If you’re shopping for a new vehicle on a budget, you may have already discovered that all-wheel drive isn’t a common standard feature. Often automakers either exclude the setup or make you fork out additional money. However, there are a few crossovers out there that come with it standard.
Those who frequently have to commute through ice, snow, and mud will tell you that all-wheel drive is a necessity. If you’re shopping for something budget-friendly, this unfortunately means your options are more limited. There is one option that stands out as the cheapest crossover with standard all-wheel drive.
By scouring the options on the market, we’ve found a crossover that comes standard with all-wheel drive and offers a ton of value in other ways as well. Not only is this little SUV stylish, but it is a ton of fun to drive and offers a cabin so nicely laid out you’d think it had been designed by a luxury brand.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including the EPA and TopSpeed.
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Mazda’s CX-30 Features All-Wheel Drive on Every Model
The subcompact SUV segment is much more competitive than you’d expect, with tons of excellent options. However, all-wheel drive is usually a luxury that you either have to pay more for or isn’t offered at all. However, Mazda has included the setup on every trim level of the sporty CX-30.
2025 Trims and Pricing
|
Models |
Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
|
S |
$25,195 |
|
Select Sport |
$26,850 |
|
Preferred |
$29,140 |
|
Carbon Edition |
$30,140 |
|
Premium |
$32,340 |
|
Carbon Turbo |
$33,140 |
|
Turbo Premium |
$35,340 |
|
Turbo Premium Plus |
$37,150 |
The CX-30 is not the most affordable subcompact SUV on the market, and neither is it the most expensive. However, its style and long list of standard equipment more than justifies its price hike over the segments most affordable options. All models coming standard with all-wheel drive is also a huge plus.
For 2025, Mazda has made a few changes to their small crossover. They have integrated a new navigation system across the board which features live traffic and over-the-air updates. Alexa capability also improves voice control for the infotainment system. Finally, they’ve added the option of Aero Gray Metallic paint.
Benefits of All-Wheel Drive
The main benefit of all-wheel drive is improved traction. Power is sent to all four wheels, meaning that your car can deal with slippery surfaces a lot better. Anyone that has ever tried to drive on snowy, muddy, or icy roads will tell you that the gains of an all-wheel drive system cannot be understated.
All Mazdas also claim to be at least a little bit sporty, including the small CX-30. All-wheel drive providing extra traction means improved acceleration. On top of this, due to the fact that power is more evenly distributed, all-wheel drive can also improve stability and control, which are definitely some of the strong suits of the small Mazda.
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The CX-30 Is Impressively Nimble and a Ton of Fun to Drive
Front 3/4 action shot of a 2023 Mazda CX-30
Mazda’s identity has always been deeply tied to enjoyable driving dynamics. This is something that the Japanese brand has always focused pretty heavily on. The CX-30 may be a value-oriented model but it doesn’t skimp on spirit, with the all-wheel drive system playing a large role in how enjoyable the little crossover is.
Performance Specifications
|
Engine |
2.5-Liter Naturally Aspirated Inline-Four |
2.5-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four |
|---|---|---|
|
Transmission |
6-Speed Automatic |
6-Speed Automatic |
|
Horsepower |
191 HP |
250 HP |
|
Torque |
186 LB-FT |
320 LB-FT |
|
Driveline |
AWD |
AWD |
|
0-60 MPH |
8.1 Seconds |
5.8 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
126 MPH |
128 MPH |
If you’re a fan of the Mazda 3 hatchback and how well it drives, you’ll be impressed by how similar the taller CX-30 feels. It handles corners with an impressive verve. Despite the base engine not being the most powerful option in the segment, it feels much quicker when driven close to the limit. The traction and power distribution provided by the all-wheel drive system is invaluable in this regard.
If you’re looking for something a little sportier, and you have more money to spend, Mazda offers a turbocharged version of the CX-30. It is a lot more expensive than models with the base powertrain, but it is much quicker too. When pumped full of premium fuel, it can push out 250 horsepower.
Fuel Economy
|
Model |
City |
Highway |
Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
|
CX-30 N/A |
26 MPG |
33 MPG |
29 MPG |
|
CX-30 Turbo |
22 MPG |
30 MPG |
26 MPG |
The non-turbo CX-30 is particularly good for the segment. It matches front-wheel drive rivals despite coming standard with all-wheel drive. If you opt for the turbocharged model, you’ll drop some efficiency for the sake of performance, but it isn’t as dire as you’d expect considering the added power you get access to.
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You Get an Impressively Upscale Interior for the Price You Pay
Interior shot of the dashboard in a 2023 Mazda CX-30
The CX-30 coming standard with all-wheel drive isn’t the only place where it picks up points for value. In our opinion, the Japanese automaker crafts some of the finest cabins in the mainstream market. They are clearly trying to position themselves as an entry-level luxury brand, and it shows in the CX-30.
Comfort and Cargo
|
Front Row Headroom |
38.1 Inches |
|---|---|
|
Front Row Legroom |
41.7 Inches |
|
Second Row Headroom |
38.3 Inches |
|
Second Row Legroom |
36.3 Inches |
|
Cargo Capacity (Behind Second Row) |
20.2 Cubic Feet |
Mazda’s designers are doing some great work. The CX-30’s cabin is handsome and features some impressive build quality. They have struck a great balance between modernity and practicality. The dashboard doesn’t feel overly crowded, but there are still plenty of easily accessible physical controls for the car’s most important functions.
Interior space is the one area where the CX-30 maybe falls slightly short. The front seats are spacious,but those in the rear are less spoiled when it comes to stretching their legs. Cargo capacity suffers the most, though, with most other subcompact SUVs featuring more space in the trunk.
Infotainment and Technology
We really appreciate the way that Mazda has handled the infotainment screen in the CX-30. It peaks out from atop the dashboard, not dominating the space, but not so large that it draws your attention away from what is most important. It isn’t smaller than those offered by rivals either, with standard models featuring an 8.8-inch screen and turbo models coming with a 10.3-inch unit.
The upgrades to Mazda’s infotainment system this year will definitely add plenty of value. Along with Alexa being built in to the system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard features. The system can be controlled with voice commands, touch inputs, or a rotary knob that can be found on the center console.
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If You’re Looking for an Alternative, Subaru’s Crosstrek Is Excellent
Front 3/4 shot of a 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness
As we mentioned before, all-wheel drive is sometimes treated as a luxury in this segment. Choices at this price point are fairly limited, but Subaru offers a pretty good option if you want something more adventurous than sporty. Rather than using all-wheel drive to conquer corners, the Crosstrek is a budget off-road-ready machine.
2025 Trims and Pricing
|
Model |
Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
|
Base |
$25,810 |
|
Premium |
$27,060 |
|
Sport |
$29,610 |
|
Limited |
$31,510 |
|
Wilderness |
$32,610 |
The Crosstrek starts at only a couple of hundred dollars more than the CX-30, and it also comes fitted with Subaru’s famous all-wheel drive system on every model. It was fully redesigned for the 2024 model year and we have to say that the Japanese brand did an excellent job.
It may not be as outright capable as some of Subaru’s larger vehicles, or compared to other off-roaders, but it is easily one of the most capable vehicles you can buy at this price point. It won’t take on Death Valley any time soon, but it can certainly kick up some mud on outdoor excursions.
Performance Specifications
|
Engine |
2.0-Liter Naturally-Aspirated Flat-Four |
2.5-Liter Naturally Aspirated Flat-Four |
|---|---|---|
|
Transmission |
CVT |
8-Speed CVT |
|
Horsepower |
152 HP |
182 HP |
|
Torque |
145 LB-FT |
178 LB-FT |
|
Driveline |
AWD |
AWD |
|
0-60 MPH |
9.5 Seconds |
8.6 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
120 MPH |
120 MPH |
The base model comes with a 152-horsepower four-banger, but every other model gets a slightly larger, more powerful unit instead. A CVT is standard, with every model other than the base coming with an eight-speed manual mode and wheel-mounted paddle-shifters.
The Crosstrek is a soft-riding SUV when on the road, and it isn’t as agile as some of its rivals. However, it is much more capable when taken off the beaten path. Its strong all-wheel drive system and 8.7 inches of ground clearance means it can tackle some tough stuff. The Wilderness trim even more so, coming fitted with all-terrain tires and having its ground clearance raised to 9.3 inches.
