Despite rising fuel costs, many Canadians still place all-wheel drive at the top of their list of must-have features when shopping for a new vehicle. It’s easy to see why, as AWD provides increased traction and improves driver confidence during Canada’s long, messy winters.
Automakers are well aware that most Canadians want their car or crossover to have AWD, and are also cognizant of the fact they don’t have a fortune to spend on a daily driver. For this reason, there’s no shortage of AWD vehicles on sale in Canada today with an approachable price.
Here are the top 10 cheapest AWD vehicles available in Canada in 2022. They’re ultra-capable and ultra-affordable cars and crossovers that will get you through the winter without breaking the bank.
2022 Mazda CX-30 GX AWD – $28,300 ($26,350 + $1,950 freight)
Picture: 2022 Mazda CX-30 GT Turbo, photo by Jodi Lai
With a base price of $28,300 for the GX AWD trim, the handsome and well-built 2022 Mazda CX-30 subcompact crossover is the most expensive of the least expensive AWD vehicles available in Canada. Power comes from a 155-horsepower 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, which routes power through a standard six-speed automatic transmission. The CX-30 comes with good standard equipment, too, including an 8.8-inch infotainment display, keyless entry, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2022 Mitsubishi RVR ES AWC – $28,228 ($26,328 + $1,900 freight)
Picture: Mitsubishi RVR, image courtesy Mitsubishi
The Mitsubishi RVR subcompact crossover is the second priciest vehicle on this list, starting at $28,228 for the ES AWC model with AWD. For this price, buyers will get a 148-horsepower 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and standard continuously variable transmission (CVT).
2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS AWD – $28,193 ($26,198 + $1,995 freight)
Picture: Chevrolet Trailblazer, image courtesy Chevrolet
The Chevrolet Trailblazer is a subcompact crossover that starts at $28,193 for the LS AWD model. Power comes from a 155-horsepower turbocharged 1.3-litre three-cylinder engine, which is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission in models equipped with AWD. Standard equipment on the LS trim includes 17-inch wheels, Chevy Safety Assist, and a seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2022 Toyota Corolla Cross L AWD – $28,180 ($26,290 + $1,890 PDI)
Picture: 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross, image courtesy Toyota
Pricing for the sensible Toyota Corolla Cross L AWD starts at $28,190 in Canada. Power in this compact crossover comes from a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine rated at 169 horsepower, which is paired with a CVT. Standard equipment includes a seven-inch infotainment display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, heated front seats, and LED headlights.
2022 Ford EcoSport S AWD – $27,794 ($25,599 + $2,195)
Picture: Ford EcoSport, image courtesy Ford
The Ford EcoSport S with AWD is priced from $27,794 and features a 166-horsepower 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission. This subcompact crossover is more out-of-date than its competitors and as such, it comes standard with a tiny 4.2-inch LCD screen instead of the larger touch-operated displays that other vehicles on this list have. The available safety features are also lacking.
2022 Kia Seltos LX AWD – $27,445 ($25,595 + $1,850 PDI)
Picture: 2022 Kia Seltos SX Turbo, photo by Dan Ilika
The Kia Seltos starts at $27,445 for the LX trim with AWD. Buyers of this model will get a standard 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, which doles out 146 horsepower delivered via a CVT, along with heated front seats, various active safety features, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Kia Seltos is also easy to live with and has lots of room for cargo and people.
2022 Subaru Crosstrek Convenience – $26,970 ($24,995 + $1,975 PDI)
Picture: 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Outdoor, photo by Daniel Beaulieu
The Subaru Crosstrek remains a popular choice among Canadians looking for an affordable all-wheel drive vehicle. This compact crossover comes standard with AWD across the entire lineup, with prices starting at $26,970 for the base-level Essential trim. A six-speed manual transmission and 152-horsepower 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine are standard, with the CVT carrying a $2,200 price premium. Models with CVT also come standard with Subaru’s EyeSight camera-based active safety system.
2022 Chevrolet Trax LS AWD – $26,493 ($24,593 + $1,900 PDI)
Picture: Chevrolet Trax, photo courtesy Chevrolet
The affordable Chevrolet Trax starts at just $26,493 for the LS AWD trim. This subcompact crossover, which will be discontinued following the 2023 model year, comes with a 138-horsepower turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission. Despite its age, the Trax also has a standard seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2022 Hyundai Kona Essential AWD – $23,924 ($22,099 + $1,825PDI)
Picture: Hyundai Kona, photo courtesy Hyundai
The Hyundai Kona remains as good of a deal in 2022 as ever. The cheapest crossover on this list manages to significantly undercut its competitors with a price of $23,924 for the Essential AWD model. Power here comes from a 147-horsepower 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, which is linked with a six-speed automatic transmission. Standard heated front seats and an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto help to sweeten this already enticing deal.
2022 Subaru Impreza Convenience – $23,670 ($21,995 + $1,675 PDI)
Picture: 2022 Subaru Impreza 5-door Sport-tech, photo by Jil McIntosh
Rather predictably, the 2022 Subaru Impreza in the entry-level Convenience trim remains the most affordable AWD vehicle in Canada. This is the only compact hatchback on this list, making it more fuel efficient than some comparable crossover models. For the $23,670 base price, Impreza buyers will get a 152-horsepower 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and standard five-speed manual transmission. The CVT automatic is available with the above-mentioned EyeSight camera safety system for an extra $1,800. A 6.5-inch infotainment system and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard.
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