Best Used All-Wheel-Drive Cars on a $15,000 Budget

When the going gets slippery, all-wheel drive (AWD) can be a lifesaver — or at least a welcome comfort. No matter if you face frigid winter conditions or daily gravel, there are plenty of reasons to want a sedan, hatchback, or wagon with all-wheel drive.

Here are 10 of the best used all-wheel drive cars on a $15,000 budget.

1. 2016 Acura TLX

With all of the reliability of a Honda Accord plus added luxury, tech, and performance, the 2016 Acura TLX is an easy recommendation for those looking for an all-wheel-drive sedan on a $15,000 budget. Look for the TLX 3.5 with the 290-horsepower V6 and Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system on our budget.

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2. 2012 Audi TT

Timeless style and the availability of coupe and convertible body styles make the 2012 Audi TT a very attractive option for those looking for something fun. Nimble handling and a peppy turbocharged 4-cylinder make the TT a sporty choice, too.

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3. 2015 BMW 3 Series

A legend among sport sedans, the 2015 BMW 3 Series is another great example of the line, with the style, quality, and performance you expect of a top-tier European luxury brand. On our budget, you can choose from either gasoline or diesel 4-cylinder engines or a turbocharged inline 6-cylinder that’s good for 300 hp.

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4. 2014 Cadillac ATS

Among America’s recent forays into world-class luxury sport sedans, the 2014 Cadillac ATS exudes style and ability. Although the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) version is more dynamically pure, the all-wheel-drive ATS is also impressively fun to drive. Look for loaded Premium models with your choice of the 272-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder or the 321-hp V6.

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5. 2016 Infiniti Q50

Another luxury car turned genuine value, the 2016 Infiniti Q50 offers lots of equipment and style for the money. It’s also a strong performer, with a 300-hp twin-turbocharged V6 within our budget, though determined shoppers may find the 400-hp Q50 Red Sport within reach in some areas.

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6. 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250

Sleek and small yet still a Mercedes, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 offers a torquey turbocharged 4-cylinder, 4Matic all-wheel drive, and every option box you can tick. Our budget affords all but the raucous and rowdy CLA45 AMG model.

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7. 2013 Subaru Impreza WRX

Speaking of raucous and rowdy, the 2013 Subaru Impreza WRX may fill that void thanks to its 265-hp turbocharged flat 4-cylinder and standard all-wheel drive paired with a 5-speed manual transmission — there’s no automatic option. If you want even more power and performance and don’t mind somewhat higher mileage, consider the 305-hp WRX STI.

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8. 2016 Subaru Outback

The 2016 Subaru Outback is a more sensible, practical alternative to the WRX, despite being nearly as powerful in 3.6R Limited form, which sports a 256-hp 3.6-liter flat 6-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive. The wagon form factor gives you the space of a crossover with the efficiency and sleekness of a wagon.

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9. 2017 Subaru Legacy

Rounding out our trio of Subarus is the 2017 Subaru Legacy, a comfortable, quiet, spacious sedan with standard all-wheel drive and the same 256-hp flat 6-cylinder found in the Outback — at least in the top-trim model that best fits our budget. Look for Legacy models with leather seats, EyeSight driver assist, and a moonroof.

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10. 2016 Volvo S60

Turning the brand’s reputation for boxy, pokey vehicles on its head, the 2016 Volvo S60’s sleek design and turbocharged engines (your choice of a 250-hp inline 5-cylinder or a 325-hp inline 6-cylinder on our budget) make it a sporty, stylish option. Look for T5 Inscription Platinum or T6 Platinum models for $15,000 or less.

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Best Used All-Wheel-Drive Cars on a $15,000 Budget

1. 2016 Acura TLX
2. 2012 Audi TT
3. 2015 BMW 3 Series
4. 2014 Cadillac ATS
5. 2016 Infiniti Q50
6. 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250
7. 2013 Subaru Impreza WRX
8. 2016 Subaru Outback
9. 2017 Subaru Legacy
10. 2016 Volvo S60