Shopping for a new car on a budget? In need of one with all-wheel drive (AWD)? Then we’ve got good news for you. U.S. News & World Report recently revealed its picks for the best AWD sedans of 2021. Let’s talk about the most affordable AWD cars to make the cut.

5. The 2022 Audi A4 is one of the best AWD sedans

Price: $39,100
Price with AWD: $39,100

There’s a lot to like about the 2022 Audi A4. It’s a new compact luxury car that offers up an “excellent balance of power, ride quality, and handling,” U.S. News reports. It’s also among the organization’s top picks of the best AWD sedans of 2021. And even better? This new luxury car costs under $40,000.

Perhaps what’s most enticing about the 2022 Audi A4, however, is that it comes standard with all-wheel drive, making it an excellent choice for those in the market for an affordable AWD sedan. The new Audi A4 is fuel-efficient too. With a 201-hp turbo-four engine under the hood, this Audi sedan delivers an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

4. The 2021 BMW 2 Series is an affordable AWD luxury car

Price: $35,700
Price with AWD: $37,300

The 2021 BMW 2 Series landed a spot on U.S. News’ list of the best AWD sedans of 2021 too. Much like the new Audi A4, the BMW 2 Series is also one of the most affordable new cars on U.S. News’ list. In fact, the new 2 Series starts at $35,700. Unfortunately, the BMW 2 Series isn’t standard with all-wheel drive. The good news is that upgrading to it isn’t all that expensive.

The new 2 Series has plenty more going for it too. Despite its affordable price, the interior of this year’s model comes outfitted with no shortage of premium materials. It also comes stocked with high-tech features, including a 6.5-inch display and Apple CarPlay. Also available are features like a 10.25-inch infotainment display, a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound stereo, and wireless device charging.

3. The 2022 Genesis G70 is a small luxury car with all-wheel drive

Price: $37,525
Price with AWD: $39,625

The 2022 Genesis G70 is a new luxury car that delivers a “fun driving experience.” It’s also one of the best AWD drive sedans of 2021. And even better? This year’s new Genesis G70 boasts a starting price of just under $40,000. Adding all-wheel drive isn’t that large of an expensive either. In fact, it only adds $2,100 to the base price of this new AWD sedan.

This year’s new Genesis G70 isn’t just one of the best AWD drive cars of 2021. As a matter of fact, U.S. News also ranks it as one of the best luxury small cars of 2021. The G70 successfully outranked models like the 2021 BMW 2 Series and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.  

2. The 2021 Kia Stinger is one of the most affordable AWD sedans

Price: $36,090
Price with AWD: $43,690

The 2022 Genesis G70 and the 2021 Kia Stinger share a lot in common. Both models come equipped with similar engines. They’re built in the same factory too. And, even better? They both landed a spot on U.S. News’ list of the best AWD cars of 2021. Though, it’s no surprise that the Kia Stinger was one of the publication’s top picks. After all, U.S. News calls the Kia Stinger one of the “best-kept secrets in the sports-sedan world.”

U.S. News has plenty of reasons to sing the Stinger’s praises too. This affordable AWD sedan boasts a “muscular engine lineup” and “poised ride.” Its interior is also reasonably upscale and provides ample amounts of space for both the driver and passengers. Even better, the new Kia Stinger is backed by Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

1. The new Mazda3 is the best affordable AWD car of 2021

Price: $20,650
Price with AWD: $25,245

The 2021 Mazda3 found itself near the top of U.S. News’ list. While several more expensive new car models outranked it, it is the most affordable AWD car on the organization’s list. In fact, with a starting price of just $24,100, the new Mazda3 also finds itself among the most affordable new cars under $25,000.

Upgrading to all-wheel drive doesn’t drive up the cost of this AWD sedan either. Sure, you’ll have to opt for the Select trim or higher, but all-wheel drive won’t add more than $1,400 to the car’s price. Even better, U.S. News says this affordable AWD sedan is a “delight to drive” and is a “fantastic choice for the price.”

Is AWD worth the money?

Not all cars come standard with all-wheel drive. That means, to get it, you should anticipate spending a bit more. But if you need a vehicle that can handle slippery surfaces and unpaved roads? Then U.S. News’ picks for the best AWD sedans of 2021 is a great place to start, especially if you need an affordable AWD car.