Rain, snow, mud, or shine—these vehicles don’t care. All-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles shine in any weather, ensuring you don’t end up stranded on the side of the road or sliding into a ditch. AWD isn’t just for off-road fanatics anymore; it’s become a must-have feature for everyday drivers who value safety and versatility. Here are 19 all-weather warriors that thrive in any climate.
Subaru Outback
A perennial favorite for adventurers and suburbanites alike, the Subaru Outback combines rugged capability with family-friendly practicality. Launched in 1994, it blends station wagon practicality with SUV toughness. Powered by Subaru’s hallmark Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and boxer engines, the Outback delivers balanced handling and traction, which is ideal for adventurous terrain. Plus, it’s got plenty of room for your gear and a solid reputation for reliability.
Toyota RAV4 Adventure
The RAV4 Adventure is the RAV4’s cooler sibling who went to a wilderness survival camp. This trim has bold styling cues, such as a unique grille, beefy wheel arches, and matte black accents. It rides on 19-inch alloy wheels and features roof rails for outdoor gear. Under the hood, it packs a reliable 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and an 8-speed automatic transmission. And, with rugged styling and enhanced off-road capability, it’s as comfortable tackling snowy roads as cruising through the city.
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
If vehicles could win Tough Mudder medals, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon would have a shelf full. Named after the Rubicon Trail, one of the most challenging off-road routes in the U.S., it boasts unparalleled off-road capabilities. The Rubicon comes standard with heavy-duty Dana 44 axles, a Rock-Trac 4×4 system with a 4:1 low range, and electronic locking differentials. But it’s not just for crawling over rocks—this beast can handle snowdrifts and rain-slicked roads like a champ.
Audi A4 Allroad
For those who like their AWD with a side of luxury, the Audi A4 Allroad delivers. A raised ground clearance of 6.5 inches, roof rails, and subtle skid plates emphasize its versatility, allowing it to navigate varied terrains easily. Inside, the cabin features premium leather and brushed aluminum materials, complemented by a high-tech center console with a 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen. It’s proof that conquering lousy weather doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort.
Ford Bronco Sport
The Bronco Sport is the scrappy little sibling of the larger Bronco. The innovative slide-out worktable and flip-up rear glass enhance its utility for outdoor enthusiasts. Built on Ford’s C2 platform, shared with the Escape, the Bronco Sport offers two turbocharged EcoBoost engines (1.5L and 2.0L), standard 4×4, and the G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Terrain) drive modes. Also, its distinctive design targets adventurers seeking a capable, compact SUV. Bonus: it’s compact enough to park in city garages without drama.
Tesla Model Y
Who says electric cars can’t handle bad weather? The Tesla Model Y’s dual-motor AWD system provides instant torque to all four wheels, ensuring solid traction even in icy conditions. Sharing about 75% of its components with the Model 3, it also features a sleek, coupe-inspired silhouette that blends aesthetics and efficiency. And, built on Tesla’s scalable platform, the Model Y leverages an ultra-high-strength steel and aluminum chassis for safety, supporting its 5-star NHTSA rating. And its low center of gravity (thanks to the battery placement) makes it remarkably stable.
Volvo XC90
Under the hood, the Volvo XC90 offers powertrains ranging from a turbocharged 2.0L engine (B5 and B6 trims) to the plug-in hybrid T8 Recharge, delivering 455 horsepower and an electric-only range of about 35 miles. Its minimalist design features premium materials, a 9-inch touchscreen with Google integration, and seating for up to seven. With 85.7 cubic feet of cargo space (seats folded) and a 5-star Euro NCAP rating, the XC90 seamlessly combines utility, elegance, and safety.
Mazda CX-50
The Mazda CX-50 blends sporty handling with rugged capability. Targeting the outdoor lifestyle, it boasts higher ground clearance, reinforced roof rails for cargo or kayaks, and a Towing Mode that optimizes performance when hauling up to 3,500 pounds. Inside, it maintains Mazda’s upscale ethos, offering a driver-centric cabin with soft-touch materials, an 8.8—or 10.25-inch infotainment screen, and available features like a panoramic sunroof. Perfect for versatile adventurers!
Subaru Forester Wilderness
The Forester Wilderness takes Subaru’s AWD expertise to new heights. Key additions include skid plates, a reinforced roof rack with a 220-pound dynamic load capacity (perfect for rooftop tents), and a front-view monitor for navigating tight trails. Inside, water-resistant StarTex upholstery ensures easy cleanup. It also retains Forester’s advanced safety features, including EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. And thanks to Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, it’s as safe as possible.
Land Rover Defender
The Land Rover Defender is like a Swiss Army knife on wheels. Over the decades, the Defender has evolved, with significant updates in 1983 and a complete redesign in 2020. Despite its modernization, the Defender retained its trademark off-road prowess, featuring advanced terrain response systems, air suspension, and a range of powerful engines. Also known for its off-road abilities, the Defender has been a favorite of explorers, militaries, and adventurers worldwide. Plus, its boxy design and luxurious interior make it equally at home in the city or the wilderness.
Honda CR-V Hybrid
The Honda CR-V Hybrid is a zippy SUV. With a peppy 2.0L 4-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, it churns out 204 horsepower—enough to make merging onto the highway like a victory lap. The fuel economy? A stellar 40 MPG city/34 MPG highway (EPA estimated). It’s the SUV for people who want efficiency but aren’t ready to surrender to the Prius army.
Chevrolet Traverse AWD
Need something to haul the whole family? The Chevrolet Traverse AWD is a spacious three-row SUV with a robust AWD system. Inside, the Traverse is tech-savvy: a standard 7-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keeps your playlists running smoothly. Safety gets a high-five with features like Forward Collision Alert and Lane Keep Assist. Gas mileage? A modest 17 MPG city/25 highway—but hey, it’s not a Prius. And, with a starting price of around $37,000, the Traverse AWD is ready for action.
Porsche Macan
The Porsche Macan is the zippy little sibling of the Cayenne, born to prove that SUVs can have their cake and eat it too—by being both practical and absurdly fun to drive. Launched in 2014, this compact luxury SUV packs a sports car spirit under its polished exterior. With a range of engines, from a turbocharged four-cylinder to a muscular V6 in the Macan GTS, it delivers horsepower between “pleasantly brisk” and “whoa, hold on!” Critics love its sharp handling, which makes it feel more like a Porsche 911 than a grocery-getter.
Ford F-150 Raptor
The Ford F-150 Raptor isn’t just a truck; it’s a force of nature. Born to dominate trails and dunes, this beast packs a high-output 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine with 450 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft of torque. Its 37-inch tires make potholes feel like pebbles, and its FOX Live Valve suspension adjusts faster than you can say “rough terrain.” Want to haul your camper or dune buggy? No problem; it can tow up to 8,200 pounds.
Hyundai Santa Fe XRT
The Santa Fe XRT adds rugged styling and extra capability to Hyundai’s popular midsize SUV. Its XRT trim dresses for the outdoors with beefy 18-inch black alloy wheels, side steps, dark grille accents, and skid plates for that “I hike on weekends” vibe—even if it’s mostly Starbucks runs. Cargo space? A cavernous 72.1 cubic feet when the seats are down—perfect for your Costco hauls or camping gear (read: picnic basket). And, priced starting around $35K, it’s an adventure on a budget. Whether city streets or dirt roads, the XRT says, “Challenge accepted!”
BMW X5 xDrive40i
The BMW X5 xDrive40i combines luxury with performance. The xDrive all-wheel drive keeps you glued to the road, whether navigating city streets or tackling a muddy trail like you’re auditioning for a car commercial. Inside, the cabin feels like a high-tech lounge, featuring a curved dual-screen setup, plush materials, and all the fancy gadgets you’d expect, plus a few you didn’t know you needed. Best of all, it can tow up to 7,200 pounds! It’s eco-ish, too, with mild hybrid tech.
Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro
The Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro is the definition of tough. With 9.6 inches of ground clearance and a full undercarriage of skid plates, this SUV laughs at obstacles. Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select make you feel like a pro—even if you still don’t know what all those buttons do. Inside, it’s practical but comfy, with an 8-inch infotainment screen and enough room for gear.
Nissan Rogue Intelligent AWD
The Nissan Rogue’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system is like your overachieving friend—always on top of things, whether sunshine or snowstorms. This tech wizard monitors road conditions and seamlessly adjusts power distribution between the front and rear wheels. The result? Better traction, smoother rides, and fewer “oops” moments on slippery surfaces. Plus, this AWD doesn’t just work hard; it works smart, keeping your fuel economy in check while ensuring stability.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is an icon for a reason. Born in 1979 as a rugged military beast, the G-Class became a celebrity favorite without losing its mountain-scaling DNA. It’s a boxy design? Iconic. Its doors? Slam like a tank. Its price? Let’s say your wallet might need a G-Wagen to climb that hill. Also, features include three locking differentials (an off-roading flex) and interiors swathed in leather and tech galore. Plus, fun fact: Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Pope both love the G-Wagen.
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