AWD Hatchbacks: Top 10 Lowest Priced

In the world of automobiles, there aren’t many things as versatile as an all-wheel drive hatchback car.

A hatchback body style leads to great cargo flexibility, as a hatch can carry taller items compared to a conventional trunk and also features a much larger opening. All-wheel drive gives drivers a bit more sure-footed traction in slippery weather conditions and on loose road surfaces. Finally, since it is a car and not a SUV, the vehicle’s responses will be quicker and more engaging due to the car’s lower center of gravity.

As great as an all-wheel hatchback sounds, sadly there are not many available for sale today. With the massive popularity of crossovers and SUVs, most manufacturers concentrate their all-wheel drive efforts on those segments. But there still is an interesting cross-section of AWD hatchbacks left on the market. Granted, the first entries on this list are not overly affordable for the average consumer and some entries are really wagons masquerading as SUVs. But below we have listed the 10 lowest priced cars with hatchback-openings currently available.

Starting off our list is Volvo's large, high-riding V90 Cross Country Wagon. Starting at a price just under $60,000, it's incredible to think this is the 10th lowest priced car with a hatch and all-wheel drive.

For that price, buyers do get a well-appointed vehicle with tons of storage space. Power comes from a turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder paired to a mild hybrid system that's good for 295 hp.

USA Pricing (before destination): $59,800

Canada Pricing (before destination): $70,200

Another high-riding Volvo wagon, the V60 Cross Country, just squeaks onto the list. Much more affordable (especially in Canada) than the V90, the smaller V60 comes standard with basically the same mild hybrid set-up as the V90, minus the supercharger. This is good for 247 hp with standard all-wheel drive. Although it is a smaller wagon, it's still capable of carying more cargo than many entries on this list.

USA Pricing (before destination): $50,300

Canada Pricing (before destination): $54,350

Next on our list is the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. Using a traditional gasoline engine, the entry level Gran Coupe is the 255-hp 430i that can have xDrive added on for an extra $2,000. The four seat, four-door coupe features a rear lift-gate that's more fastback than pure hatchback. Those looking for a bit more power can step up to the 382 hp M440i xDrive for an additional $14,700 or so.

USA Pricing (before destination): $48,300

Canada Pricing (before destination): N/A

The last of the tall-riding luxury wagons to make our list is the Audi A4 allroad. A direct competitor to the Volvo V60 Cross Country, the allroad slots in at a slightly lower price point, utilizing standard all-wheel drive and a 261 hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Unlike most of Audi's other products, there is no upgrade powerplant for the A4 allroad.

USA Pricing (before destination): $46,900

Canada Pricing (before destination): $57,665

The Volkswagen Golf R is a more of a dedicated performance car that just happens to have all-wheel drive and a hatchback body. The unsuspecting Golf R has a more traditional five-door silhouette and a screaming 315 hp turbocharged engine under the hood. At a starting price under $46,000, it offers a lot of practicality, versatility, comfort, and all-weather performance.

USA Pricing (before destination): $45,665

Canada Pricing (before destination): $48,895

Like BMW, Audi offers a compact four-door coupe with a lift-back called the A5 Sportback. Unlike the 4 Series though, all versions of the A5 Sportback come equipped with all-wheel drive. That means even the 201-hp A5 Sportback 40 TFSI has a version of Audi’s legendary quattro all-wheel drive system, which undercuts the least expensive all-wheel drive 4 Series Gran Coupe by over $3,000. A better-equipped 261-hp A5 Sport back 45 TFSI is also available for a starting price of $47,700.

USA Pricing (before destination): $45,500

Canada Pricing (before destination): $59,615 (45 TFSI)

Maybe you want a little more performance from your all-wheel drive hatch. Well, Toyota has just the answer in the form of the GR Corolla, the third model from its performance sub-brand. With a 300-hp turbocharged three-cylinder under the hood, the super Corolla features a programable all-wheel drive system that is sure to entertain enthusiasts. And, as the pictures suggest, the GR Corolla comes as a badass widebody version of the Corolla hatchback. Toyota prices this hot hatch well under $40,000.

USA Pricing (before destination): $36,500

Canada Pricing (before destination): $46,850

The Mazda 3 is a more traditional AWD hatchback. The latest Mazda3 saw all-wheel drive added to the lineup and it can be had as an option starting at the 2.5 S Carbon Edition trim level. Paired to a 186 hp engine, the Mazda3 is a fun-to-drive compact hatchback. But for those looking to get a hot hatch, there is a 250 hp turbocharged engine available for an extra chunk of money.

In Canada, the Mazda3 is available at a lower trim level with all-wheel drive for less than $28,000.

USA Pricing (before destination): $30,260

Canada Pricing (before destination): $27,945

Those unfamiliar with the current generation of Toyota Prius might be surprised to see it on here. But Toyota’s legendary hybrid is still indeed a hatchback, and it now includes a revised, more powerful AWD version. Although there is a bit of a caveat to the car’s all-wheel drive system as it is not a traditional set up with a driveshaft running from the engine up front to the wheels in the back. Instead, there is a small electric motor in the rear that will provide a bit of power to the rear wheels to aid with traction at lower speeds.

USA Pricing (before destination): $29,350

Canada Pricing (before destination): $37,650

It’s no surprise to see the brand that loves practical, all-wheel drive cars at the number one spot here. The Subaru Impreza, like most of the manufacturer’s models, comes standard with all-wheel drive. So even the entry level model that starts under $23,000 comes equipped with power being sent to all four wheels. If someone is after the lowest price practical hatchback that features all-wheel drive, the Impreza cannot be touched.

USA Pricing (before destination): $22,995

Canada Pricing (before destination): $26,795