Best Used Cars with AWD

Car buyers have a lot of decisions to make when considering their next set of wheels. One area that gets much attention is whether the car has all-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, or the more agile front-wheel drive.

Some shoppers, but not all, understand the nuanced differences between these transmission types. It always helps to have an understanding of terminology when shopping for vehicles.

The sales team at Volkswagen of Marion is ready to answer your questions about the benefits of all-wheel drive and help you find a highly-rated used car that uses this technology.

What Is All-Wheel Drive?

All-wheel drive is an automotive system that maximizes power distribution between front and back wheels to promote the best possible traction. When you drive on roads made slippery by rain or snow, the system recognizes when a wheel starts slipping and automatically transfers power to get over the trouble spot. You would typically prefer all-wheel drive in wintry climates, and it’s also helpful for off-road driving on mud or sand.

In contrast, four-wheel-drive cars offer similar functionality, but you can turn the four-wheel drive on or off, while all-wheel-drive functionality is always on. Front-wheel- or rear-wheel-drive vehicles put most of the power into the front or back wheels.

Used Cars With All-Wheel Drive

All-wheel-drive cars are common across all major manufacturers, including Volkswagen. Here’s a shortlist of six of the best used cars with all-wheel drive that you might consider putting on your list.

2019 Volkswagen Tiguan

J.D. Power and Associates describes the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan as “king of the jungle — the concrete jungle that is.” Ranked as one of the five best compact SUVs for 2019, the Tiguan runs on a 2.0-liter Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.

According to EPA estimates, the vehicle gets 21 mpg in city driving and 29 mpg on the highway. You can also purchase the Tiguan in front-wheel drive if you prefer. According to J.D. Power, recent purchases ranged between $19,000 and $29,000.

2018 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas provides another good used Volkswagen option with all-wheel drive in the sport-utility vehicle category. The Atlas is considered a midsize SUV, and J.D. Power reviewers rated it as one of the top 10 from the 2018 model year.

With recent sale prices starting at about $18,000, the Atlas gets rave reviews for its comfortable third-row seating, rear visibility, and trunk/hatch space. Also powered by the Volkswagen Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 engine, the Atlas gets up to 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway in the all-wheel-drive version. The engine puts out 235 hp. Drivers will also appreciate a healthy total of almost 97 cubic feet of cargo space.

2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack

With sale prices ranging from $18,000 to $21,000, the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack will save you a few dollars while still providing all-wheel-drive power. Described as fun to drive, the Golf Alltrack runs on a Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 engine. Part of Volkswagen’s award-winning Golf line, the Alltrack produces 22 mpg in city driving and 32 mpg on the highway with the car’s 4MOTION all-wheel drive and puts out a respectable 170 hp. Volkswagen had a little fun with this car’s name. It’s designed for all surfaces, which Volkswagen describes as “the road less graveled.”

2020 Subaru Outback

Adventure-seekers in the market for a used all-wheel-drive vehicle should also consider the 2020 Subaru Outback. The Outback is a midsize crossover wagon with standard all-wheel drive that gets high ratings for reliability on different road surfaces and all weather conditions. Rated by J.D. Power as one of the top five midsize SUVs from 2020, reviewers praise the Outback for how it handles slippery weather and for the feeling that it would protect them in an accident.

The Outback also scores highly in terms of fuel economy. According to EPA estimates, the Outback Wagon 5D XT Onyx Edition AWD gets 23 mpg in city driving and 30 mpg on the highway. On cold days, you’ll appreciate the car’s heated driver seats. Recent sales range from $23,000 to $33,000.

2019 Honda CR-V 

Similar in feature set to the Outback and also geared toward adventurers, the 2019 Honda CR-V is another all-wheel-drive car worth your consideration. Owners praised the CR-V for its smooth transmission and super comfortable second-row seats. Though it fits in the compact SUV category, the CR-V also gets high ratings for its large trunk and hatch space for cargo and luggage.

The Honda CR-V LX AWD gets 25 mpg in city driving and 31 mpg on the highway, consistent with Honda’s reputation for excellent fuel economy. According to J.D. Power, recent sales range between $22,000 and $25,000. Attractive features include keyless entry, multi-zone climate systems, and child-safety rear door locks.

2018 Toyota RAV4

Rounding out our list of used all-wheel-drive cars is the 2018 Toyota RAV4, also in the compact SUV category with the CR-V. Rated by J.D. Power as a top-three compact SUV for 2018, the RAV4 gets good reviews for resale value, quality, and reliability. Owners reported they were pleased with its transmission smoothness, large trunk/hatch space, and the vehicle’s maneuverability around curves.

Recent four-door LE all-wheel-drive model sales range from just under $20,000 to a little over $23,000. The car gets 22 mpg in city driving and 28 mpg on the highway, offering popular features such as keyless entry, power windows, and traction control.

All-Wheel-Drive Cars for Sale at Volkswagen of Marion

If you’re seeking a used car with all-wheel drive, let Volkswagen of Marion help. We maintain a sizable inventory of pre-owned vehicles from all manufacturers, and our sales team can help you find the one that best matches your needs. We can also provide financing support for a loan with a monthly payment that best fits your family’s budget. After the sale, our service center will provide maintenance and repair services to help keep your car on the road as long as possible. Call us or contact us online for more information.