8 Best Compact Vehicles with All-Wheel Drive

All-Wheel Drive is one of the most desired features in a vehicle, especially in climates that subject drivers to snowy and wet conditions on a regular basis. It comes as no surprise that many large SUVs and pickup trucks come with All-Wheel Drive or 4x4 but it doesn’t have to be “go big or go home” when you’re looking for a good vehicle with AWD. Many compact vehicles including SUVs, wagons and sedans can be had with AWD either as a standard feature or available on most trims levels. These 8 compact AWD vehicles are best for easily maneuvering around the tightest city streets no matter the weather.

1. Mazda CX-3

Don't let its small size fool you, the Mazda CX-3 offers serious perks for anyone interested in a subcompact SUV with AWD. Although space is limited in the second row and cargo area, the CX-3 is comfortable for the driver and front seat passenger. The real fun starts once you start the engine, with a smooth ride, precise steering and lively handling on curvy roads. Mazda's i-ACTIV AWD system is available on every trim, including the Sport, Touring and Grand Touring.

2019 Mazda CX-3 Starting MSRP: $20,390

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2. MINI Cooper Countryman

If you're looking for the classic MINI style that's a little roomier than the standard MINI Hardtop, the MINI Countryman is a perfect choice. We drove the Countryman ALL4 Plug-In Hybrid version and found it plenty quick, powerful and well-styled blending classic and rugged. All-Wheel Drive comes standard on this model making it not only compact and attractive but also functional for all weather driving. 

2019 MINI Cooper Countryman Starting MSRP: $26,900

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3. Chevrolet Equinox

A lot of good news came out of the latest redesign for the Chevy Equinox in 2018. Chevy made it more compact, refined, and versatile when it comes to engine options. A compact SUV with roomy front and rear seats as well as competitive cargo space, it's the perfect blend of spacious inside and compact on the outside. Nimble steering and handling round out the competent engines (turbo or turbo diesel options) and strong acceleration. In the LS, LT and Premium models, you'll find Chevy's switchable All-Wheel Drive system which allows you to stay in FWD mode when conditions allow for fuel efficiency and then switch to AWD when necessary. 

2019 Chevrolet Equinox Starting MSRP: $23,800

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4. Volkswagen Golf Alltrack 

The VW Golf Alltrack is one of the few wagons available today and in our opinion, it rivals many of the compact SUVs on the market. It has a bold look and is the epitome of family sportiness thanks to a combination of competent steering, handling, responsiveness, and braking. The interior is comfortable, stylish and spacious with only a minor risk of tall second-row passengers complaining of insufficient legroom. AWD comes standard on all Alltrack models making it a great choice whether you're used to mild or severe winters. 

2019 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack Starting MSRP: $26,895

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5. Buick Regal TourX

The Buick Regal TourX is a new model for 2018 and a welcomed addition to the sparse wagon market. It has a unique exterior that will stand out from all the other crossovers on the market and provides many additional benefits inside the cabin and under the hood. Unlike some other compact crossovers that are short on backseat and cargo room, the storage space in the TourX is vast in both the cabin and the cargo area. Under the hood, you'll get a turbocharged engine offering healthy power and above average acceleration. Buick's Intelligent All-Wheel Drive is standard on all trims and will send power to the wheels that have the most grip when conditions are less than ideal. In dry conditions, the AWD system improves cornering and acceleration.

2019 Buick Regal TourX Starting MSRP: $29,995

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6. Hyundai Kona

The new kid on the subcompact crossover block, the Hyundai Kona was added to the lineup in 2018 and this small crossover has already made a huge impression. Its exterior styling is unique, sporty and fun, appealing to active urbanites. Inside you'll find more tech than other contenders in this segment offer, including both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus wireless charging, Wi-Fi and a full-color head-up display. The Kona presents two options for engines including a 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a 1.6 liter turbocharged four-cylinder for the power hungry. All-Wheel Drive is optional on any trim and will route power to wheels with the best traction or you can choose to lock the torque-split to the front and rear axels.

2019 Hyundai Kona Starting MSRP $19,990

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7. Toyota RAV4 

Toyota has redesigned the 2019 RAV4 and the 5th generation is Toyota's best yet. The compact crossover's design has been revamped to offer a more aggressive exterior. The grille on the rugged Adventure trim even borrows elements from the Tacoma and Tundra trucks. On the inside, the RAV4 offers comfortable front and rear seats and user-friendly cargo space increased by 2.5 inches in the redesign. The RAV4 isn't short on power thanks to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 203 horsepower. Toyota's Dynamic Vectoring All-Wheel Drive system is standard in the Adventure trim and optional on other trims. The AWD is made for off-road or on-road confidence in all conditions and comes with Rear Driveline Disconnect to improve fuel efficiency when AWD isn't required.

2019 Toyota RAV4 Starting MSRP: $25,500

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8. Honda CR-V

There's a reason the compact Honda CR-V is one of the best selling crossovers year after year. The latest redesign has given the 5th generation CR-V an upscale and adventurous exterior. Inside, the CR-V's claim to fame is seemingly endless space with 75.8 cubic feet when rear seats are folded. The redesign was just as good to the engine as it was to the exterior with the first ever turbocharged inline-four added for most trims, producing a potent 190 horsepower. Honda's All-Wheel Drive with Intelligent Control System is available on all CR-V trims and sends power to the rear wheels when accelerating or going uphill. The system has been tuned for snowy conditions and also to provide stability in turns on dry roads.  

2019 Honda CR-V Starting MSRP $24,350

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