THE MOST AFFORDABLE JAPANESE SUVS WITH AWD, RANKED BY PRICE

Japanese cars in general have come a long way from their humble beginnings. In particular, SUVs, along with those from Korea, have been giving the rest of the world a run for their money. The features, performance, and comfort they offer are usually well above their price point, making them excellent value propositions.

If you’re in the market for an SUV, then you won’t regret going for a Japanese one. This is especially true if you want all-wheel drive, with the likes of Mitsubishi, Subaru, and Mazda having some of the best AWD systems in the world. If you're looking for plug-in hybrids, we have a separate list that Japanese cars feature prominently on.

We take a look at some of the most value-oriented all-wheel drive SUVs from Japanese manufacturers. Comparing costs, features, and performance, we rank models from the most to the least expensive. We provide you with everything you need to know to help you decide if your next all-wheel-drive SUV is going to be from a Japanese brand.

2024 Mitsubishi Outlander

Starting MSRP: $30,195

If you’re looking for the most affordable car with three rows of seating, then look no further than the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander. Not only is it one of the most affordable all-wheel drive SUVs to come out of a Japanese brand, but it offers room for up to seven passengers.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Mitsubishi)

The Outlander comes with either a front-wheel drive layout or Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control system. If you’re looking for more efficiency, there is also a plug-in hybrid version.

Pros

• Tons of standard features and tech
• Very comfortable interior
• Three-rows of seating

Cons

• Standard powertrain is a bit boring
• More expensive than some better-equipped rivals
• The third row is too small for adults

2024 Mazda CX-5

Starting MSRP: $29,300

Mazda’s CX-5 is getting old and is in need of an update pretty soon. Despite this, though, it has been so far ahead of the competition in terms of driving dynamics and luxury that it still stands out as one of the best compact SUVs that you can buy today.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Mazda)

Every trim level of the Mazda CX-5 comes standard with all-wheel drive, from the cheapest to the most expensive. The base powertrain has enough pep for a car this size, but an optional turbocharged version nets you 256 horsepower. The Mazda doesn’t need to be driven flat-out to be appreciated, though, and its value proposition sits well above a lot of its rivals.

Pros

• Brilliant styling inside and out
• The most luxurious car you can get in this segment
• Brilliantly responsive handling

Cons

• It isn't as spacious as some rivals in terms of legroom
• Cargo room is a little sparse
• Not the most capable in terms of towing

2024 Subaru Outback

Starting MSRP: $28,895

The Subaru Outback is a unique SUV. Decades ago, the Japanese manufacturer took a family-oriented station wagon, gave it some ground clearance, and created the formula for one of the most practical SUVs on the market.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Subaru)

Subaru’s Outback, like the rest of the Subbie family, features all-wheel drive across the board. A signature flat-four powers the Outback, and a turbocharged 260 horsepower version is available on higher trims. The base powertrain already delivers enough power to net the SUV some great towing capacity though.

Pros

• Real off-road capability
• More cargo space than most SUVs
• Even the base model is well-equipped

Cons

• Base powertrain isn't the most exciting
• CVT gets in the way of real fun
• On-road manners aren't the best

2024 Subaru Forester

Starting MSRP: $27,095

Another Subaru makes the list. While some of the Subaru Forester’s rivals may be better at driving on the road, Subaru’s compact SUV can travel a little further off the beaten path. This nameplate has been around forever and remains one of the most affordable Japanese compact SUVs you can buy.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Subaru)

The Forester features all-wheel drive and a 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder across all trims. Every trim comes pretty well-equipped other than the base model, which is a little sparse. However, if you do go with the most affordable model, you’ll still get access to a ton of driver-assist technology. A new generation is on the horizon though, so if this is on your list of possible cars to buy, you might want to wait a little bit.

Pros

• Straightforward and practical interior layout
• More cargo space than most rivals
• Can go off-road, just not too far off-road

Cons

• Its Outback sibling offers a ton more and isn't much more expensive
• Entry-level model doesn't come with a ton of features
• Powertrain is a little bit poky

2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Starting MSRP: $26,345

Those with a preference for old JDM cars may think of a sports coupe when they hear the Eclipse nameplate. However, the 2024 Eclipse Cross isn’t really sporty at all but rather sits firmly as one of the most affordable compact SUVs.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Mitsubishi)

Unfortunately, like a lot of the modern Mitsubishi lineup, the Eclipse Cross looks a lot sportier than it actually is. The upside to this is that all Eclipse Cross SUVs come standard with all-wheel drive and a turbocharged engine that makes a little more torque than you would expect. It's also one of the cheapest SUVs to maintain.

Pros

• More spacious than you would expect
• Warranties are some of the best on the market
• Cabin is exceptionally quiet

Cons

• Very soft and non-interactive ride
• Isn't as fuel-efficient as some of its rivals
• The cheapest model is incredibly lacking

2024 Toyota Corolla Cross

Starting MSRP: $26,510

The Toyota Corolla is a household name, even here in the States. It is one of the most durable and reliable daily drivers out there. The Corolla Cross offers the same levels of reliability and adds a higher ride height and a more spacious interior.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Toyota)

Toyota’s Corolla Cross does not come standard with all-wheel drive, however, it is optional across all trims. The front-wheel drive model is around $1,000 cheaper, but all-wheel drive is definitely the option of choice. Its highlights are its reliability and its slew of standard safety features.

Pros

• Tons of cargo room over the Corolla sedan
• Pretty good fuel economy
• Full suite of Toyota safety features regardless of trim

Cons

• Rear seating is not very spacious
• The interior is dull and sparse, especially on entry-level trims
• Powertrain is sluggish and loud

2024 Honda HR-V

Starting MSRP: $26,100

Honda has pulled a ton of equipment and technology from the rest of its lineup for the value-oriented HR-V crossover. Pairing Honda's reliability with one of the cheapest crossover SUVs means you’re going to save money in the long term and the short term.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Honda)

Honda’s HR-V subcompact SUV doesn’t come standard with all-wheel drive, but it's an option that will only set you back an additional $1,500. It comes with a singular powertrain and a continuously variable transmission across all trim levels. It's a cheap proposition that is spacious and will get you from A to B without too much complaining.

Pros

• Interior is much more comfortable than you would expect
• The layout of the interior is practical and adaptable
• Handles better than some other cars at this price point

Cons

• Cabin is a little bit boring
• No hybrid option to compete with the Corolla Cross
• Super underpowered

2024 Subaru Crosstrek

Starting MSRP: $25,195

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is the cheapest SUV in the Subaru lineup. It may not be the ultimate trail-hunting SUV, but it is more rugged than a lot of the other subcompact SUVs on the market. It also has gone through a redesign for the 2024 model year, sporting a higher ride height and a more aggressive look.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Subaru)

The Subaru Crosstrek may have a poky powertrain, whether you go with the base 2.0-liter or the 182 horsepower 2.5-liter, but it makes up for it in capability. All Crosstreks come standard with all-wheel drive and hill-descent control. Base Crosstreks have 8.7-inches of ground clearance and the more off-road savvy trims upgrade that to 9.3-inches.

Pros

• Can go where other subcompact SUVs cannot
• Comfortable seats in the front and back
• Very fuel efficient

Cons

• Both powertrains are a little underpowered
• Interior is a little outdated, even after the refresh
• The manual transmission from 2023 is gone

2024 Mazda CX-30

Starting MSRP: $24,995

The Mazda CX-30 is the crossover version of the Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback. It offers additional ride height and some more cargo space. It is impressive how Mazda has come so close to the top of this list while offering a product with such a classy interior and one of the best driving dynamics in class.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Mazda)

All Mazda SUVs come standard with all-wheel drive and the CX-30 is no exception. Its base powertrain might be a little pokey but there is the option of a 256-horsepower turbocharged version. Even the most sparse CX-30 is fun to drive and adds a level of practicality over the Mazda 3 on which it's based.

Pros

• Tons of standard features
• Interior is much better than its price tag suggests
• Exciting and sporty chassis tuning

Cons

• Ride is a little stiff
• Doesn't have the most spacious cargo area
• You have to shell out for high trim levels for the turbocharged engine

2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Starting MSRP: $23,695

The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport ends our list, being the cheapest Japanese SUV that you can get with all-wheel drive. It comes standard with Mitsubishi’s All-Wheel Control system and a price point that none of its rivals can beat.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Mitsubishi)

The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is an incredibly basic subcompact SUV. It has an attractive exterior and is one of the cheapest cars of any kind that comes standard with all-wheel drive. Its powertrain can be had in a base 2.0-liter inline-four or a 2.4-liter version, but both are a little unrefined. It is severely outdated though and in need of an update.

Pros

• Longer warranties than its rivals
• All-wheel drive across all trims
• Looks great on the outside

Cons

• Powertrain options are weak
• Interior is outdated and unrefined
• Driving dynamics are beyond dull

2024-04-21T12:01:57Z dg43tfdfdgfd