Are you looking for the best all wheel drive car? You have plenty of options as more automakers are incorporating this feature into their product lines.
That’s excellent news because this feature was previously limited to luxury cars.
Now, you can find a comfortable all wheel drive car at almost any price point.
If you’re looking for the perfect ride, keep reading to find out what the best all wheel drive cars are.
Why Should You Buy an All Wheel Drive Car?
If you’re in the market for an all wheel drive car, you want to make sure you know what you’re getting. Many people confuse all wheel drive with 4-wheel drive (4WD).
They’re similar in that power goes to all four wheels to move the car forward. The biggest difference is that all-wheel drive is on all the time.
With a 4WD vehicle, the way power is distributed to the four wheels can make it difficult to turn at a moderate to high speed. That’s why it’s a feature you can turn on and off. You’ll see 4WD used in rugged terrain and in rough conditions like snow.
All wheel drive cars are more expensive to purchase and maintain. Despite that, there are plenty of reasons to have an all wheel drive car.
Yes, there’s an added cost to purchase and maintain and all wheel drive vehicle, but that can be offset because the resale value of the car is usually higher.
All wheel drive cars improve acceleration, traction, and offer better handling in dry conditions.
Most people think that having an all wheel or 4 wheel drive car will make you safer or they can handle the snow better than other cars.
These cars do improve acceleration, but don’t get lured into a false sense of security thinking you can drive 60mph in the snow and be just fine.
When you do start shopping for your car, you’re likely to start shopping online. Then you can get an idea of inventory before you visit.
The Best All Wheel Drive Cars
This list of the best all wheel drive cars includes several brands, price points, and types. You’ll see sedans and SUVs on this list and price points ranging from just over $20,000 to $70,000. Without further ado, here’s our list of all wheel drive cars you should consider.
Subaru Legacy
The Subaru Legacy is a very affordable option for all wheel drive cars. This car offers great fuel efficiency and it has one feature that’s unique to all wheel drive cars.
Many all wheel drive cars send power to the wheel rear drive when the front wheel slips. This car uses active torque for better handling in all kinds of weather conditions.
With this model, you can choose between a 3.6 liter engine that will give you power for towing a trailer or a 2.5 liter 250 horsepower engine.
Audi A4
Audi has been incorporating all wheel drive into its cars since 1983 when it introduced the Quattro all wheel drive in 1983. With that kind of history, it’s hard to dispute Audi as one of the best all wheel drive cars.
Audi does offer all wheel drive throughout its product line now. The A4 is one of the top small luxury cars, with its 252 horsepower 2.0 liter four cylinder engine. The A4 has a seven speed automatic transmission that has good gas mileage is a lot of fun to drive with its fast acceleration.
Ford Fusion
The Ford Fusion has AWD only as an option. To get all wheel drive on this car, you have to decide between two engines. You can either get a 231 horsepower 2.0 liter engine or a 325 horsepower 2.7 liter V6 engine.
This is a very quiet and comfortable ride with excellent handling.
Buick Lacrosse
The 310 horsepower, V6 3.6 liter engine offers a great combination of a smooth ride and performance. It has an eight speed automatic transmission. All wheel drive isn’t optional with the Lacrosse, which requires you to purchase the top package of this car.
Mercedes-Benz E Class
Mercedes is a brand that’s known for style and luxury. The E-Class line of cars is roomy and comfortable, with enough room for five or seven people.
With this car, it’s also about performance. The 2.0 liter four cylinder engine delivers a first class ride in a very silent cabin.
Subaru Impreza
There’s a reason why Subaru has two of the best all wheel drive cars on this list. Subaru is widely regarded as one of the top all wheel drive brands. Audi has a long history of all wheel drive, but Subaru has a long impressive history as well.
Subaru first introduced it’s all wheel drive concept in 1972.
That history and experience show in the Impreza. This car comes in at under $20,000, making this the best value on this list.
You get a four-door sedan, all wheel drive, and a 148 horsepower engine. What’s unique about this model are the bells and whistles that you don’t usually find on cars in this class.
You get a USB port for music, keyless entry and audio controls on the steering wheel.
Toyota Matrix
This hatchback vehicle costs a bit more than the Subaru Legacy but is still a good value. All wheel drive is optional, with this model including anti lock brakes and an iPod hookup.
If you have to have a car with manual transmission, you will be out of luck with this vehicle. All wheel drive is only available with automatic transmission.
Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S is widely regarded as the top luxury sedan. You might be surprised to see an all electric vehicle on a list of the best all wheel drive cars.
The Tesla Model S is a driving experience. All wheel drive cars are known for their acceleration. With Tesla’s Model S, the optional Ludicrous mode will take you from 0 to 60 in 2.5 seconds.
Your Resource for Everything Auto Related
After you buy one of the best all wheel drive cars, you’re going to need to maintain it. Motor Era has everything you need from DIY repair information to car manuals that you can easily download onto any device.
Contact us today!