The best used all-wheel-drive cars

All-wheel drive might not be a must-have, but it sure is nice to have. Certainly a good set of all-purpose tires will get the job done much of the time, but if you want ultimate peace of mind, there i. s no substitute for all-wheel drive. Combine the two and you are virtually unstoppable.

All-wheel drive was once rare in cars, but over the last 20 years. it gas become a much more common feature. Especially in the last 10 years, carmakers have added all-wheel drive to existing models as well as producing new all-wheel-drive models, helping to make this feature as affordable as it is ubiquitous.

Luxury: BMW 3 and 4 Series

BMW’s 3 Series sedans and 4 Series coupes are sport-luxury cars recognised for their engaging handling. With the exception of one generation of cars, the 3 Series has offered all-wheel drive in the U.S. since the mid-1980s when it debuted in the 325ix. And 4 Series coupes, introduced for the 2014 model year, have offered all-wheel drive since their inception. The most common 3 Series and 4 Series models on the used market today are contemporary trims fitted with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making in the mid-200-horsepower range.

Look for: If you want more power, you can find BMW’s 3.0-liter six-cylinder good for as much as 320 horsepower in upper trims. But you’ll be trading power for condition or higher miles in this price range.

Electric: Tesla Model 3

Even eight years after its debut, Tesla’s Model 3 feels like the future inside. With a flat dash adorned only by a large central screen, the Tesla gestalt is in full effect in this compact electric sedan. Sure, it takes some adjustment for the Model 3’s unconventional controls to become second nature, but they hardly diminish the experience. All-wheel-drive trims have been available since the 2018 model year.

Look for: The fine print. Besides the tiny badge, there is no easy way to distinguish the all-wheel-drive versions from the rear-wheel-drive versions..

Compact: Subaru Impreza

One of the earliest all-wheel-drive Japanese sedans, the Impreza, made a name for itself through a rich motorsport legacy even if most Imprezas were workaday models. Imprezas from the last decade are available in both sedan and hatchback body styles with either a 2.0-litre or a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, both of which made modest power. There is nothing luxurious about the Impreza, but its combination of all-wheel drive and priced-right utility makes it great for driving.

Look for: Low-mileage Imprezas.

Compact: Mazda 3

Mazda began to offer all-wheel drive in its compact Mazda 3 in 2019. Sedan and five-door hatchback body styles are available as are two engines, both 2.5-liter four-cylinders. The upgrade engine is turbocharged and produces 250 horsepower (starting in 2021), but the base engine is fine. The Mazda 3 is an overachiever inside with premium materials that verge into luxury territory. It’ is also one of the most fun-to-drive cars in its class and its stunning good looks are hard to ignore. But it’s smaller inside than many competitors.

Look for: The hatchback body offers an additional 7 cubic feet of cargo space over the sedan. Consider it if space is important.

Midsize: Nissan Altima

The Altima isn’t the only midsize sedan offering all-wheel drive, but the others — the Toyota Camry and Kia K5 — are far less abundant. Starting in the 2019 model year, when it was last redesigned, Nissan added all-wheel drive to the Altima. The drivetrain pairs only with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, but it is very efficient, exceeding the EPA estimate of 30 mpg combined by 4 mpg in Edmunds’ testing.

Look for: A strong tech package is offered with the Altima, including an effective lane centring system and adaptive cruise control that will bring the car to a full stop in traffic.