KBB’s 10 Best New AWD Vehicles Under $30K And Subaru’s 3 Top Picks

Does Subaru make the best all-wheel-drive vehicles? A new ranking from Kelley Blue Book says yes. Check the report here.

What are the best all-wheel-drive vehicles you can buy today? A new ranking from Kelley Blue Book's 10 Best New All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles Under $30,000 reveals Subaru has three top picks for new model shoppers. And I think there should be a fourth. 

Does Subaru make the best all-wheel-drive vehicles? 

I have written much about Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system being the best. Audi and Jeep must be in the discussion, but none of their models are listed. It's likely because they need good picks under $30,000. 

Which makes the point that Subaru is the best-value all-wheel-drive brand in the world. It's been their calling card for decades and is still the same today.  

KBB's 10 Best All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles Under $30,000 are listed here from the best to last.

1. 2024 Subaru Outback
2. 2024 Toyota Prius
3. 2024 Subaru Forester
4. 2024 Toyota RAV4
5. 2024 Ford Maverick
6. 2024 Mazda CX-30
7. 2024 Honda HR-V
8. 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz
9. 2024 Subaru Legacy
10. 2024 Hyundai Kona

What does KBB say about the number one ranked Subaru Outback?

Starting MSRP with AWD: $28,895 (Base trim level)

"The 2024 Subaru Outback continues to be one of the best all-around AWD vehicles you can buy. Why? Because it has the space, ground clearance, and abilities of an SUV in a somewhat easier-to-live-with wagon body format. It's also an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2023 (which we expect will continue for 2024). All Outback wagons come with AWD as standard equipment."

What does KBB say about the number three ranked Subaru Forester?

Starting MSRP with AWD: $27,095 (Base trim level)

"As with all Subarus except the BRZ sports car, the 2024 Subaru Forester comes with standard AWD. It earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick award in 2023 (we expect the 2024 model to fare just as well) and has a roomy cabin with lots of cargo space."

What does KBB say about the number nine ranked Subaru Legacy?

Starting MSRP with AWD: $24,895 (Base trim level)

"It should be no surprise to see this list positively peppered with Subarus. The last Subaru on our list, the 2024 Subaru Legacy, is for those who prefer a sedan but want something larger than an Impreza. Like the Forester, the Legacy was also an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2023. The Legacy starts at $24,895. You can also get into the Premium trim level and still stay within a $30,000 budget."

My take

The 2024 Subaru Outback is ranked number one overall because it is a one-of-a-kind vehicle. KBB puts the Outback in the wagon category because it has the ride quality and driving dynamics of a car. But the Outback has the utility and versatility of an SUV. It comes with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, standard all-wheel-drive, X-Mode for severe weather, and dual function X-Mode on some trim levels for all-terrain capability. 

When you step up to the 2024 Outback Wilderness, you get 9.4 inches of ground clearance and added rugged off-road features for even more all-terrain capability. The Outback is a top pick for customers who want a "go-anywhere" vehicle.

I want to know why Kelley Blue Book did not include the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek. It comes under $30,000 and has all the Subaru family's all-wheel-drive features of the Outback and Forester. There's also a new 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness trim for getting further off the grid.

Does Subaru make the best all-wheel-drive vehicles? Subaru is the best value all-wheel-drive brand you can buy. They have four top picks under $30,000.

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this Subaru all-wheel-drive story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

For additional articles related to new Subaru models, here are a few of my top stories you may enjoy. 

My Must-Read Top Picks

• The Next-Generation 2025 Subaru Outback Announcement And What’s Coming
• CR’s 5 Most Reliable New SUVs Under $30K - Why Subaru Crosstrek Is The Top Pick
• The All-New 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness Rendering - Would You Buy It?

Watch Subaru Outback Wilderness Dual XMode Dirt and Rock Off-Road Test

I am Denis Flierl, a 12-year Torque News senior writer with 20+ years of Subaru and automotive journalism experience. I enjoy bringing you, the Subaru fans and customers, the most up-to-date Subaru news, reviews, and new model information. You'll find the latest Subaru stories on the Subaru page. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

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photo credit: Subaru USA