Best AWD Crossovers

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Crossover SUVs are among the most popular vehicles on the road today. In fact, other than full-size pickup trucks, Crossovers are at the top of vehicle sales in America. Here are the best Crossovers available today. 

 

  

What is All-Wheel Drive? 

Besides versatility and cargo space, many of these Crossover SUVs offer the ground gripping stability of All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as a standard feature. This is a very attractive feature when traversing the snow, sleet and freezing rain found in winter driving. What is All-Wheel Drive, how does it work and what are the best AWD Crossover vehicles on the market today? Lithia has the answers. 

  

When you're looking to buy an SUV, you're more likely thinking about a good, all-around family vehicle rather than an adventurous off-roader. While Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) was developed to help your ford mighty streams and go rock climbing, All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is of more use on slippery surfaces such as rain, dirt, gravel, or snow. Both 4WD and AWD send power to all four wheels and by distributing that power where it is needed most, these systems maintain better traction for the vehicle. 

  

How does AWD Work? 

When it comes to SUV and Crossover vehicles AWD is best because it works automatically and seamlessly to improve traction on many different conditions. The system sends torque to all four wheels and distributes that power where it is needed. There are basically two types of AWD: part time and full time. Part time AWD sends power to either the front or rear wheels during normal driving conditions. When you are driving through rain or snow, sensors detect when there is a need for extra traction and the sensors send power to all four wheels. Full time AWD, as the name implies, sends torque to all four wheels at all times. Once again, sensors determine which of the four wheels need extra traction and compensates to help you get through rough terrain. 

  

AWD systems offer better traction to help get you started and accelerate on slippery surfaces and provide better traction when accelerating around a corner. However, it is important to know that AWD does not offer an advantage when braking. AWD can't improve your tires' grip or miraculously offer better stopping power in inclement weather. You'll still need excellent tires to provide the best grip in all conditions. Depending on where you live, you may need to switch over to winter tires for best traction. 

  

If you often drive through rain or snow, AWD will offer serious benefits for better control. Unlike 4WD where you generally have to select the driving and traction mode, AWD requires no input from you. It functions automatically all the time for better traction. Since AWD is available in a variety of vehicles, it offers better performance in sports cars and sedans, offering faster launches and better cornering. 

  

Best 2024 AWD Crossover SUVs 

Today, AWD is offered in a wide variety of vehicles, from the Toyota Prius hatchback to the Porsche 911. It is also available in station wagons such as the Volvo V90 and family-hauling minivans such as the Toyota Sienna. Most frequently, today's consumer thinks of AWD in concert with Crossover SUVs where the Honda CR-V, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Toyota RAV4 have ruled the roost. 

  

AWD is offered as an additional feature in many vehicles and automakers such as Audi and Subaru provide AWD as standard equipment in many of their popular models. You'll find all of these and more at a Lithia Auto dealer near you. 


Honda CR-V 

The ultra-popular CR-V combines refinement and efficiency in a very family-friendly compact Crossover. The EX Hybrid variant comes with all the latest driver assist features as well as heated front seats and a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, plus its more fuel efficient than the gas model. Honda's Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System is available on LX, EX, and EX-L trim levels. A next generation CR-V debuted in 2023. 

MSRP $30,870. 

MPG: 40 city / 34 Highway 


 
 

Porsche Macan 

Here's an all-wheel drive crossover that is known for performance thrills in an SUV package. The Porsche Macan brings sports car dynamics to the ubiquitous family mover. The base model comes with a 261-horsepower turbocharged 2-liter inline four engine. The Macan S bumps up the power to 375 horses with a twin turbo V6, and the Macan GTS tears up the asphalt with 434-hp and a zero to 60mph time of 4.3 seconds. 

MSRP $62,550. 

MPG: 21 city / 25 combined 


Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV 

Priced right and fun to drive, the Ioniq 5 debuted in 2022 and has become known as an all-electric vehicle that families love. Available in single or dual motor configurations, the Ioniq 5 boasts 168 horsepower with a single electric motor or 320 hp with the two-motor setup. Its most efficient version this year will take you 325 miles before you need a charge. A sporty N Line model includes 20-inch wheels and an upgraded infotainment system. 

MSRP $44,000. 

MPGe: 132 city / 98 highway 


 
 

Jeep Grand Cherokee 

The classy Grand Cherokee offers three powertrains in a V6, V8 and Plug-in Hybrid variant called the 4xe. Several AWD systems are available including an electronically locked limited-slip differential. A Trailhawk model showcases meaty off-road gear and adjustable air suspension for up to 11.3 inches of ground clearance. The interior has been updated in this two-row family SUV, and all model trims include a suite of the latest safety and driver assist goodies. 

MSRP $39,830 

MPG: 19 city / 26 highway 


Kia Seltos S 

Kia has jumped on the sub-compact Crossover bandwagon with its Seltos model and the 2024 models receive a refresh inside and out. Slotted in between Kia's Soul and Sportage models, the Seltos shares engines and platforms with the Hyundai Kona. But the Seltos is both higher and longer than the Kona adding room for passengers. It has the most cargo capacity in its class and all-wheel drive is available in several trims. 

MSRP $25,865. 

MPG: 29 city / 32 highway 


 
 

Nissan Rogue 

The extremely comfortable Rogue got a remake for 2024 with a new grille, new wheels, and a revised rear bumper. Inside, there's a new 12.3-inch touchscreen and a Google-based infotainment system. All Rogues are powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine that produces 201 horsepower. All-wheel drive is optional on all trims. Driver assist includes automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and available adaptive cruise control. 

MSRP $29,810. 

MPG: 30 city / 37 highway 


Subaru Crosstrek 

Subaru has become known worldwide for its excellent line of quality adventure mobiles that feature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Now in its third generation, the Crosstrek joins the Forester and Outback as America's most sought-after AWD SUVs. The Crosstrek also beats the competition with its 182 horsepower AWD and 55.3 cubic feet of cargo space. It is continually a top safety pick with the IIHS and features Subaru Starlink multimedia, standard Eyesight driver assist technology and remote start. 

MSRP $26,540. 

MPG: 28 city / 34 highway 


 
 

Toyota RAV4 

The five-seater RAV4 is America's top-selling crossover, turning 30 this year. Its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and eight speed automatic transmission is a faithful combo, bringing excellent fuel economy, a practical ride, and available AWD Integrated Management. The RAV4 gets a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning with lane keep assist all come as standard. 

MSRP $30,025. 

MPG: 28 city / 35 highway 


Volkswagen Taos 

VW introduced its Taos compact SUV in 2022. It is eleven inches shorter than the Tiguan SUV and comes with a 1.5-Liter engine that produces 158 horsepower. It is available in both rear wheel and All-Wheel Drive variants. The Taos sits in the middle of the compact SUV segment with 40 inches of legroom up front and 37.9 inches in the rear. AWD driving modes include Normal, Eco and Sport. VW has dropped the price a bit on the Taos while improving its standard equipment. 

MSRP $23,995 

MPG: 28 city / 36 highway 


 
All mileage is EPA Estimated.