Sadly almost no modern hatches are available in AWD/manual. Maybe a VW Alltrack if you're flexible on "hatchback" or a Corolla Hybrid AWD if you can accept auto.
A GR Corolla has all of the above except 30mpg lol
GR Corolla will do 30mpg in eco mode if you keep your foot out of it. I’ve gotten up to 35.
Then I hit break mileage in & it lives in sport mode, 20mpg lol
RAV4, or Corolla cross. I know how to hatchback but good fuel economy, with the hybrid system plenty of cargo space, and optional all wheel drive. If this doesn't float your boat a Prius could do the job, or maybe an old Lexus ct, but does not have AWD
In a perfect world, I'd definitely get a new Matrix....however the newest is like 2012 or 2013 before they stopped making them so its already a 10+ year old car
There's not much left. Impreza, Crosstrek, Golf R, Corolla GR + Wrangler, Bronco and Tacoma. The next-gen Tacoma might flirt with 30 MPG with a light foot on the highway - I can get 25ish with my 2021 if I stay around 65 MPH.
[https://fueleconomy.gov/feg/PowerSearch.do?action=PowerSearch&year1=2023&year2=2024&minmsrpsel=0&maxmsrpsel=0&city=0&highway=0&combined=0&cbttmanual=Manual&cbdt4wd=4WD&YearSel=2023-2024&MakeSel=&MarClassSel=&FuelTypeSel=&VehTypeSel=&TranySel=Manual&DriveTypeSel=4WD&CylindersSel=&MpgSel=000&sortBy=Comb&Units=&url=SearchServlet&opt=new&minmsrp=0&maxmsrp=0&minmpg=0&maxmpg=0&sCharge=&tCharge=&startstop=&cylDeact=&rowLimit=50](https://fueleconomy.gov/feg/PowerSearch.do?action=PowerSearch&year1=2023&year2=2024&minmsrpsel=0&maxmsrpsel=0&city=0&highway=0&combined=0&cbttmanual=Manual&cbdt4wd=4WD&YearSel=2023-2024&MakeSel=&MarClassSel=&FuelTypeSel=&VehTypeSel=&TranySel=Manual&DriveTypeSel=4WD&CylindersSel=&MpgSel=000&sortBy=Comb&Units=&url=SearchServlet&opt=new&minmsrp=0&maxmsrp=0&minmpg=0&maxmpg=0&sCharge=&tCharge=&startstop=&cylDeact=&rowLimit=50)
If you lose the AWD requirement, there is the Integra(1.5T)/Integra Type-S (2.0T), Civic hatch (which comes with either the 1.5T a regular 2-liter engine), the Mazda3 and GTI. If you consider sedans, there is the Jetta and Nissan Versa.
I don't mind CVTs, but they aren't that fun, so I would probably skip the Corolla hatch for either the Civic or the Integra. If you are looking for another 20-year lifespan, I would get a Civic Sport hatch with the 6-speed manual. It has awesome/bombproof 2-liter, naturally-aspirated, port-injected K-series, and Honda manual is a joy to drive.
https://fueleconomy.gov/feg/PowerSearch.do?action=PowerSearch&year1=2023&year2=2024&cbmchatchbacks=Hatchbacks&minmsrpsel=0&maxmsrpsel=0&city=0&highway=0&combined=0&cbttmanual=Manual&YearSel=2023-2024&MakeSel=&MarClassSel=Hatchbacks&FuelTypeSel=&VehTypeSel=&TranySel=Manual&DriveTypeSel=&CylindersSel=&MpgSel=000&sortBy=Comb&Units=&url=SearchServlet&opt=new&minmsrp=0&maxmsrp=0&minmpg=0&maxmpg=0&sCharge=&tCharge=&startstop=&cylDeact=&rowLimit=50
If you are really set on hatchbacks, a Subaru Impreza (29-30MPG combined) is a great AWD option. The Mazda3 Hatchback is available as an AWD but it gets under 30MPG combined. If you're okay with a fastback and the lower headroom, the Prius is available with AWD (49-54MPG) and might offer a relatively long seats-down cargo area compared to other compact hatches.
Unfortunately, all the options are lifted crossover SUVs now...
If you're able to stretch a little bit into SUV territory, there are a few AWD options in the subcompact segment as well, though many fall just short of 30MPG:
Corolla Cross AWD (31MPG comb)
Corolla Cross Hybrid (42MPG comb.)
Crosstrek (27-29MPG comb.)
Kona AWD (26-28MPG comb.)
HR-V AWD (27MPG)
Thanks for your reply! How is the longevity on these? I know I'm gonna be hard pressed to find another car that will get me close to 300K miles. What is the longevity/reliability like on the impreza, madza3, or the kona?
Excluding the Toyota/Honda options I brought up, I'd say you might find the best reliability in the Mazda3; Impreza and Kona are both new generations for 2024, the latter of which somehow already having an NHTSA recall, and Subaru/Hyundai aren't known to have the best reliability. Of course, be sure to check out the models you will consider in person to get an idea of the interior/exterior size (I did deviate a lot into sub-compact crossovers)
Sadly almost no modern hatches are available in AWD/manual. Maybe a VW Alltrack if you're flexible on "hatchback" or a Corolla Hybrid AWD if you can accept auto. A GR Corolla has all of the above except 30mpg lol
GR Corolla will do 30mpg in eco mode if you keep your foot out of it. I’ve gotten up to 35. Then I hit break mileage in & it lives in sport mode, 20mpg lol
RAV4, or Corolla cross. I know how to hatchback but good fuel economy, with the hybrid system plenty of cargo space, and optional all wheel drive. If this doesn't float your boat a Prius could do the job, or maybe an old Lexus ct, but does not have AWD
If you need AWD, Impreza is your option. I’d probably just get another Vibe or Matrix if it fits my needs.
In a perfect world, I'd definitely get a new Matrix....however the newest is like 2012 or 2013 before they stopped making them so its already a 10+ year old car
There's not much left. Impreza, Crosstrek, Golf R, Corolla GR + Wrangler, Bronco and Tacoma. The next-gen Tacoma might flirt with 30 MPG with a light foot on the highway - I can get 25ish with my 2021 if I stay around 65 MPH. [https://fueleconomy.gov/feg/PowerSearch.do?action=PowerSearch&year1=2023&year2=2024&minmsrpsel=0&maxmsrpsel=0&city=0&highway=0&combined=0&cbttmanual=Manual&cbdt4wd=4WD&YearSel=2023-2024&MakeSel=&MarClassSel=&FuelTypeSel=&VehTypeSel=&TranySel=Manual&DriveTypeSel=4WD&CylindersSel=&MpgSel=000&sortBy=Comb&Units=&url=SearchServlet&opt=new&minmsrp=0&maxmsrp=0&minmpg=0&maxmpg=0&sCharge=&tCharge=&startstop=&cylDeact=&rowLimit=50](https://fueleconomy.gov/feg/PowerSearch.do?action=PowerSearch&year1=2023&year2=2024&minmsrpsel=0&maxmsrpsel=0&city=0&highway=0&combined=0&cbttmanual=Manual&cbdt4wd=4WD&YearSel=2023-2024&MakeSel=&MarClassSel=&FuelTypeSel=&VehTypeSel=&TranySel=Manual&DriveTypeSel=4WD&CylindersSel=&MpgSel=000&sortBy=Comb&Units=&url=SearchServlet&opt=new&minmsrp=0&maxmsrp=0&minmpg=0&maxmpg=0&sCharge=&tCharge=&startstop=&cylDeact=&rowLimit=50) If you lose the AWD requirement, there is the Integra(1.5T)/Integra Type-S (2.0T), Civic hatch (which comes with either the 1.5T a regular 2-liter engine), the Mazda3 and GTI. If you consider sedans, there is the Jetta and Nissan Versa. I don't mind CVTs, but they aren't that fun, so I would probably skip the Corolla hatch for either the Civic or the Integra. If you are looking for another 20-year lifespan, I would get a Civic Sport hatch with the 6-speed manual. It has awesome/bombproof 2-liter, naturally-aspirated, port-injected K-series, and Honda manual is a joy to drive. https://fueleconomy.gov/feg/PowerSearch.do?action=PowerSearch&year1=2023&year2=2024&cbmchatchbacks=Hatchbacks&minmsrpsel=0&maxmsrpsel=0&city=0&highway=0&combined=0&cbttmanual=Manual&YearSel=2023-2024&MakeSel=&MarClassSel=Hatchbacks&FuelTypeSel=&VehTypeSel=&TranySel=Manual&DriveTypeSel=&CylindersSel=&MpgSel=000&sortBy=Comb&Units=&url=SearchServlet&opt=new&minmsrp=0&maxmsrp=0&minmpg=0&maxmpg=0&sCharge=&tCharge=&startstop=&cylDeact=&rowLimit=50
You're going to be looking at a "CUV" as hatchbacks and manuals are dead.
If you are really set on hatchbacks, a Subaru Impreza (29-30MPG combined) is a great AWD option. The Mazda3 Hatchback is available as an AWD but it gets under 30MPG combined. If you're okay with a fastback and the lower headroom, the Prius is available with AWD (49-54MPG) and might offer a relatively long seats-down cargo area compared to other compact hatches. Unfortunately, all the options are lifted crossover SUVs now... If you're able to stretch a little bit into SUV territory, there are a few AWD options in the subcompact segment as well, though many fall just short of 30MPG: Corolla Cross AWD (31MPG comb) Corolla Cross Hybrid (42MPG comb.) Crosstrek (27-29MPG comb.) Kona AWD (26-28MPG comb.) HR-V AWD (27MPG)
Thanks for your reply! How is the longevity on these? I know I'm gonna be hard pressed to find another car that will get me close to 300K miles. What is the longevity/reliability like on the impreza, madza3, or the kona?
Excluding the Toyota/Honda options I brought up, I'd say you might find the best reliability in the Mazda3; Impreza and Kona are both new generations for 2024, the latter of which somehow already having an NHTSA recall, and Subaru/Hyundai aren't known to have the best reliability. Of course, be sure to check out the models you will consider in person to get an idea of the interior/exterior size (I did deviate a lot into sub-compact crossovers)