Best All-Wheel-Drive SUVs | 2026 AWD Crossovers Rated | CarBuzzIf the AWD SUV is the do-it-all vehicle, then all-wheel drive 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 driving. 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. Here is a list of the best AWD SUVs for 2026.Vehicles are assigned a BuzzScore in relation to their direct segment competitors, and as such, vehicles in this list, while similarly scored, do not necessarily compete directly against one another. Find out more about how the BuzzScore ratings work here. These lists are continuously updated with the latest BuzzScores and vehicles as they become available.This list excludes vehicles with 4WD, focusing on those with standard or available AWD. Rivian R1S SUV Starting off our list of the best all-wheel-drive SUV models is the Rivian R1S. The R1S is a strong contender in essentially every category you group it in; this model really can do anything you want it to. Need to haul the family around? It can carry up to seven people in any trim. It also beats supercars on the drag strip, tows heavy trailers, and can go off-road with tons of various drive modes. There are four trims to choose from, and all of them have standard all-wheel-drive. The Dual Standard is as basic as it gets for $76,990. Horsepower ranges from 533 in the base model to 1,025 hp in the Quad trim."We had a chance to sample the Performance Dual-Motor and Tri-Motor setups on the road, and both are excellent. At no point did the Dual-Motor seem underpowered, and this is the powertrain most people should choose. The Tri-Motor brings the acceleration to absurd levels and allows greater ability to slide the R1S, especially on loose surfaces. No 7,000-pound vehicle should be able to move with this level of agility..."- Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-At-Large, CarBuzz Hyundai Palisade For a calmer, more affordable all-wheel-drive SUV, take a look at the Hyundai Palisade. This simple family SUV can be a basic family-hauler, or it can be a more luxurious model where even the third row is powered and has heated seats. Interior features aside, it's also a safe SUV with all-wheel-drive. There are seven trims to choose from, with the SE starting its lineup at $39,435. Only one trim, the XRT Pro, has standard AWD, while the rest of the lineup can have power sent to all four wheels for an extra $2,000. All trims are powered by a 3.5L V6 that makes 287 horsepower. "The Palisade isn’t especially sporty or quick. But it delivers adequate power smoothly. The steering is perfectly weighted. And the suspension controls the car’s weight admirably in all but the hardest and fastest of corners. Normal driving feels relaxing, and the car performs well when things get more spirited. Most drivers will never push the Palisade hard enough to exceed its considerable performance band."- Ty Duffy, CarBuzz Mazda CX-90 All-wheel-drive SUVs continue with the Mazda CX-90. The CX-90 is a comfortable premium SUV that, in its highest trims, we would even call luxurious. The brand as a whole might not quite be a luxury brand, but the CX-90 is a high-end SUV that competes with some heavy-hitters. That said, we especially like it for this list, since every single trim level comes with standard rear-biased "i-ACTIV" AWD. The model can have either a 3.3-liter turbo inline-6 that makes 280–340 hp depending on the trim, or a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Either way, AWD is standard."The thing with a three-row SUV is that it’s likely going to have a full load of people much of the time and, on at least a few occasions, will be used for road trips. Whether it’s a day’s adventure during the summer or a week-long excursion, the ride in the CX-90 is smooth and quiet. Rough pavement is largely muted both in terms of sound and vibration. If the kids doze off, they’re not going to be jostled awake the first time you’re in a construction zone."- Nicole Wakelin, CarBuzz Volvo XC60 Volvo makes some of the best AWD SUVs, including this: the XC60. The XC60 is a competitive, relatively reliable model with sights set on the midsize luxury market. Its main rivals include the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, the BMW X3, and the Audi Q3. However, we prefer the Volvo to all of them. There are three trims, including the Core, Plus, and Ultra, and all of them come with standard all-wheel-drive as their only drivetrain. Under the hood is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 that makes 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, but a 455-horsepower PHEV is available. Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS Perhaps the most luxurious model of all the AWD SUVs we'll talk about today, the Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS secures its place on our list. This super-luxurious model has more comfort features than anyone would ever need. Standard features include heated, ventilated, and massaging front and rear seats, Nappa leather upholstery, and so much more. There's only a single trim: the Maybach GLS 600 SUV, and it comes with standard 4Matic all-wheel drive. Under the hood is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 mild hybrid that makes 550 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. Lexus NX The Lexus NX is an AWD SUV that can be ordered to virtually any spec the buyer comes up with. It's more customizable than most other models, since it's available with gas-only, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains. No matter which powertrain you choose, though, the NX always offers a trim with all-wheel drive. There are too many versions with AWD to list here, so you'll have to trust that the majority of trims have power to all four wheels as standard. Under the hood is your choice of a 2.4L turbocharged gas-only inline-4, a 2.5L inline-4 hybrid, or a 2.5L plug-in hybrid inline-4."Out of Sport mode, the ride is smooth and the Nx 450h+ deals well with the worst Californian roads can dish out, despite the 21-inch wheels with summer tires. The steering is fine for around town and on the freeway, and cabin noise is wonderfully minimal. For everyday driving and road trips, the NX 450h+ F Sport is a pleasure to eat up the miles in and wait out traffic jams with."- Ian Wright, Senior Road Tester, CarBuzz Hyundai Ioniq 5 The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is one of our favorite electric cars in general. Not only is it a good SUV with all-wheel drive, but it's relatively affordable for an EV, and performs well compared to rivals. The Ioniq 5's main competitors include the Tesla Model Y and the Ford Mustang Mach E — neither of which offer a base trim as affordable as this Hyundai. That said, there are five available trims, but the base model does not have access to all-wheel drive. The cheapest way to get AWD in this model is with the SE trim for $37,500, then spend an additional $3,500 for its optional AWD."On winding roads, it handles beautifully with four levels of regenerative braking and true one-pedal driving that is exceptionally easy to modulate. It takes almost no time to become accustomed to the braking, so it’s second nature. Cycle through the drive modes to either focus on efficiency or performance, all depending on your mood. This is a remarkably comfortable and enjoyable ride whether you’re behind the wheel or in the passenger seat."- Nicole Wakelin, CarBuzz Porsche Cayenne Another luxury SUV model with all-wheel drive is the Porsche Cayenne. This Porsche is unique in that buyers can choose among a litany of options; choices start with either a traditional SUV or a coupe body style, then it comes down to whether you want a gas-only powertrain (of which there are two), a hybrid powertrain, or an all-electric system. For simplicity, we'll stick to the traditional SUV with a gas engine. The cheapest way to get all-wheel drive is with the Cayenne's base model, which starts at $89,900. It's powered by a 3.0-liter turbo V6 that makes 348 horsepower."We have always been unashamed fans of the Cayenne, and the new models just underscore why. In the past, we found the Cayenne S to be the sweet spot for those that want the full Porsche experience from an SUV, and it remains so. The ride is smooth, but the chassis is reactive and keeps the Cayenne stable for when you take the long and winding way home from work on a Friday."- Ian Wright, Senior Road Tester, CarBuzz Toyota Grand Highlander Another reliable, family-sized SUV with all-wheel drive is the Toyota Grand Highlander. This might not be particularly luxurious, nor is it especially capable off-road, but it seems to fit into a middle ground that's comfortable for most families. If all you need is a roomy SUV to carry people around in, and you don't plan on straying from the pavement, pulling trailers, or any other extracurricular activities, then this is the model for you. Buyers can equip most trims with all-wheel drive. The cheapest way to do so is in the base model. The LE starts at $41,660, then adding AWD costs another $1,600."We had the chance to drive all three powertrains, and the two hybrids came away as our favorites. Toyota's gasoline powertrain is fine, but it lacks the efficiency of the hybrid and the brute force of the Hybrid Max. The lack of power in the hybrid may turn buyers away, but we'd happily trade speed for best-in-class fuel economy. What the hybrid lacks in muscle, it makes up for with responsiveness. The direct drive (eCVT) makes this the most eager powertrain of the bunch since it can instantly change ratios without physically swapping gears in a transmission."- Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-At-Large, CarBuzz BMW X5 The last AWD SUV we'll talk about today is the BMW X5. This midsize model puts up a good fight against rivals like the Audi Q7 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV. It touts handsome styling, plenty of comfort features, and multiple trims with AWD. The base models only send power to two wheels, but stepping up to the xDrive40i for $70,600 is the least-expensive way to power both axles. This version has a 3.0-liiter twin-turbo inline-6 that makes 375 hp. There's also a hybrid model with AWD, as well as the M60i that's even more powerful with a V8 engine. Types Of All-Wheel-Drive Systems For SUVs Full-Time: This design ensures that all four wheels 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. When additional traction is required, the driver 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. 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 SUVs 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 SUV with all-wheel drive for off-roading. 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 SUVs With AWD These are the pros and cons of all-wheel-drive SUVs. Pros Quicker acceleration, especially in high-performance models Improved all-terrain/all-weather traction control Slightly better on-road handling dynamics Stable and capable when towing Cons AWD SUVs cost more to manufacture and are more expensive to buy Increased fuel consumption due to additional size and heft Lowered towing capacity 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.Sources: Rivian, Hyundai, Mazda, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Porsche, Toyota, BMW
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