AWD stands for “All Wheel Drive” they are vehicles that automatically engage to four-wheel-driving conditions, compared to a four-wheel-drive that you manually adjust.
Below is a list of the top AWD SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicle) compiled from knowledgeable and trustworthy automotive experts such as Consumer Guide, Car and Driver, Truck Trend, Motor Week and Market Watch. The rankings below are based on reviews, test drives, safety and reliability data.
Top Affordable Compact SUV and Crossover is the Toyota RAV 4
Ranked # 1 out of 23 SUVs in its class, based on 76 reviews. Three models are available, Base, Sport and Limited. The RAV 4 stands above the competition by offering seating up to seven passengers, an optional V4 or V6 engine and optional Front Wheel Drive or All Wheel Drive. No other car in its class offers these options.
Average price: $22,350 to $29,000
Gas Milage: V4 engine, 27 Hwy /21 City with AWD and V6 engine, 26 Hwy/19 City with AWD
Warranty: 3 year/36,000 miles
Pros: Excellent power, good fuel economy, cargo space, handling and comfortable ride.
Cons: Cheap interior has a tailgate right side hinge and tight fitting for tall drivers.
Edmunds.com chose it as a top pick for 2011. Consumer Guide, Car and Driver, Truck Trend, Motor Week, and Market Watch all gave it thumbs up.
U.S. News ranked it:
Overall – 8.8
Performance – 8.1
Exterior – 7.9
Interior – 7.9
Safety – 10.0
Reliability – 8.0
Top Affordable Mid-Size SUV – Buick Enclave
Ranked #1 out of 23 in its class, based on 53 reviews. The CX, CXL1 and CXL2 models are available. Has luxurious interior, trendy design, smooth ride and is notably comparable to some luxury SUVs. Seats 7 passengers, V6 engine, optional Front Wheel Drive or All Wheel Drive.
Average price: $35,000
Gas Milage: 22 Hwy/16 City – considered best in its class
Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles bumper to bumper
Pros: Luxurious, many features are standard, smooth ride, quiet cabin and comfortable.
Cons: V8 engine is not optional, more expensive than competition
Edmunds.com, Car Gurus, Kelley Blue Book, Car and Driver, Auto Week, Cars.com, and J.D. Powers and Associates, gave it good reviews.
U.S. News ranked it:
Overall – 8.6
Performance – 8.1
Exterior – 8.4
Interior – 8.5
Safety – 10.0
Reliability – 6.0
Top Hybrid SUV – Lexus RX 450h – Base Model
Ranks 4 out of 18 in the Luxury Midsize SUVs, based on 29 reviews. Has luxurious interior and excellent fuel economy. Has a V6 Hybird engine, Front Wheel Drive or Optional All Wheel Drive. Reviews stating it to be an excellent Hybird SUV.
Average price: $44,000 to $46,500
Gas Milage: 28 Hwy/32 City
Warranty: 4 year/50,000 miles
Pros: Great fuel economy, high-tech safety options, smooth ride, value over gas version on RX,
Cons: Slow acceleration, made with some poor quality materials and loud road noise.
Autoblog, Car and Driver, Los Angeles Times, Edmunds and MSN, gave it good reviews.
U.S. News ranked it:
Overall – 8.5
Performance – 8.4
Exterior – 8.0
Interior – 8.6
Safety – Has not been crash tested yet, however, it has a similar rating of “good” comparable to the 2010 model.
Reliability – 9.0
Each AWD SUV, listed above is rated the best in its class, taken in consideration of all the factors an individual makes when purchasing an AWD SUV. The SUV’s chosen in this review are for affordable not luxury SUV’s with the exception being the Hybird.