Fifteen popular 2026 models compared side by side: MSRP, EPA combined MPG, AWD premium, and a five year net ownership cost difference. Filter by category and sort by what matters to you.
FWD
$32,495
31 mpg
AWD
$34,495
28 mpg
5 year net AWD cost
+$1,825
Premium + fuel + service - resale recovery
Highest AWD premium on the list at $2,000. Hard to justify outside snow markets.
FWD
$31,995
30 mpg
AWD
$33,495
27 mpg
5 year net AWD cost
+$1,390
Premium + fuel + service - resale recovery
Average premium. Intelligent AWD is decent for moderate winter weather.
FWD
$32,450
31 mpg
AWD
$33,950
28 mpg
5 year net AWD cost
+$1,325
Premium + fuel + service - resale recovery
Real-Time AWD is part-time and good for rain or light snow. FWD covers most US drivers.
FWD
$34,350
43 mpg
AWD
$35,850
40 mpg
5 year net AWD cost
+$880
Premium + fuel + service - resale recovery
Hybrid efficiency offsets the AWD fuel penalty. Good cold-weather pick.
FWD
$25,350
32 mpg
AWD
$26,850
29 mpg
5 year net AWD cost
+$1,270
Premium + fuel + service - resale recovery
$1,500 premium. Small, efficient, and capable for city to mountain mixes.
FWD
$30,550
29 mpg
AWD
$32,050
26 mpg
5 year net AWD cost
+$1,465
Premium + fuel + service - resale recovery
HTRAC AWD is capable. $1,500 premium is average for the class.
FWD
$34,250
38 mpg
AWD
$35,750
35 mpg
5 year net AWD cost
+$1,010
Premium + fuel + service - resale recovery
Hybrid AWD with a smaller mpg gap. Easier to justify the premium.
FWD
$24,590
31 mpg
AWD
$26,090
28 mpg
5 year net AWD cost
+$1,325
Premium + fuel + service - resale recovery
Affordable AWD with average premium. Strong FWD value either way.
FWD
$31,290
29 mpg
AWD
$33,090
26 mpg
5 year net AWD cost
+$1,765
Premium + fuel + service - resale recovery
$1,800 AWD premium is above average. FWD covers most conditions.
FWD
$31,200
28 mpg
AWD
$32,600
25 mpg
5 year net AWD cost
+$1,445
Premium + fuel + service - resale recovery
CX-50 leans off-road oriented. AWD makes sense for the use case.
FWD
$31,060
30 mpg
AWD
$32,660
28 mpg
5 year net AWD cost
+$1,145
Premium + fuel + service - resale recovery
Small mpg penalty (around 2 mpg) and average premium. Reasonable AWD value.
FWD
$29,495
32 mpg
AWD
$31,095
28 mpg
5 year net AWD cost
+$1,690
Premium + fuel + service - resale recovery
One of the few sedans with an AWD option. Worth it only in heavy snow areas.
FWD
$24,035
32 mpg
AWD
$25,535
29 mpg
5 year net AWD cost
+$1,270
Premium + fuel + service - resale recovery
Lowest AWD MSRP on the list. Solid budget entry for AWD shoppers.
FWD
$31,380
30 mpg
AWD
$32,880
27 mpg
5 year net AWD cost
+$1,390
Premium + fuel + service - resale recovery
AWD earns its keep in snow states. FWD saves on purchase and around 2 to 3 mpg.
FWD
$33,575
41 mpg
AWD
$34,575
38 mpg
5 year net AWD cost
+$425
Premium + fuel + service - resale recovery
Hybrid AWD adds about $1,000 with a small mpg gap. Decent value AWD option.
These models come with AWD on every trim. There is no FWD version to compare against.
AWD standard. Symmetrical full-time AWD on every trim.
Combined: 29 mpg
AWD standard. Popular in snow belt states.
Combined: 29 mpg
AWD standard. Most affordable Subaru crossover.
Combined: 29 mpg
AWD standard sedan, one of the cheapest AWD cars sold.
Combined: 32 mpg
| Rank | Vehicle | AWD MSRP | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toyota Corolla Cross AWD | $25,535 | 29 |
| 2 | Kia Seltos AWD | $26,090 | 28 |
| 3 | Subaru Impreza AWD | $26,295 | 32 |
| 4 | Hyundai Kona AWD | $26,850 | 29 |
| 5 | Subaru Crosstrek AWD | $30,690 | 29 |
For buyers who have decided FWD is enough (true for most US drivers).
Excellent FWD sedan. No AWD trim, no need for one.
Combined: 36 mpg
Best selling car worldwide. FWD only, strong reliability.
Combined: 35 mpg
Best in class fuel economy. FWD covers daily driving.
Combined: 37 mpg
Sporty, well built. AWD only available on the hatch.
Combined: 33 mpg
Specification revision 2026-04-28