5 Of The Best Used AWD Cars Under $10,000

AWD cars offer a major advantage when roads get slick. They help with traction in rain, gravel, and even the occasional off-road shortcut. But at the same time, used car prices aren't what they used to be in 2019, and finding a reliable model with all-wheel drive while on a budget can seem like an impossible task. 

The good news is that there are still solid AWD (not to be confused with 4WD) options out there that won't break the bank. But to get to them, shopping smart is critical. Not every used car is a good deal, so you'll want to focus on brands with proven track records and stick to models known for long-term durability. 

While buying a used AWD vehicle, start by looking at the basics: condition, mileage, and maintenance records. A clean service history is a green flag, and so is a third-party inspection. Don't skip the vehicle history report either. It can reveal accidents or odometer rollbacks. Here we list down 7 of the best AWD models you can buy used for under $10,000 that offer all of the above features and more.

The 2013 Subaru Outback delivers serious all-weather capability for well under $10,000. Its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and 8.7 inches of ground clearance make it a standout choice for snow, rain, or light off-road use. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine powers most trims with 173 horsepower, paired with either a CVT or a six-speed manual. 

The Outback isn't without its flaws, though. Some drivers find the acceleration underwhelming, especially in the base engine, and the base stereo system lacks the richness you'd expect at this price point. Higher trims, while offering more features, can feel cluttered with overly complicated controls that may distract rather than enhance the driving experience. Additionally, road noise becomes noticeable at highway speeds, which can be a nuisance if you mostly take the long road to work. 

That said, the Outback still delivers where it counts for many buyers. Inside, it's roomy and has decent tech for the price, including Bluetooth and Subaru's EyeSight driver assistance system on higher trims. This adds forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control — features that not only enhance safety but also make long drives less taxing. While some competitors might offer flashier screens or more intuitive infotainment systems, the Outback keeps things functional and user-friendly, which many drivers will appreciate.

The 2013 RAV4 is known for its durability, solid fuel economy, and 73.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded. It dropped the optional V6 engine and third-row seating in favor of a more streamlined setup. Powered solely by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and paired with a six-speed automatic, it delivers 176 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque. 

AWD and 6.3 inches of ground clearance give it decent off-road ability. Fuel efficiency is competitive, with up to 31 mpg highway. The redesigned liftgate is now roof-hinged and lighter, with the spare tire moved under the cargo floor. 

The downsides include a whining noise during acceleration and interior materials that feel basic, according to many user opinions. However, it rides well overall and offers good safety features, making it a strong option for buyers just slightly under the $10K range who want long-term reliability. Toyota is one of the most reliable car brands, after all.

The 2012 Honda Pilot is a solid choice for families needing space and utility. Updates for this model year include a revised grille, improved cabin materials, a quieter ride, and a better layout for the center stack. Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 with 250 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque, it tows up to 4,500 pounds and seats eight across three rows. The five-speed automatic transmission and available AWD make it capable in most conditions.  

Ride quality is smooth, especially over rough pavement, though steering feels slow and the vehicle handles with noticeable bulk. Acceleration is sluggish, the third row is tight for adults, and fuel economy isn't great. 

However, its boxy shape gives it excellent cargo space, maxing out at 87 cubic feet with rear seats folded. It earned high safety marks on IIHS, securing the prestigious Top Safety Pick designation for that model year. This recognition was based on the Pilot's strong performance in several key crashworthiness evaluations. Specifically, it received the highest rating of "Good" in the moderate overlap front, side impact, roof strength, and head restraints & seats tests. 

It's also been consistently praised in reviews for its strong and long-term reliability. For instance, an owner on Edmunds mentioned their 2012 Pilot reaching 160,000 miles, stating it has been "the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned". 

The 2010 Ford Fusion AWD is an affordable all-wheel-drive sedan. It comes with either a 4- or 6-cylinder engine. Paired with six-speed manual or automatic transmissions, the lineup balances performance and efficiency, with the four-cylinder delivering up to 34 mpg on the highway. The Sport trim hits 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, quicker than other Fusion trims, but trails rivals like the V6 Mazda 6. 

Handling is composed, and the ride remains comfortable, though the brakes feel underwhelming and stopping distances are long. Standard safety features include stability control, antilock brakes, and side airbags. The cabin is cleanly designed and packed with features like available Sync voice controls, Bluetooth, and dual-zone climate. 

It's been reported to have transmission issues. One user shared on Reddit's r/MechanicAdvice that their Fusion's transmission would shudder and sometimes disengage, requiring them to pull over and reset the gear to regain function. Another user responded, suggesting that at high mileage, especially if the transmission hasn't been serviced, it's likely it may need to be replaced, with estimated costs ranging from $2,000 to $3,500. Apart from that, the drawbacks are minimal, limited mostly to a raspy four-cylinder engine note and numb steering in non-Sport models.

The 2006 Infiniti G35x is a sharp, performance-focused sedan built on Nissan's FM platform, sharing roots with the 350Z. With a 280-hp 3.5L V6, rear-biased AWD, and a chassis that feels tight even with age, it delivers real driving enjoyment. Steering is hydraulic and weighted, though every bump makes it through the wheel. Handling is responsive, with minimal body roll and solid cornering.

One long-term owner shared, "I drove my 2006 G35 for 13 years... Very few repairs, superior handling, and amazing performance." Another noted, "The car has been a rock and has survived our abuse and aged quite gracefully. No major repairs needed to date." 

In terms of safety, the IIHS gave the 2006 G35x a "Good" rating in the moderate overlap front crash test and an "Acceptable" rating in the side crash test. However, it's worth noting that the head restraints and seats received a "Poor" rating, indicating room for improvement in rear-impact protection.

Ride quality is firm but composed, with a multi-link suspension that handles rough pavement confidently. The G35x's design is clean and understated, with a drag coefficient as low as 0.27. Fuel economy hovers around 19 mpg combined. 

Inside, you get leather seats, rosewood trim, a great-sounding Bose system, and even Bluetooth and keyless start. It's not perfect, though. Some parts feel worn or oddly designed, like the seat controls and seatbelt positioning, and some road noise seeps through.

We focused on used all-wheel-drive vehicles priced at or below $10,000, using data from J.D. Power, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). To make the cut, each car needed an "Average" or better reliability/consumer score from J.D. Power (70–80 or higher) and a price estimate within range for AWD versions in good condition. We cross-referenced reliability with safety. Models had to earn solid crash test scores, mostly four or five stars from the NHTSA and "Good" or "Acceptable" ratings from the IIHS.

We also factored in how these vehicles performed in real-world conditions, especially when it came to their AWD systems. Owner reviews, Reddit threads, and Cars.com feedback gave us deeper insight into how these cars hold up over time, particularly past the 100,000-mile mark.

We also took into account general popularity and press coverage. Cars that consistently show up in "best used AWD" lists, receive strong reviews on platforms like Edmunds or U.S. News, and remain popular on used car marketplaces were more likely to make the list. Lastly, we verified current pricing for AWD-equipped versions in "good" condition across multiple platforms to ensure they're actually available under $10,000, not just base trims or front-wheel-drive models.