10 Compact SUVs With The Best All-Wheel Drive Systems
The compact SUV market is filled with plenty of different entrants with all kinds of configurations. Some of the small SUVs have turbocharged engines, hybrid powertrains, and a choice between all-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive. Most buyers tend to choose SUVs will all-wheel-drive due to the added capability and sense of security.
With all four wheels sending the power to the ground, an all-wheel-drive SUV has more traction when driving through inclement weather or traversing an off-road trail. Additionally, not every all-wheel-drive system is made equally. Some automakers design their systems a little differently to suit the vehicle that's being equipped with it. That said, some systems are better than others, depending on the driving situation. For those in the market for a compact SUV with all-wheel-drive, here are some of the best that the market currently has to offer.
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In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers and other authoritative sources, including Edmunds. The following entrants are ordered by their MSRP.
2025 Kia Sportage
MSRP: $27,390
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The Kia Sportage offers buyers an excellent value proposition in the compact SUVsegment. It has seven different trim levels to suit a variety of budgets and needs, in addition to class-leading legroom and cargo room. In addition to all these features, the Kia Sportage also has an advanced Dynamax all-wheel-drive system that's well-suited for different terrains.
Performance Specifications
Engine | 2.5-liter inline-four |
Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 187 hp |
Torque | 178 lb-ft |
Driveline | AWD |
Towing Capacity | 9.1 seconds |
Payload Capacity | Unpublished |
One nifty feature is that the center differential can be locked for better traction on slippery surfaces. This feature enables the Sportage to explore hard-to-reach roads, which is further enabled by the SUV's 8.3 inches of ground clearance. To top it off, the Kia Sportage also comes with a set of different multi-terrain drive modes, making it a capable and value-driven option in the segment.
2025 Hyundai Tucson
MSRP: $28,605
2025 Hyundai Tucson rear driving
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson has a myriad of features, including a smart cruise control function, park assist, and other safety systems to keep it on the road. But while it's on the road, it also has a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, called HTRAC, to keep it on track no matter what kind of surface the car is driving on.
Performance Specifications
Engine | 2.5-liter inline-four |
Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 187 hp |
Torque | 178 lb-ft |
Driveline | AWD |
Towing Capacity | 2,000 lbs |
Payload Capacity | 1,060 to 1,289 lbs |
Hyundai's HTRAC system utilizes a series of sensors to monitor the car's traction and calculate the torque at each wheel. When necessary, the system can distribute the torque between the front and rear wheels for the best footing under any driving situation. Ultimately, the Hyundai Tucson is a great choice for SUV buyers on a budget who need the capability of all-wheel-drive.
2025 Toyota RAV4
MSRP: $28,850
Although it's small, the 2025 Toyota RAV4 is quite mighty. When it comes to going off-road or traversing the rough stuff, the RAV4operates smoothly with its 203-horsepower engine, 8.6 inches of ground clearance, and available dynamic torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system.
Performance Specifications
Engine | 2.5-liter inline-four |
Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 203 hp |
Torque | 184 lb-ft |
Driveline | AWD |
Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs |
Payload Capacity | 1,065 to 1,240 lbs |
The dynamic system can direct up to 50 percent of the engine's torque to the rear wheels when the front wheels begin to slip. There are also couplers at each wheel, which enable the system to send power to the left or right wheel, giving the RAV4 more power in the front and rear and either side when needed. Also, when more traction isn't needed, the system disconnects the rear wheels and sends power to the front drive wheels for better efficiency.
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2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
MSRP: $28,880
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The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan offers buyers a buttoned-up option that adds a bit of luxury to the mix. Inside the Tiguan is a well-crafted interior that's comfortable and well-stocked with technology and safety equipment. It's also powered by a potent turbocharged engine that can be connected to a well-engineered 4Motion all-wheel-drive system.
Performance Specifications
Engine | Turbocharged 2.0-liter |
Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 201 hp |
Torque | 221 lb-ft |
Driveline | FWD or AWD |
Towing Capacity | 1,800 pounds |
Payload Capacity | Unpublished |
The 4motion all-wheel-drive system provides more traction and stability in a variety of driving conditions. It utilizes a multi-plate clutch system to transfer the power between the front and rear wheels, which makes it excel in off-road driving. Additionally, the Tiguan has 7.6 inches of ground clearance, which is enough to clear most obstacles, but is still a little lower than other SUVs on this list.
2025 Ford Escape
MSRP: $29,150
Ford
Buyers who want a variety of drive configurations in their SUV should check out the 2025 Ford Escape. The Escape is available in six different trim levels and each one has the option for all-wheel-drive. There are also two different engines to choose from, including a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine or a turbocharged 2.0-liter.
Performance Specifications
Engine | Turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-three |
Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 181 hp |
Torque | 190 lb-ft |
Driveline | AWD |
Towing Capacity | 1,500 to 2,000 lbs |
Payload Capacity | 696 to 1,081 lbs |
The larger 2.0-liter engine choice comes standard with the all-wheel-drive system, which monitors road conditions and adjusts the torque going to the wheels for the best traction depending on the surface the car is driving on. What results is a safe and stable ride, no matter where you happen to escape to.
2025 Nissan Rogue
MSRP: $29,230
Nissan USA
The Nissan Rogue was recently redesigned, and for the 2025 model year, there is a new Rock Creek edition, which adds a lot of functional upgrades. Some of them include a hill descent control, a camera system with a multitude of off-road views, a roof rack, and all-terrain tires, which enable the Rogue to traverse some of the rockiest of roads.
Performance Specifications
Engine | Turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-three |
Transmission | CVT |
Horsepower | 201 hp |
Torque | 225 lb-ft |
Driveline | AWD |
Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs |
Payload Capacity | 972 to 1,166 lbs |
The Nissan Rogue is also available with an Intelligent all-wheel-drive system that uses wheel sensors to detect traction loss. When needed, the system sends power to the front or rear wheels so that it can regain traction. This system, coupled with a powerful turbocharged engine, makes the Nissan Rogue a nearly unstoppable force on the off-road trails.
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2025 Subaru Outback
MSRP: $29,010
Subaru
When it comes to off-road capability, it's hard to beat a Subaru Outback. This capable wagon is fitted with the brand's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, which operates full-time. Unlike other systems, which most drive the front wheels and let the rear wheels kick in when needed, Subaru's system drives all four wheels all the time.
Performance Specifications
Engine | Turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four |
Transmission | CVT |
Horsepower | 182 hp |
Torque | 176 lb-ft |
Driveline | AWD |
Towing Capacity | 3,500 pounds |
Payload Capacity | 1,069 to 1,209 lbs |
The system operates in a symmetrical fashion, hence the name, which connects the engine to the rear differential in a straight line, constantly adjusting the power distribution in real time for the best traction. Technically, there is almost no better system on the market, but it does have its drawbacks, which include increased fuel consumption.
2025 Subaru Forester
MSRP: $29,995
2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness-01
The 2025 Subaru Forester boasts all-new sheet metal and a new interior design. Subaru made a lot of changes to the Foresterfor the new model year, but what hasn't changed much is its powertrain. The Forester is still powered by a 2.5-liter flat-four engine that makes a decent amount of power, but could still use a turbocharger.
Performance Specifications
Engine | 2.5-liter flat-four |
Transmission | CVT |
Horsepower | 180 hp |
Torque | 178 lb-ft |
Driveline | AWD |
Towing Capacity | 3,000 pounds |
Payload Capacity | 1,237 to 1,391 lbs |
Despite its relatively low power output, the Subaru Forester is still very capable, thanks to its sophisticated Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. The drive system maximizes traction by operating all four wheels all the time, unlike other all-wheel-drive systems. And while that means the Forester takes a hit on fuel economy, it makes up for it in driving capability.
2025 GMC Terrain
MSRP: $30,000
GMC
The 2025 GMC Terrain is packed with features that enable it to traverse remote roads with ease. Under its hood is a potent-turbocharged engine that's connected to a CVT, but a larger engine is available with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Performance Specifications
Engine | Turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four |
Transmission | CVT or 8-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 175 hp |
Torque | 203 lb-ft |
Driveline | FWD or AWD |
Towing Capacity | 800 pounds |
Payload Capacity | 1,184 pounds |
Regardless of which powertrain you choose, the GMC Terrain can be optioned with an all-wheel-drive system for maximum off-road capability. The all-wheel-drive system automatically distributes power to all four wheels to improve traction in a variety of conditions, making the GMC Terrain great for all types of terrains.
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2025 Honda CR-V
MSRP: $30,100
Honda
The Honda CR-V is a versatile SUV with its comfortable interior, powerful and efficient powertrains, and intelligent all-wheel-drive system. The base CR-V trim level comes equipped with a gas-powered engine, but the upper trim levels come with a highly efficient hybrid powertrain.
Performance Specifications
Engine | Turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four |
Transmission | CVT |
Horsepower | 190 hp |
Torque | 179 lb-ft |
Driveline | AWD |
Towing Capacity | 1,500 pounds |
Payload Capacity | 850 pounds |
No matter which one you choose, the CR-V can be outfitted with a real-time all-wheel drive system, which relies on sensors located on the rear axle, which detect when the rear wheels start to slip. When they do, the system redistributes the power to gain more traction, making the CR-V an excellent choice for a capable and reliable compact SUV.
