Some cars are more reliable when you drive them at full throttle, and your ride will become a better companion for you if it does not break the bank. These cars rev at high speeds, which are generally impaired with an AWD setup. As it would provide better handling and improved driving. Brands have mostly relied on such an AWD configuration for a long time. But what if you get the fastest AWD under budget? Now you can find some great options that are available under $30,000. From small coupes to luxury sedans, you can now choose your thrills at affordable pricing. Here we will be highlighting some of the fastest AWD speed demons for you to buy under $30,000.
Related: Top 10 Best Reliable Sports Cars Over 400 HP Under $30K
Note: With the recent shifts in the car market, I’ve updated this list to showcase the top AWD fastest sports cars available for under $30,000. Prices have changed due to the availability of the models. All prices are mentioned according to the KBB under the used car market.
Top 10 Fastest AWD Cars Under $30,000
Many brands are putting an end to some of their beloved models for the sake of hybrids. Yet, there are still few cars that exist for the enthusiast who wants to do real thrills on the road. From the Japanese beast Subaru to the American muscle Dodge Charger R/T, they are very fast, impaired with an AWD setup, and also come under budget for speed seekers. Buckle up as we explore the fastest AWD sports car that fits your pocket.
#10. Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 Sedan 4D
- Average Price: $22,655
- Model Year: 2018
- Powertrain: 3.0L V6 Turbocharged
- Horsepower: 400 HP
- Torque: 350 lb-ft
- Transmission: 7-speed automatic
- Top Speed: 153 MPH
The 2018 Infiniti Q50 offers the best AWD with redefined, stylish interiors and improved handling. The car comes in three different trim levels: pure, luxe, and sport. But the Red Sport AWD takes up the spot, being one of the best drives from the brand. Under the hood, the car comes with a 3.0L V6 engine that produces 400 HP and 350 lb-ft of torque. The Q50 is fast, reliable, and spacious too, with good trunk volume.
Also Check: 2025 Infiniti QX60 Now with a Powerful 268 HP VC-Turbo Engine!
#9. Audi TTS Quattro Coupe 2D
- Average Price: $18,182
- Model Year: 2014
- Powertrain: 2.0L inline-4
- Horsepower: 211 HP
- Torque: 258 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed automated manual
- Top Speed: 155 MPH
The 2014 Audi TTS Coupe makes an excellent contender on the list. With a standalone trim offer for consumers, it offers reliability along with low-cost maintenance. If you are a fan of Audi’s Quattro performance engine, you might look at this as your choice. Buyers can choose between two body styles: convertible or coupe. But I would suggest going for the coupe, as it’s a fine choice in the AWD sports car realm. The car is powered by a 2.0L inline-four-cylinder engine that packs up 211 HP and 258 lb-ft of torque. For drivers who want speed and space, this car makes an ideal choice for you.
#8. Dodge Charger GT Plus Sedan 4D
- Average Price: $23,405
- Model Year: 2018
- Powertrain: 3.6L V6 engine
- Horsepower: 292 HP
- Torque: 260 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Top Speed: 130 MPH
The 2018 Dodge Charger GT Plus is one of the oldest American muscle sedans in the lineup. With a revamped American muscle car design and spacious interiors, I recommend buying this car for those who want to own a muscle car. Under the hood lies the 3.6L V6 engine that generates 292 HP and 260 lb-ft of torque. The car offers good, enriching driving features with an impressive top speed of 152 mph.
#7. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR Sedan 4D
- Average Price: $28,560
- Model Year: 2015
- Powertrain: 2.0L inline-4 Turbocharged
- Horsepower: 291 HP
- Torque: 300 lb-ft
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Top Speed: 155 MPH
Last but not least, the only Lancer on the list that continues its legacy. The 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution offers much more from the interior than from its old-school design. A rally-inspired 2.0L inline-4 turbocharged engine boosts 291 HP and 300 lb-ft of torque. If you want to buy a car that delivers the best performance with improved handling, then the Lancer will catch your attention. According to KBB, the current value of the car is estimated to be about $28,560. But it may vary as the model is discontinued.
#6. Mazda 3 Turbo Hatchback 4D
- Average Price: $22,515
- Model Year: 2021
- Powertrain: 2.5L inline-4 Turbo
- Horsepower: 277 HP
- Torque: 310 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed shiftable automatic
- Top Speed: 130 MPH
The 2021 Mazda 3 Turbo is, in my opinion, one of the coolest cars on the board. With best-in-class interiors and a turbocharged engine, the car also blends with excellent technology. This car is far from its competitors, as it comes with an all-new i-Active AWD system that has more advanced features than regular AWD. The car is powered by a 2.5L inline-4-cylinder engine and has everything a car enthusiast could want.
#5. Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 2D Coupe
- Average Price: $7,000- $10,000
- Model Year: 1993
- Powertrain: 3.0L V6 Turbocharged
- Horsepower: 300 HP
- Torque: 307 lb-ft
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Top Speed: 165 MPH
I do not know why this car is on the list. Yet, it is one of the fastest, with a top speed of about 165 mph. The car is powered by a 3.0L V6 engine that produces 300 HP and 307 lb-ft of torque. This car is for those who are die-hard fans of classic cars. As the car is very rare, you can still get it on the used car market for an estimated cost of between $7,000 and $10,000. This is the first-generation model, and you can have it in your garage unless you are a real classic car collector.
#4. Mercedes-Benz C300 Sport AWD 4Matic
- Average Price: $10,651
- Model Year: 2014
- Powertrain: 3.5L V6
- Horsepower: 248 HP
- Torque: 251 lb-ft
- Transmission: 7-speed automatic
- Top Speed: 130 MPH
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz C300 4D sedan sport AWD showcases true engineering and performance. Being a luxury sedan, the Sport AWD offers redefined driving dynamics and smooth braking. This car is for those who want a C-class segment with a spacious cabin and a sporty design with an AMG-tuned engine.
#3. Ford Focus RS Hatchback
- Average Price: $29,130
- Model Year: 2018
- Powertrain: 2.3L inline-4
- Horsepower: 350 HP
- Torque: 350 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Top Speed: 165 MPH
If you want a performance-oriented car under Ford badging, then you can recall this car once as your AWD. The 2018 Ford Focus RS is the rally-inspired car from the regular Focus variant. The RS is the right choice for any driver who wants a hatchback under $30,000 with an AWD drivetrain and offers a great package that is both fast and comfortable. Under the hood, the car features a 2.3L inline-4 engine that produces 350 HP and 350 lb-ft of torque. No option for automatic transmission is available for consumers.
#2. Porsche 911 Carrera 4S 2D Cabriolet
- Average Price: $29,057
- Model Year: 2004
- Powertrain: 3.6L flat-6 engine
- Horsepower: 315 HP
- Torque: 273 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Top Speed: 187 MPH
Any Porsche fan out there! Then this car might be the right choice for you. With authentic looks and sleek aerodynamics, the car fits any speed seeker out there. With the 2004 Carrera 4S, the car adds up to a new aero kit with all-new 18-inch wheels in the lineup. Even after four decades, this car still boasts a blend of style, performance, and incredible engineering under the hood. According to Edmunds, the vehicle is powered by a 3.6L flat-6 engine that revs up 315 HP and 273 lb-ft of torque. This engine is so powerful that the top speed reaches about 187 mph, making it one of the fastest AWD sports cars under $30,000.
#1. Subaru WRX Limited Sedan 4D
- Average Price: $25,303
- Model Year: 2021
- Powertrain: 2.0L flat-4 engine
- Horsepower: 268 HP
- Torque: 258 lb-ft
- Transmission: CVT
- Top Speed: 159 MPH
This car needs no introduction. The car has all aspects of being one of the best AWD cars you should buy under $30,000. The WRX is a combination of agility, performance, and reliability with a low maintenance cost. You can not deny that if you drive it at higher revs, the response it gives is truly outstanding. Whether you are driving off-road or on-road, the 2021 WRX Limited sedan produces 268 HP with 258 lb-ft of torque. This car is really fun to drive, and if you want an all-wheel drive that defines you, then this car might be the best choice to consider.
Best AWD Sports Cars Under $30K You Can Buy
- 2021 Subaru WRX Limited Sedan 4D | $25,303
- 2004 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S 2D Cabriolet | $29,057
- 2018 Ford Focus RS Hatchback | $29,130
- 2014 Mercedes-Benz C300 Sport AWD 4Matic | $10,651
- 1993 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 2D Coupe | $7,000- $10,000
- 2014 Mazda 3 Turbo Hatchback 4D | $22,515
- 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR Sedan 4D | $28,560
- 2018 Dodge Charger GT Plus Sedan 4D | $23,405
- 2014 Audi TTS Quattro Coupe 2D | $18,182
- 2018 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 Sedan 4D | $22,655
Conclusion
All the cars mentioned above have great deals with the authentic packages they offer. As the list contains all old models, it is up to you to choose the best drive depending on your favorite brands. From Subaru to German manufacturers like Audi and Mercedes, here is everything for everyone. The options are more, but the best cars under such pricing are limited, so many can go. You can have fun on such affordable wheels.
Sources: KBB, Edmunds, CarGurus, CarFax, MotorTrend, JDPower
