Four-wheel drive vehicles are no longer as "exclusive" as they once were.
As they become increasingly more popular, there are many great cars and a few cars that should be avoided like the plague.
Here are the three best four-wheel drive cars for under $50,000.
3. Range Rover Evoque
While the Range Rover Evoque doesn't share the bold, boxy lines of the "real" Range Rover, it still is a force to be reckoned with.
Powered by Ford's 2.0 liter Ecoboost inline-four in the United States, it packs a decent punch, while holding its own when the going gets rough.
Its 4WD system is very similar to that fitted to its big brother, giving any big SUV a run for its money. Starting at $41,800, the Evoque isn't a bad buy, though it's round and docile styling are likely to shy away a Land Rover purist.
2. Subaru Impreza WRX (STi)
The Subaru Impreza WRX has quite a cult following. With a 2.0 liter turbocharged flat four in the WRX or a 2.5 unit in the STI, the WRX is quite quick.
The WRX produces 268 horsepower, which, thanks to its clever all-wheel drive system, lets it go from 0 to 60 in just 5.2 seconds. The STi can reach 60 in 4.6 seconds.
Those are excellent figures, especially for a car starting at just under $27,000.
1. Audi A4
Audi has been the king of all-wheel drive with their "Quattro" all-wheel drive system. The all-new A4 starts at $39,400 with all-wheel drive. Not a bad price, given that the A4 is considerably less dull that A4 of years previous.
It's quite a handsome design, with a very well thought out interior. It even has a neat digital dash setup, where the GPS and other data can be displayed around the speedometer.
Competitively priced with the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class, the Audi A4 is undoubtedly the best buy of the three and an excellent deal for the price.
