Today's Most Fuel-Efficient AWD Vehicles
Just because you want to save fuel doesn’t mean you have to give up safety, security, or confidence behind the wheel — especially if you live somewhere in the U.S. where winters bring snow, ice, or unpredictable road conditions. Whether you're commuting through sleet or heading out on weekend adventures, having all-wheel drive can be a must.
Fortunately, if you want the stability and traction of all-wheel drive without compromising fuel economy, you’ve got more options than ever. Automakers have engineered smarter, lighter AWD systems that don’t come with the same mileage penalty they used to — and many of the most fuel-efficient AWD vehicles on the market are also among the most affordable.
Below, we’ve rounded up six of the most efficient gas-powered vehicles with standard all-wheel drive. Each one balances performance, practicality, and everyday usability. Broaden your search to hybrids, and your fuel savings — and your options — get even better.
Subaru Impreza
Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice the safety or security of all-wheel drive. Redesigned in 2024, the Impreza is Subaru’s least-expensive vehicle. It still comes with the company’s famous symmetrical all-wheel drive system, one of the best on the market, and it delivers impressive fuel economy. We really like its practical, upright package, which liberates plenty of interior room, and its controls are intuitive and easy to use. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard. Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance suite is one of the best on the market, with automatic emergency braking and other useful safety features.
- Starting MSRP: $23,610
- EPA Estimated City/Highway MPG: 27/34
Subaru Legacy
The Legacy is Subaru’s midsize sedan, powered by a 2.5-liter, 182-hp four-cylinder engine. Feeling almost limousine-spacious inside, the Legacy’s roomy, boxy cabin is well-made and well-equipped, with great seats that make it a pleasure to drive long distances. Adaptive cruise control, automatic lane centering, and automatic pre-collision braking offer safety and peace of mind, while a dual 7.0-inch multimedia system features CarPlay and Android Auto. Even the entry-level Legacy, at less than $24,000, has the refinement and excellent ride quality of a luxury sedan and all versions provide you with the security and confidence of all-wheel drive.
- Starting MSRP: $25,210
- EPA Estimated City/Highway MPG: 27/35
Audi A3
The Audi brand has been synonymous with its quattro all-wheel drive system since the 1980s, and for good reason. Audi was one of the first companies to realize that four driven wheels wasn’t just a great feature for trucks, it helped give sedans incredible traction and stability in winter conditions as well as sporty handling characteristics on difficult roads. The A3 is the latest in a long line of excellent all-wheel drive Audi sedans. It is sharply designed and nicely built inside and out. Its 201-horsepower turbo engine and seven-speed S-tronic gearbox give it sporty performance as well as impressive frugality, and its terrific fun to drive. Inside, it’s packed with tech including a digital dashboard and a touchscreen infotainment system. A wide range of driver assist features comes standard, but it’s that standard quattro all-wheel drive that is its best safety feature.
- Starting MSRP: $38,200
- EPA Estimated City/Highway MPG: 24/34
Subaru Crosstrek
An Impreza with a hatchback, raised ride height, and some outdoorsy body cladding, the Crosstrek shares many of its sibling Subaru’s great traits. It’s roomy, ruggedly made, and reliable. It is impressively economical for a vehicle with all-wheel drive and light off-road capability. It has intuitive controls, standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as Subaru EyeSight, with adaptive cruise control, automatic lane centering, and automatic pre-collision braking. And it has Subaru’s awesome all-wheel drive system. All of that, plus you get the practicality of a hatchback body, the choice of some very cool exterior colors and even an ultra-rugged Wilderness trim. What’s not to like?
- Starting MSRP: $25,810
- EPA Estimated City/Highway MPG: 27/34
Kia Seltos
The Kia Seltos is the very definition of a “crossover.” Not an SUV, but not really a sedan (or wagon, or hatchback), it combines the best attributes of all of them in an appealing, economical all-wheel drive package. A torquey 2.0-liter engine and continuously variable transmission give sure-footed driving in every situation as well as 31 highway MPG. You’ll find it an easy vehicle to maneuver in the city despite its roomy interior. A turbocharged version actually improves economy to 34 MPG highway. Additional safety comes from driver assist technology including lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and collision assist with pedestrian detection. We also really like the Seltos’ interior, which in addition to having plenty of space for your family, has a high-end feel, with great features like an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, CarPlay, Android Auto, and more.
- Starting MSRP: $24,690
- EPA Estimated City/Highway MPG: 27/31
Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4Matic
Compact but luxurious, the Mercedes-Benz GLA is the perfect entry-level luxury crossover. It has dashing good looks, a luxurious interior, and a sophisticated drivetrain, with 221 turbocharged horsepower from its mild-hybrid engine and an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The package delivers impressive economy while powering all four wheels when needed. As you would expect from Mercedes, it has great safety features and is sure-footed in any situation. But what’s most impressive about the GLA is its interior; a luxurious, high-tech oasis. You’ll find high-end finishes and twin widescreen displays that are highly customizable, highly intuitive, and highly connected. Indeed, the tech inside the GLA’s is on par with many luxury vehicles that cost twice as much.
- Starting MSRP: $45,000
- EPA Estimated City/Highway MPG: 26/34
How These AWD Vehicles Compare on Paper
While each of the vehicles below brings its own strengths — whether that’s luxury, ruggedness, or value — it helps to see the specs side by side. Here's a quick look at starting prices, fuel economy, and standout features to help you find the right fit for your needs and driving habits.
No matter which of these AWD vehicles catches your eye, each one offers a smart blend of capability and efficiency — and we've broken down what makes them stand out below.
Fuel Efficiency Meets Year-Round Confidence
All-wheel drive used to mean sacrificing fuel economy, but thanks to smarter engineering and better drivetrains, that’s no longer the case. The six vehicles on this list prove you can have confident, all-weather handling and great MPG — whether you’re carving through mountain passes or just navigating a rainy school run.
From the ultra-affordable Subaru Impreza to the refined Mercedes-Benz GLA, there’s something here for every driver and budget. And if you’re willing to go hybrid or electric, there are even more options that push efficiency to new heights — many of them available right now.
Next Stops on Your AWD Adventure
🟢 Best All-Wheel Drive Hybrids
Explore fuel-efficient hybrid and plug-in hybrid models that offer all-weather confidence without compromising on MPG.
🟢 Best Hybrid SUVs for Families
Need space, safety, and savings? These hybrid SUVs deliver practicality and performance for family life.
🟢 Try the GreenCars EV Matchmaker
Not sure where to start? Our EV Matchmaker tool helps you find the best hybrid or electric vehicle based on your lifestyle, driving habits, and budget.
