Best All-Wheel-Drive SUVs of 2022

If the AWD SUV is the do-it-all vehicle, then the all-wheel-drivetrain is the do-it-all system. Of course, sending power to all four wheels improves traction in wet, muddy, or snowy conditions, but in some cases, it also supplies some decent capability for the occasional, light off-road tour. Furthermore, high-performance SUVs with AWD are also able to put down their power more effectively, ultimately improving their acceleration by maximizing engine output. All-in-all, it’s clear that sport-utility vehicles with all-wheel drive carry more than just a few pertinent advantages over regular front-wheel-drive cars. This is something our in-depth car reviews layout concisely.

BuzzScore
Design
Performance
MPG
Interior
Infotainment
Reliability
Safety
Value
#1
2022 Kia Sorento
9.3
BuzzScore
9
Design
8
Performance
8
MPG
10
Interior
10
Infotainment
9
Reliability
10
Safety
10
Value
#2
2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
9.3
BuzzScore
10
Design
8
Performance
9
MPG
9
Interior
9
Infotainment
9
Reliability
10
Safety
10
Value
#3
2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime
9.3
BuzzScore
9
Design
10
Performance
9
MPG
8
Interior
9
Infotainment
10
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#4
2022 Hyundai Santa Fe
9.1
BuzzScore
9
Design
8
Performance
8
MPG
10
Interior
10
Infotainment
9
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#5
2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
9.1
BuzzScore
9
Design
9
Performance
9
MPG
8
Interior
9
Infotainment
10
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#6
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class SUV
9.1
BuzzScore
9
Design
9
Performance
9
MPG
9
Interior
10
Infotainment
8
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#7
2022 Kia EV6
#7
Kia EV6
9.1
BuzzScore
N/A
Design
N/A
Performance
N/A
MPG
N/A
Interior
N/A
Infotainment
N/A
Reliability
N/A
Safety
N/A
Value
#8
2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 SUV
9.1
BuzzScore
10
Design
10
Performance
8
MPG
10
Interior
10
Infotainment
8
Reliability
9
Safety
8
Value
#9
2021 Mazda CX-30
9
BuzzScore
9
Design
9
Performance
9
MPG
9
Interior
8
Infotainment
9
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#10
2022 Hyundai Tucson
9
BuzzScore
10
Design
8
Performance
8
MPG
8
Interior
10
Infotainment
10
Reliability
9
Safety
9
Value
#11
2022 Volvo XC40
9
BuzzScore
9
Design
9
Performance
9
MPG
9
Interior
10
Infotainment
7
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#12
2022 Lexus NX Hybrid
9
BuzzScore
8
Design
8
Performance
9
MPG
8
Interior
10
Infotainment
10
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#13
2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E
9
BuzzScore
8
Design
9
Performance
10
MPG
9
Interior
9
Infotainment
9
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#14
2022 Mercedes-AMG GLA 35
9
BuzzScore
10
Design
10
Performance
8
MPG
8
Interior
10
Infotainment
8
Reliability
10
Safety
8
Value
#15
2021 Genesis GV80
9
BuzzScore
N/A
Design
N/A
Performance
N/A
MPG
N/A
Interior
N/A
Infotainment
N/A
Reliability
N/A
Safety
N/A
Value
#16
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class SUV
9
BuzzScore
9
Design
9
Performance
8
MPG
10
Interior
10
Infotainment
7
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#17
2022 BMW Alpina XB7
9
BuzzScore
9
Design
10
Performance
7
MPG
10
Interior
10
Infotainment
8
Reliability
10
Safety
8
Value
#18
2021 Ford Bronco
8.9
BuzzScore
10
Design
8
Performance
8
MPG
9
Interior
10
Infotainment
9
Reliability
8
Safety
9
Value
#19
2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid
8.9
BuzzScore
8
Design
9
Performance
9
MPG
10
Interior
7
Infotainment
9
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#20
2021 Toyota Venza
8.9
BuzzScore
9
Design
7
Performance
10
MPG
7
Interior
9
Infotainment
10
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value

Types of All-Wheel Drive SUVs List and Advice

  • Full-Time: This framework ensures that all four corners of the motor are permanently driven at any time. It typically makes use of a center differential that allows each wheel the ability to rotate at different speeds. It can be locked by the driver for operation over slippery surfaces. If it’s off-roading you’re looking to do, then this is the way to go.
  • Part-Time: This setup works in a manner where, during casual driving, only two of the wheels receive power, usually the rear axle in most cases. When additional traction is required, the pilot can manually activate the alternate axle via the press of a button. This setup doesn’t utilize a center differential but instead the front and rear driveshafts mechanically connect and then rotate at the same rate. This option is suited only to mild low-traction circumstances and not for off-roading, and it compromises handling poise and should only be used at low speeds and for limited durations.
  • Automatic: Through the use of various technologies and sensors, this arrangement proactively or reactively responds to traction levels while on the move and determines where the need for torque is, in real-time. It’s an “on-demand” process that’s ideal for all driving settings.
  • Selectable: A selectable drive structure allows you to choose what mode is required for whatever the situation is manually, or to choose whether it should function autonomously.

Common Specifications for Top-Rated SUVs with All-Wheel-Drive

  • Powertrain: A lot of the choices at the peak of the segment list boast fully-electrified powertrains in the US nowadays. Electrified outputs are ideal in the class as powertrain outputs are always instantaneous, which means far quicker acceleration responses and torque supply in comparison with gasoline-powered units. The latter variations are, however, usually equipped with robust, moderate-displacement power plants, sometimes even with turbocharging. A six or eight-speed automatic or CVT are the most common gearboxes in most automobiles these days with manual transmissions becoming more and more redundant with the progression of automatic shifting technology.
  • Performance: Most of the top-ranking automobiles in the class come with purposed and optimized abilities and dimensions. These include dynamic and well-balanced drivetrains meticulously tuned to perform competently on-road and capably off-road. They typically feature aggressive approach and departure angles and lofty ground clearances to prepare the automobile for off-pavement scenarios.
  • Features: Standard creature comforts and conveniences are predominantly aimed at satisfying family-centric requirements. Active driver-aids and staple safety measures are usually comprehensive as SUVs are more powerful, larger, and heavier, and are used for a wider-spread of purposes such as off-roading.

Advantages and Disadvantages of AWD in comparison to 2WD

Pros

  • Faster, more robust off-the-line acceleration
  • Improved all-terrain/all-weather traction control
  • Slightly better on-road handling dynamics
  • Stable and capable when towing

Cons

  • Cost more to manufacture and are hence more expensive to buy
  • Increased fuel consumption due to additional size and heft
  • Rentals are commonly pricier than those of regular motors
  • Lowered towing capacity

FAQs

Does AWD affect gas mileage?

Yes, typically automobiles with AWD are larger and heavier because of the related constituents that underpin them. That, along with the fact that the motor has to push harder to send outputs to all four tires, means that more fuel is required for acceleration.

What are the prices of some of the new and best AWD SUVs?

The Mercedes-AMG GLA 35, scheduled to debut in 2021, is considered one of the best AWD SUVs in the USA. The base model is expected to come in at around $45,000. With a cheap starting MSRP of $21,900, the 2020 Mazda CX-30 crossover offers good value for the money overall. For a consummate all-electric SUV with AWD, there’s the 2019 Audi e-tron which is also ranked as the number one midsize option with the best mpg figures. It carries an MSRP of $74,800.
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