Suzuki SX4
Price: $13,299 - $18,539*
Mileage: 28 mpg Hwy, 21 mpg City*
The SX4 is available in a front-wheel-drive sedan version, but the all-wheel-drive hatchback - Suzuki calls it a "crossover" - is really something to get excited about.
It looks good, drives nicely and has a well-constructed interior. Most importantly, it's the cheapest four-wheel-drive car you can buy. And unlike most all-wheel-drive cars and crossovers, it has a four-wheel-drive "lock" switch.
That puts power to all four wheels without waiting for them to start slipping first. That's handy when you're in deep snow, where you know none of the wheels will touch asphalt. An available navigation system is also new for the 2009 model year.
NEXT: Mazda3
Last updated March 16 2009: 8:39 AM ET
RSS*Pricing and fuel economy figures include front-wheel-drive sedan version.
