We are about to move to Alaska. Looking for a reliable AWD/4WD vehicle with good gas mileage under 15k. What do you recommend?
Rav 4
Check out the Used Car Buying Guide and the various links linked below to help you out on which car to buy, and how to buy it.
I'd recommend (since I don't know prices in Alaska) the 2010-2012; 2016-2018 Toyota RAV4
These cars are excellent, and their AWD systems are farely good. The generations started in 2006 and 2013 respectively but the end of them had a lot less problems. Scotty picked the 2016 Toyota RAV4 in his best SUVs to buy video.
I'd actually be wary of the Honda CR-V because the year range that corresponds to (2015+) is a bit more problematic with their engines and transmissions, and Scotty recommended the FWD as the AWD had problems according to him.
If you need something larger, the Toyota Highlander is a good choice.
For a smaller vehicle, some good choices are the Subaru Crosstrek and Honda HR-V.
Fuel economy stats, Source: EPA, city/highway/
2010 Toyota RAV4 4WD 2.5L + 4 speed Automatic: 21/27
2010 Toyota RAV4 4WD 3.5L + 5 speed Automatic: 19/26
2016 Toyota RAV4 AWD 2.5L + 6 speed Automatic: 22/28
2013 Toyota Highlander 4WD 3.5L + 5 speed Automatic: 17/22
2016 Subaru XV Crosstrek AWD 2.0L + 6 speed Automatic: 26/34
2018 Honda HR-V AWD 1.8L + Continuously Variable Automatic: 27/31
2018 Honda HR-V AWD 1.8L + 6 speed Manual: 25/33
When it comes to my personal preference, I'd go with the 2016-2018 RAV4 if its an automatic, and the Crosstrek if its a manual.