One of the reasons why SUVs and crossovers are so popular these days is because of all-wheel-drive. For car owners who live in climates where there's snow or ice or any loose surface, they need that sure-footed traction that only cars with 4 driven wheels could provide 365 days a year, 7 days a week.But of course, on finer days, what if you want something you can enjoy in carving through mountains or take to your nearest racetrack? Those are areas where not a lot of SUVs and crossovers are particularly good. Luckily, carmakers still produce all-wheel-drive sports cars, which give you all the traction you need on loose surfaces and keep you off the barriers on a circuit. Here are some of the cheapest ones in the market today.
8 Subaru WRX
Subaru may have been long gone in top-level WRC, but the rally DNA still remains in their cars, particularly with the Subaru WRX. The all-wheel-drive, boxer turbo engined performance sedan is a proven provider of driving thrills while remaining a practical family commuter.
We chose the WRX over the full STI version in this list due to its softer suspension setting, and because it's a lot cheaper. Plus, the WRX's newer 268 hp FA20 engine could be paired with a CVT that gives it more plus points as a daily driver. The 2021 model starts at around $27,495, but used ones could go for as low as $12,000.
7 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Mitsubishi released the final Lancer Evolution back in 2015. While there are signs that the Japanese manufacturer is going back to producing high-performance cars in the coming years, it would be quite hard to match what the Evo brought to JDM enthusiasts.
Prices have rather remained relatively cheap for used examples of the Lancer Evolution, as one could be bought for as low as $18,000 for the Evo X, as it's a more comfortable daily driver than the older Evo models, plus it has the TC-SST automatic transmission option.
6 Audi TTS
Audi's baby brother to the R8 supercar, the TT, has become a more performance-hardened two-door coupe over the years. There's a ton of different options for it including a convertible, and all of them have the standard Quattro all-wheel drive, but the most powerful version comes in the five-cylinder turbo TT RS.
10-year-old TTs fall under the $10,000 mark for those looking for affordable ones, and most of them come with only an automatic transmission.
5 Mazdaspeed6
Mazda caught people off guard when they brought in the Mazdaspeed 6 back in the late 2000s. Its rather subtle exterior hides the fact that it had all-wheel drive and a 2.3-liter turbocharged engine fitted to a six-speed manual.
For those who like a sleeper all-wheel-drive performance sedan, then the Mazdaspeed 6 is worth looking at. One quick search at CarGurus shows that this could now be bought for as low as $12,000.
4 Ford Focus RS
The Ford Focus RS is no doubt one of the best hot hatches available in the market. It is comparable to the Honda Civic Type R, but once the Japanese hatch goes sliding uncontrollably on snow, the Focus RS starts having fun, as it has all-wheel drive.
Furthermore, it shares the punchy 2.3-liter Ecoboost engine with the Mustang, giving it loads of pulling power. It even comes with its own Drift Mode, which enables you to do controlled slides even on dry surfaces. The downside though is you have to pay to play, as used examples still fetch over $25,000.
3 Kia Stinger GT
We really like calling the Kia Stinger GT the Korean Dodge Charger, as they both share the wide stance and muscular looks that give out hints of its high-performance nature.
The torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive GT1 version is powered by a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 with 368 hp and starts at around $46,090 when bought brand new. Used examples, however, go for as low as $28,000.
2 Toyota Celica GT-Four
Toyota just recently revealed a track-oriented and rally-oriented version of the awesome GR Yaris hatchback, but that's only reserved for the Japanese market. Thanks to the 25-year rule though, the GR Yaris' predecessor, the Celica GT-Four, can now be imported to American shores.
With a 239 hp 2.0-liter 3SGTE engine and permanent four-wheel-drive, the rally homologation special Celica GT-Four can now be enjoyed by American JDM enthusiasts with a little more than $18,000 in their pockets.
1 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 (996)
No, you're not on the wrong page. The time has finally come that we could afford a proper Porsche for as low as $20,000. The 996 generation may have not been well-received by Porsche purists due to its headlamps and its engine issues, but one cannot deny the fact that it's still a proper good 911 when running well.
The Carrera 4 model is the all-wheel-drive non-turbo version in the 911 lineup, and it comes with a 300 hp flat-six engine and five-speed automatic. If you want a head-turner of a car no matter what the season is, you'll never go wrong with the Porsche 911 Carrera 4.