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 Shopping under $8,000 for an AWD or 4WD SUV in North Jersey is not about chasing perfection. It is about matching the price, mileage, drivetrain, and inspection results to what you actually need. Around Lodi, Bergen County, Passaic, and Hackensack, buyers usually want something useful for wet roads, winter mornings, errands, and daily driving without stretching the budget too far.

AW Auto currently has four budget-minded AWD/4WD SUVs that fit that conversation: a 2011 Jeep Patriot Latitude 4WD at $5,409 with 115,138 miles, a 2011 Mazda CX-7 s Grand Touring AWD at $4,799 with 152,821 miles, a 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML350 4MATIC at $5,399 with 165,001 miles, and a 2014 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium AWD at $7,997 with 136,928 miles. Here is how to think through them before you test drive.

Start with the simple utility choice

The 2011 Jeep Patriot Latitude is the lowest-mileage vehicle in this group and is listed as 4WD. At $5,409 and 115,138 miles, it is the straightforward budget SUV option for a shopper who wants four-wheel-drive capability and does not need a luxury badge. The listing shows a manual transmission, gasoline fuel, a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, and a gray exterior. For a buyer coming from a small car, the Patriot is about basic SUV usefulness at a low entry price.

Look at the AWD value tradeoff

The 2011 Mazda CX-7 s Grand Touring is priced at $4,799 with 152,821 miles. The trim/listing text identifies it as AWD, and the inventory shows an automatic transmission, gasoline fuel, a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine, and Crystal White Pearl Mica exterior color. The main tradeoff is clear: it is the lowest price in the group, but it also carries higher mileage than the Jeep and Subaru. That makes the test drive and inspection especially important.

Be realistic with premium-brand budget SUVs

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML350 4MATIC is listed at $5,399 with 165,001 miles. The 4MATIC name is the all-wheel-drive part of the value story, and the inventory shows an automatic transmission, gasoline fuel, a 3.5-liter V6 engine, and a gray exterior. This can be attractive if you want a premium SUV for budget money, but the smart move is to check ownership costs carefully. A low purchase price does not make a premium vehicle the same as a basic compact SUV to maintain.

The Subaru option under $8K

The 2014 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium AWD is the newest vehicle in this set and is listed at $7,997 with 136,928 miles. Inventory shows AWD, automatic transmission, gasoline fuel, a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, and Marine Blue Pearl exterior color. For many Bergen County shoppers, Subaru AWD is the familiar answer for bad-weather confidence, grocery runs, school runs, and commuting. It costs more than the other three, but it is also newer than the 2010 and 2011 options.

What to check before you buy

On any budget AWD or 4WD SUV, do not shop by price alone. Start with a cold start if possible. Listen for unusual noises, check that warning lights come on and go off normally, and make sure the transmission behavior feels consistent during the drive. Test the heat and A/C, check tire wear, look underneath for obvious leaks or heavy rust, and pay attention to brakes, steering, suspension noise, and how the vehicle tracks on local roads.

For AWD and 4WD vehicles, matching tires matter more than many buyers realize. Uneven tire sizes or worn tires can create issues on some drivetrains. If you are choosing between the Jeep, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, and Subaru, ask yourself which tradeoff fits best: lowest price, lowest mileage, newer model year, premium feel, or simple utility.

The right budget SUV is the one that passes your inspection and fits your actual week. Come compare them at AW Auto, 23 US-46 West in Lodi, and verify current availability before you make the trip.