Most vehicles are front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive. However, it’s also possible to buy all-wheel drive cars - these vehicles distribute power to all four wheels and have become increasingly common in recent years. Is an AWD car worthwhile? These cars definitely have some great benefits, but also come with some drawbacks. This post looks into some of these pros and cons.
What are the benefits of an AWD car?
AWD cars can sport some of the following benefits:
Improved traction: AWD cars tend to have better grip on slippery road surfaces, which can make them safer.
Suitable for all terrain: A lot of AWD cars can handle a range of different terrains including bumpy round and muddy conditions.
Better handling: AWD cars tend to have a lot of stability and can take sharper corners and accelerate fast.
What are the best AWD cars on the market?
There are quite a few different AWD cars currently on the market. A few popular options include:
Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is one of the best rated SUVs for safety. All versions of this car including the Outback Sport and Touring have Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard.
Honda CRV
Honda CRVs are incredibly fuel-efficient and spacious. You can buy these cars in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
Mazda CX-5
For sporty handling and a comfortable interior, consider a Mazda CX-5. These cars all feature Mazda’s iActiv AWD system.
Audi Q5
Expect a luxurious interior and advanced technology features when you choose the Audi Q5. Quattro All-Wheel Drive is a standard feature of all Q5s.
Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 scores well for reliability and fuel economy. While the standard RAV4 is front-wheel drive, the RAV4 Adventure version of this car and hybrid versions have AWD.
Are there any drawbacks to an AWD car?
There are a few drawbacks to consider before buying an AWD car:
Cost to purchase: AWD cars tend to cost more to purchase than FWD cars.
Cost to maintain: The complexity of an AWD system combined with the potential for greater tyre wear can make AWD cars more expensive to repair.
Fuel-efficiency: AWD cars require more power to turn all four wheels and tend to be heavier, which can make them guzzle more fuel (although hybrid versions can counteract this).
Should you get an all-wheel-drive car?
An all-wheel drive car could be worth buying if you live somewhere fairly rural as it can help to more easily drive the tight corners and rough surface conditions that are found on many country roads. AWD cars can overall provide better handling and better safety. Those who are looking for a more economical car may not see the benefit of an all-wheel drive car as these cars can be more expensive to buy and run. Front-wheel drive cars typically cost less upfront, cost less to maintain and are more fuel-efficient. Of course, some cars do allow you to switch between FWD and AWD drive modes. This may allow you to experience the best of both worlds, although the cost to purchase one of these vehicles is still likely to be high.
