The 10 Best Used AWD Cars Under $20K - Subaru Outback Tops The List

With the new 2023 Subaru Outback midsize SUV in short supply this winter, is the Outback a good pick for used SUV shoppers? An updated report from Kelley Blue Book (KBB) says, of the 10 Best Used all-wheel-drive vehicles under $20,000, the Outback is the best model you can buy. They say the 2017 Subaru Impreza is also among the best-used models for compact car customers.

What used Subaru Outback year is the best? The 2018 Subaru Outback is ranked number one best under $20,000 by KBB. Check out the Outback and Impreza safety scores, fuel mileage, and all-wheel-drive capabilities, and why they are the best according to KBB.

KBB’s 10 Best Used vehicles with all-wheel-drive under $20,000

The 2018 Subaru Outback is number one, followed by the 2017 Toyota RAV4, 2017 Honda CR-V, 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe, 2018 Ford Fusion, 2018 Kia Sportage, 2019 Ford Escape, 2019 Nissan Rogue, 2017 Subaru Impreza, and 2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen.

Why should the Subaru Outback and Impreza be on your used vehicle shopping list this winter?

2018 Subaru Outback

KBB says, “Is it a crossover or a wagon? Does it matter when it’s this useful? The 2018 Subaru Outback straddles categories to be as versatile as possible. Its standard AWD and high ground clearance make the Outback a perennial favorite of those facing winter weather, dirt roads, or both, and its wagonlike body style gives it 73.3 cubic feet of cargo space.”

Safety and fuel mileage are also crucial for used car shoppers. Here is the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash scores and EPA fuel mileage estimates.

What are the Outback’s safety scores? The 2018 Subaru Outback earned the highest top Safety Pick+ award from the
IIHS.

What is the Outback fuel mileage?

The 2018 Outback with the 2.5-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 25/32 city/highway and 28 combined mpg. The Outback with the 3.6-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 20/27 city/highway and 22 combined mpg.

2017 Subaru Impreza

KBB says, “The go-to choice for many who live in snowy climates, the 2017 Subaru Impreza is a bargain in either sedan or hatchback/wagon body styles. Look for the Limited trim level to get EyeSight driver assist tech. That suite of features includes adaptive cruise control and active lane keeping.”

What are the Impreza safety scores?

The 2017 Subaru Impreza earned the highest top Safety Pick+ award from the
IIHS.

What is the Impreza fuel mileage?

The 2017 Impreza sedan with the automatic transmission gets an EPA estimated 28/38 city/highway and 32 combined mpg. The Impreza hatchback automatic gets an EPA-estimated 28/37 city/highway and 31 combined mpg.

Why the Outback and Impreza are the best for winter driving

All Outback and Impreza trim levels come standard with Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system for all-weather capability. The two models equipped with winter/snow-rated tires will go anywhere you need to travel this winter. You won’t get stuck in a snow bank if you live where the snow is measured in feet, not inches.

New or used, the Subaru Outback and Impreza are reliable, safe, fuel-efficient, and all-weather-capable vehicles. They should be on your shopping list if you shop for a midsize SUV, compact sedan, or hatchback this winter.

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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report, where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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