AWD Sedans Under 20K – A Complete Analysis

Sports utility vehicles (SUVs) have been dominating the U.S. market and capturing thousands of customers, leaving traditional sedans like the Toyota Camry in the dust in recent years. In spite of the popularity of the crossover vehicles that it spawned, the three-box continues to appeal to many of us due to its less weight and more enjoyable driving characteristics. During the prior decade, the average price of a newly purchased car increased, largely as a result of the surge in the popularity of SUVs and crossovers.

All of your questions about the greatest sedans will be answered by our in-depth reviews. We look at the vehicle’s engine power, gas mileage, storage space, passenger volume, cabin dimensions, quality of construction, and overall fun-to-drive-ness. We know you have a lot of choices, from compact to full-size sedans, so we’ve simplified the process of selecting the best AWD cars under $20,000 in 2022. We also have some sneak peeks into 2023 models that we think you should be aware of.

Best AWD sedans under $20k, come in a wide range of styles, so you may yet find the one that’s perfect for you. It’s just a matter of knowing where to look, and that’s where we come in. Our in-depth reviews of every type of automobile sold in the US are based on the honest opinions of professional test drivers and real-world input from actual customers.

The top all-wheel-drive sedans under $20,000 for the year 2022 are all right here, and we’ve got the details you need to make an informed decision. To help you choose a new all-wheel-drive sedan for around $20,000.

AWD Sedans Under 20k Price List

Model Starting Price
Subaru Impreza $19,795
2022 Kia Rio $16,550
2022 Hyundai Accent $16,645
2022 Nissan Versa $16,715
2022 Kia Forte $19,090
2022 -23 Mitsubishi Mirage $16,595
2022-23 Toyota Corolla $20,200
2022 Volkswagen Jetta $20,655

AWD Sedans Under 20k Rating

Models Cars U S News Motor Trend Edmunds Average Rating
2022-23 Subaru Impreza 7.5/10 7.8/10 7.4/10 .76/1.0
2022 Kia Rio 7.9/10 8.4/10 7.1/10 .77/1.0
2022 Hyundai Accent 7.9/10 8.0/10 7.2/10 .77/1.0
2022 Nissan Versa 7.9/10 6.8/10 7.1/10 .73/1.0
2022 Kia Forte 8.0/10 8.0/10 7.9/10 .80/1.0
2022 -23 Mitsubishi Mirage N/A 6.8/10 8.8/10 .53/1.0
2022-23 Toyota Corolla 8.0/10 8.2/10 7.9/10 .78/1.0
2022 Volkswagen Jetta 7.7/10 7.0/10 8.0/10 .78/1.0

Here are the details of Best AWD Sedans Under 20k

1.   2022-23 Subaru Impreza

AWD Sedans Under 20k

The 2022 Subaru Impreza shines with standard all-wheel drive and advanced safety technology. The Impreza may not be as fun to drive as some rival compacts, but it’s hard to beat for peace of mind. The Subaru Impreza is a 5-door hatchback available in four different trim levels. The 2.0L H4 engine and All Wheel Drive on the Sedan, Manual start at $19,795. The EPA estimates a combined 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway for this Impreza. Subaru automobiles are well-known for their reliability and safety, and the 2022 Subaru Impreza continues this tradition. Although its competitors in the segment provide more refinement, power, and excitement behind the wheel, the Impreza is still a solid option.

Pros

  • All-wheel drive is standard
  • Standard driver-assist systems are excellent

Cons

  • There isn’t a hybrid option
  • Sluggish acceleration

2.   2022 Kia Rio

AWD Sedans Under 20k

With its low starting price and high-quality features, the Kia Rio stands out among new cars. You may get it in the form of a fast sedan or hatchback, and either way, you’ll enjoy a refined driving experience thanks to its silky ride and agile handling. The Rio has a sleek and user-friendly interior, and its 41 mpg highway fuel economy will appeal to commuters. Even if Kia’s rear seat isn’t as roomy as some, the vehicle’s other strengths make it a good investment. The Kia Rio can seat five people and comes in two different versions. The best-selling trim is the S Sedan IVT with Front Wheel Drive and a 1.6L I4 engine, which can be had for a starting price of $16,550. EPA estimates that this Rio will achieve 33 MPG in the city. The vehicle achieves 41 miles per gallon (MPG) when driven on the highway. Thanks to its refined powertrain and comfortable cabin, the Kia Rio excels as a low-cost mode of transportation.

Pros

  • Excellent ride quality
  • The powertrain has been fine-tuned
  • Excellent gas mileage
  • Driver-assist features that are available

Cons

  • Acceleration is lacking. There is no option for a hybrid engine

3.   2022 Hyundai Accent

AWD Sedans Under 20k

Due to its affordable pricing, extensive warranty, and easy-going ride, the Hyundai Accent is an excellent buy. However, keep in mind that certain vehicles in this market offer more luggage space and a broader assortment of safety features than others. There are three different Accent trim levels, and the Hyundai Accent can seat five people. The most popular trim level is the SE, which starts at $17,690 and features a 1.6-liter inline-four engine and front-wheel drive. The EPA estimates a 33 mpg city/41 mpg highway fuel economy for this Accent.

Pros

  • Construct a new vehicle Pros
  • Excellent warranty coverage
  • Driving characteristics that are enjoyable

Cons

  • Excellent fuel efficiency
  • There aren’t any current safety features accessible.
  • In terms of cargo space, it lags behind the rest of the class

4.   2022 Nissan Versa

The Nissan Versa is a great option for anyone on a tight budget, including students and city dwellers, thanks to its impressive fuel efficiency and suite of cutting-edge safety technology. It’s an attractive substitute for secondhand shopping. The Versa has among of the plushest seats available. There are three different Nissan Versa trim levels, and the vehicle can seat five people. The most common trim level is the SV CVT, which has a 1.6L I4 engine, front-wheel drive, and a starting price of $16,715. We anticipate a 32 mpg city and 40 mpg highway fuel economy with this Versa.

Pros

  • Fuel efficiency is excellent
  • Starting at a low cost
  • Excellent front-row seats
  • Driver-assistance technology is included as standard equipment

Cons

  • The back seat is quite small. Acceleration is lacking.

5.   2022 Kia Forte

With its subtle touches and pristine interior, the Kia Forte stands out in this crowded segment. It’s not quite as polished or powerful as the market leaders, but it offers excellent value and a long warranty for the price. The Kia Forte can seat up to 5 people and is offered in 5 distinct trim levels. The FE Manual with a 2.0L I4 engine and Front Wheel Drive starts at $18,885. The EPA estimates a city fuel economy of 27 mpg for this Forte and a highway fuel economy of 37 mpg.

Pros

  • Ecstatic performance
  • Infotainment that is natural

Cons

  • Excellent driver-assistance technology
  • Some low-cost polymers
  • The base engine is unreliable

6.   2022 -23 Mitsubishi Mirage

The Mitsubishi Mirage can seat five people and comes in four different versions. The G4 ES Manual, which starts at $16,840 and comes with a 1.2L, I3 engine and Front Wheel Drive, is the most popular style. It is on the list of one of the greatest AWD luxury cars for around $20k. The estimated city fuel economy for this Mirage is 33 mpg, with highway mileage of 40 mpg.

Pros

  • Best-in-class gas range
  • Easy to operate throughout town
  • Reasonably priced
  • Comprehensive warranty protection

Cons

  • The engine that hasn’t been fine-tuned
  • When traveling at highway speeds, the cabin fills with noise.
  • Cabin materials are low-grade and sticky

7.   2022-23 Toyota Corolla

Without a shadow of a doubt, the 2021 Toyota Corolla is the best option available in its class. This year’s Toyota Corolla boasts a lot of trunk capacity for less than $20,000, and the base model has excellent fuel economy. The lowest versions come standard with Toyota’s Entune infotainment system, which includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and more. It’s hard to dispute Consumer Reports’ assessment that the 2018 Corolla will be completely reliable as predicted.

Pros

  • Hatchback Body Style
  • Affordably Reliable Commuter Car Extra Cargo Capacity
  • Fun Apex Model
  • Most Stylish Cars In The Class
  • Good On Gas Safety Features JBL Premium Sound System in plenty
  • Road and Wind Noise

Cons

  • Competitors are faster, but not as spacious as before
  • There are no rear USB ports

8.   2022 Volkswagen Jetta

AWD Sedans Under 20k

If you’re in the market for an affordable, fuel-efficient European car with seating for five, the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta is a great option. The fun factor has skyrocketed in the Jetta GLI thanks to its lively 2.0-liter turbo engine and sporty handling. The Volkswagen Jetta is the class leader among affordable AWD premium sedans. The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact sedan with five available seats and seven trim options. The most popular model is the S Manual, which has a 1.4L I4 Turbo engine, front-wheel drive, and a starting price of $20,655. We may expect 30 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway with this Jetta.

Pros

  • Backseat with plenty of space
  • The ride and handling are very enjoyable.
  • The base 1 4-liter is fuel-efficient, whereas the GLI 2 0-liter is speedy

Cons

  • Interior refinement and driver-assistance features are lacking in lower grades.
  • Base 1 has a 4-liter passing power deficit

Conclusion

The above table of ratings and prices shows what I consider to be the truth: All AWD sedans, with the exception of the mirage, are nearly equally rated by credible car expert agencies. however, the Kia Rio, Nissan Versa, and Hyundai Accent would be your first choice if you have price restrictions otherwise I would prefer to choose the Corrolla despite a bit more cash pulled out of my pocket.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do four-wheel drive cars consume more fuel than two-wheel drive ones?

Yes. Gas mileage is typically lower in all-wheel drive vehicles.

These cars are bulkier than FWD and RWD alternatives because they use an engine to turn all four wheels rather than just two. Cars with all-wheel drive are more expensive to run since they have more moving parts.

Does tire wear increase for all-wheel-drive vehicles?

As a general rule, all-wheel-drive tires degrade more rapidly than those on a regular car. This is because all four tires are being powered and doing the same work. The front tires on an all-wheel-drive car typically wear out before the rear ones. Still, it’s best practice to swap out all four tires at once.

Would you recommend it over an SUV?

Depending on your point of view, the answer could be either yes or no. They each have their own specialties. They might want to be a master of all, but they know it’s best to concentrate on the areas where they excel.

The agility of smaller vehicles sometimes exceeds that of larger ones, although this advantage often comes at the sacrifice of interior space and cargo capacity. Their cheaper costs and superior gas mileage more than makeup for this.

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About The Author

Avatar for Ibrar Ayyub

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

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