-road trails, and the SUV offers more wet-weather grip where front-wheel drives lack.
#7 Mazda CX-50
If you like the older but similar-size CX-5 but wish it’s better off-road, the CX-50 is your answer.
The CX-50’s over 8 inches of ground clearance is on par with similar-size Subaru SUVs, renowned for above-average off-road ability.
The Mazda CX-50 started on the right foot, offering drivers all-wheel drive as standard equipment since its 2023 debut.
Small cabins have been a common drawback in otherwise excellent SUVs from the automaker, but the Mazda CX-50 offers plenty of room in both rows, making it one of the best compact SUVs with all-wheel drive.
#8 Volkswagen Tiguan
The VW Tiguan differentiates itself by being one of a handful of small SUVs with a third row for two additional passengers.
All Volkswagen Tiguan model years come with optional AWD for extra grip when traction is at a premium, with FWD being a standard provision.
The roomy cabin rides smoothly and quietly, and the sharp exterior styling is typical of the German marque.
#9 Ford Escape
Consumers today expect small SUVs to have spacious seating, and the Ford Escape delivers in this regard.
This small crossover is one of Ford’s most popular models and competes against established compact SUVs like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Mazda CX-50 – all with AWD.
Used small SUV shoppers wanting an American model will be happy to know that all-wheel drive has been available in all Ford Escape model years down to 2005.
Besides AWD, Ford Escape SUVs are smooth and composed on twisty roads and highway cruises.
Shoppers can choose a gas-only, hybrid, or plug-in-hybrid Ford Escape – the final option without AWD.
All-wheel drive has also been available in the Ford Escape Hybrid since the American company released the model in 2020.
#10 Ford Bronco Sport
While the Ford Escape is built for the pavement, the equally small Bronco Sport has an off-road inclined DNA.
The latter is a rugged SUV with above-average off-road capability that sacrifices on-road ride comfort, so if this trade-off meets your requirement, the Ford Bronco Sport is for you.
The similar-name Ford Bronco is a midsize SUV with four-wheel drive for superior off-road prowess. Meanwhile, the Ford Bronco Sport is a compact crossover with standard all-wheel drive and some all-terrain capabilities, albeit less than the former.
#11 Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento is an appealing small SUV for midsize families with three rows of seats.
Although competition in the three-row compact SUV segment is less than the two-row category, the Kia Sorento remains a worthy purchase with its balanced mix of space, quality, and performance.
The third row is as spacious as the front two, making Sorento’s seven-seater occupancy more practical than rivals.
All-wheel drive has been optional equipment for the Kia Sorento since 2011, broadening the options for those looking to own a used model on a modest budget.
Like its SUV stablemates, the Kia Sorento is available with hybrid and plug-in-hybrid (PHEV) powertrains. Both have available AWD since the 2022 model year, although the PHEV variant gets it as standard equipment.
#12 Chevrolet Equinox
The Chevrolet Equinox has a stylish exterior, which helps it to compete with all-stars like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.
Front-wheel drive is the standard drivetrain for the Chevy Equinox, while all-wheel drive remains optional for most trim levels across all production years.
Luxury Small SUVs with AWD
#13 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
The small luxury SUV class has no shortage of compelling models.
Still, the Mercedes GLC’s stars shine brightly with an admirable balance of performance and comfort.
With the proprietary 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, a posh interior, and serene ride comfort, the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class makes a strong case for the best small luxury SUV with AWD.
Although the rear-wheel drive is standard equipment, most Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class trim levels deliver power to all four wheels; the latter is ideal for those living in snowy climes.
#14 BMW X3
This entrant from BMW is a solid all-rounder in the small luxury SUV class, a good alternative to the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, Genesis GV70, and Acura RDX – all with available all-wheel drive.
The BMW X3 has roomy seating in both rows, a strong yet efficient engine, and an available AWD xDrive system, excellent for those in colder climates.
While the base model is rear-wheel drive, most BMW X3 trim levels have all-wheel drive, including those with mild hybrid and plug-in-hybrid powertrains.
References:
https://www.mazdausa.com/vehicles/cx-5
https://automobiles.honda.com/cr-v
https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/vehicles/tucson
https://www.kia.com/us/en/sportage
https://www.subaru.com/vehicles/forester.html
https://www.mazdausa.com/vehicles/cx-50
https://www.vw.com/en/models/tiguan.html
https://www.ford.com/suvs-crossovers/escape/
https://www.ford.com/suvs/bronco-sport/
https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/vehicles/santa-fe
