The 12 Best Small All-Wheel-Drive SUVs Under $35,000

Compact SUVs are one of the hottest segments in the industry these days, and it's easy to see why. They combine a manageable size with an elevated seating position and fuel-efficient engines at an affordable price. And if you need the added confidence of all-wheel drive for tackling slippery roads, most small SUVs offer that, too.

Here are a dozen small, compact and subcompact AWD SUVs that rate highly with us. All have a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price of less than $35,000 (before destination charges), and some are well below that figure. Additionally, each has an EPA-rated combined fuel economy of 23 to 29 mpg, which can hold down ownership costs and benefit the environment as well. We've listed the cars alphabetically and numbered them for convenience, not for rank.

As you shop, you will likely find better prices than those shown here, particularly if incentives are available. Another money-saving option is to check Edmunds for special offers on these cars.

1. 2017 Buick Encore

The 2017 Buick Encore exhibits many of the characteristics that the brand has traditionally embodied, such as a hushed cabin, a well-appointed interior, and a long list of standard and available upscale features. However, modest performance and tight quarters may limit this compact SUV's appeal for some buyers. The 2017 Buick Encore is EPA-rated at 28 mpg combined (26 city/31 highway).

2. 2017 Ford Escape

With a roomy, comfortable interior, a host of advanced technology features and agile handling, the 2017 Ford Escape is a practical choice in a small SUV capable of running errands or loading up the family for a road trip. The base engine is somewhat acceleration-challenged, but the available 2.0-liter turbocharged powerplant adds a bit of zip. EPA fuel economy for the 2017 Ford Escape with the standard engine is 24 mpg combined (22 city/28 highway), and ticking the box for the larger engine will lower the rating by just 1 mpg.

3. 2017 Honda CR-V

A perennial favorite, the 2017 Honda CR-V combines handsome styling and a spacious interior with outstanding reliability and a host of standard features. All-new for 2017, the CR-V now adds a more powerful engine and new technology to the mix, making it an even more attractive value proposition in a compact SUV. The 2017 Honda CR-V is EPA-rated at 29 mpg combined (27 city/33 highway).

4. 2017 Honda HR-V

The 2017 Honda HR-V has plenty for shoppers in the market for an affordable subcompact SUV. It provides good fuel economy, sporty handling and a lot of useful features for the money. It also makes the most of its interior space, thanks to an innovative second-row seat with plenty of cargo-carrying flexibility. One drawback for some buyers could be its rather anemic and noisy engine. The 2017 Honda HR-V is rated by the EPA at 29 mpg combined (27 city/31 highway).

5. 2017 Hyundai Tucson

A great-looking small SUV, the 2017 Hyundai Tucson can be the right choice for shoppers looking for a combination of value, performance and creature comforts. A recent redesign gave the Tucson an upgraded interior, additional technology features and a more powerful engine option. The EPA rates the 2017 Hyundai Tucson with the standard engine at 25 mpg combined (24 city/28 highway), and the available turbocharged powerplant is rated at 23 mpg combined (21 city/26 highway).

6. 2017 Infiniti QX30

The 2017 Infiniti QX30 proves you don't have to spend a fortune to get a luxury-branded small SUV with an upscale interior, the latest technology and a host of comfort and convenience features. In addition, a powerful engine, smooth-shifting automatic transmission and responsive steering make the QX30 fun to drive. With its 208-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the 2017 Infiniti QX30 is rated by the EPA at 25 mpg combined (21 city/30 highway).

7. 2017 Jeep Renegade

With its carlike styling, smooth ride and comfortable interior, the 2017 Jeep Renegade might give the impression that it lacks off-road ability. But in fact this subcompact crossover outclasses most of its competitors in the dirt, making it a good selection for buyers heading off the beaten path, as well as those who need to run some errands. Equipped with the base 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine and manual transmission, the 2017 Jeep Renegade achieved an EPA rating of 26 mpg combined (24 city/31 highway), although choosing the optional automatic transmission will lower the rating by about 2 mpg.

8. 2017 Kia Sportage

The freshly redesigned 2017 Kia Sportage combines athletic styling with a feature-laden, comfortable interior. Although not the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its class, this small crossover does strike a rewarding balance between ride compliance and excellent handling, making it very capable through the corners. With the standard engine, the Sportage is EPA-rated at 23 mpg combined (21 city/25 highway), but opting for the more powerful turbocharged engine will drop the combined rating by about 2 mpg.

9. 2017 Mazda CX-3

Stylish, easy to park and fun to drive, the 2017 Mazda CX-3 might be just the ticket for shoppers in the market for a compact SUV that actually is compact. But what it gives up in rear-seat room and cargo capacity, it more than makes up for with a surprisingly well-designed interior, a host of standard and available technology, and excellent handling. Equipped with the only available engine and an automatic transmission, the 2017 Mazda CX-3 is EPA-rated at 29 mpg combined (27 city/32 highway).

10. 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class can be a good choice for shoppers looking for the rare combination of luxury, performance and fuel economy in a compact crossover. Agile in the corners and quick under acceleration, the GLA-Class might behave more like a sport sedan than an SUV. On the downside, the interior doesn't quite live up to typical Mercedes standards, the ride might be too rough for some buyers and the interior space is kind of skimpy. The base 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 is rated by the EPA at 26 mpg combined (23 city/31 highway).

11. 2017 Subaru Crosstrek

With standard all-wheel drive, plenty of interior room and a wide variety of available comfort, convenience and technology features, the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek is a practical option whether you're going off-road or to the home improvement store. Although it's hard to fault on many levels, this subcompact SUV's main drawback is an underpowered engine that leaves it behind many competitors when it comes to performance. With the CVT automatic, the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek is EPA-rated at 29 mpg combined (26 city/33 highway), while choosing the five-speed manual gearbox drops the ratings by a few mpg.

12. 2017 Toyota RAV4

The 2017 Toyota RAV4 doesn't particularly excel at any one thing, but this compact crossover does almost everything well. There's plenty of room inside for people and cargo, it returns good fuel economy, and it provides a smooth, quiet ride and decent handling. To pick nits, there's only one engine choice, and its acceleration is a bit lackluster. The EPA rates the 2017 Toyota RAV4 at 25 mpg combined (22 city/28 highway), and for those seeking even better fuel economy, there's a hybrid version available.