As the warmer months come to an end and the trees shed their leaves, it’s a clear signal that the season’s first snowfall is just around the corner. For drivers who must contend with snowy and icy roads, owning a vehicle equipped with either four-wheel or all-wheel drive becomes essential.
The enhanced traction provided by powering all four wheels can make a significant difference when it comes to maintaining control in harsh winter conditions.
With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the top all-wheel-drive vehicles currently available. Whether you need a tough pickup truck for demanding jobs or a compact, fuel-efficient sedan for daily commutes, you’ll find an all-wheel-drive option here to suit your needs.
1. 2025 Subaru Crosstrek
Overall Score: 8.9/10
The Subaru Crosstrek received a full redesign last year and remains a budget-friendly yet capable subcompact SUV. The 2025 model, unchanged from the previous year, continues to rank among the top five in our subcompact SUV category.
Like most vehicles in the Subaru lineup, the Crosstrek comes standard with all-wheel drive, offering drivers a spacious, comfortable interior and a smooth ride.
Although the Crosstrek’s base engine feels a bit weak compared to some competitors, the available 182-horsepower flat-four is a stronger performer. While the infotainment interface can be a little quirky, built-in Android Auto and Apple CarPlay help mitigate its outdated visuals.
2. 2025 Honda CR-V
Overall Score: 8.9/10
The Honda CR-V stands out as one of the top contenders in the compact SUV segment. Holding the No. 3 position in our rankings, it delivers some of the most generous passenger and cargo space in its class, along with a refined ride, user-friendly infotainment controls, and excellent fuel efficiency.
Although front-wheel drive comes standard, all-wheel drive is available across all trims for an additional $1,500. There is only a single engine option—a turbocharged four-cylinder—which, while not built for speed, delivers adequate power for everyday use.
The CR-V comes equipped with a range of standard features, including a 7-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, and a four-speaker audio system.
3. 2024 Ford Maverick
Overall Score: 9.0/10
Since its debut in 2022, Ford’s compact pickup, the Maverick, has gained significant popularity.
Currently ranked No. 1 in our compact pickup truck rankings, the Maverick stands out with its efficient and capable engine lineup, accessible starting price, composed ride quality, and comfortable interior.
While front-wheel drive is the standard configuration, all-wheel drive is optional on all trims. Only one version of the Maverick—the top-tier Lariat—comes with all-wheel drive as a standard feature. However, the Lariat trim comes at a steep premium, increasing the Maverick’s base MSRP by more than $10,000.
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4. 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5
Overall Score: 9.0/10
Ranked as the No. 1 electric SUV in our listings, the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 is far more than just a standout electric vehicle. It offers punchy powertrain options, class-leading fuel economy, spacious seating for adults in both the front and rear, and an intuitive infotainment system.
Notably, the Ioniq 5 took home both our Best Electric SUV for the Money and Best Electric SUV for Families awards.
Rear-wheel drive is standard on the Ioniq 5, but if you want the added confidence of all-wheel drive, you’ll need to move up to the SEL trim and pay an additional $3,500.
5. 2024 Chrysler Pacifica
Overall Score: 9.0/10
As one of the top-selling minivans available, the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica currently ranks third in our minivan category.
While it does carry a higher price tag than many competitors, the Pacifica makes up for it with a generous list of standard features, plenty of room for a full family and their gear, fold-flat Stow ‘n Go rear seats to expand cargo capacity further, and a smooth, comfortable ride.
To equip the Pacifica with all-wheel drive, you’ll need to upgrade to the Touring L trim. This trim comes with front-wheel drive by default, but all-wheel drive can be added for $2,995.
6. 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E
Overall Score: 9.0/10
The concept of a fully electric Mustang SUV may seem unusual, but that’s exactly what the Ford Mustang Mach-E delivers.
It currently holds the No. 2 spot in our electric SUV rankings, thanks to its upscale interior, impressive driving range, and the kind of spirited performance you’d associate with the Mustang badge.
Rear-wheel drive is standard on the base-level Select trim as well as the Premium trim, though both can be upgraded to all-wheel drive by opting for the available second electric motor.
Keep in mind, this upgrade does reduce the Mach-E’s overall electric range. For those opting for the GT or Rally trims, all-wheel drive comes standard.
7. 2025 Honda Passport
Overall Score: 9.0/10
The Honda Passport, a midsize SUV, distinguishes itself as one of the few vehicles on this list that offers standard all-wheel drive across the entire trim range.
Ranked No. 3 in our midsize SUV category, the 2025 Passport earns praise for its robust engine, extensive suite of standard features, and its exceptionally spacious interior.
However, it’s not without a few drawbacks. The infotainment system can be difficult to navigate, and the cabin features a noticeable amount of hard plastics.
Still, the Passport delivers a range of included safety and convenience features that many competitors charge extra for, such as adaptive cruise control, rear-seat alert, and tri-zone automatic climate control.
8. 2025 Honda Ridgeline
Overall Score: 9.0/10
Ranked as the No. 1 compact pickup truck in our listings, the 2025 Honda Ridgeline stands out as more than just a smart all-wheel-drive choice for winter. Its engine delivers ample power for everyday tasks, though it does fall short when it comes to class-leading towing capacity.
Inside, the Ridgeline offers a comfortable and spacious cabin, with driving manners that lean more toward those of a car than a traditional truck. Much like its SUV counterpart, the Passport, the Ridgeline includes an impressive range of standard safety and tech features.
9. 2025 Subaru Outback
Overall Score: 9.0/10
Another vehicle in this slideshow with standard all-wheel drive is the 2025 Subaru Outback, which holds the top spot in our wagon rankings.
Wagons remain an underrated category, blending the space of an SUV with the efficiency and handling of a sedan. While the Outback doesn’t claim top speeds, its standard all-wheel drive ensures stability and control when winter storms hit.
For those wanting extra performance, the Outback has an optional more powerful engine, along with a roomy, comfortable interior, strong fuel economy ratings, and a smooth driving experience. To access the turbocharged engine option, you’ll need to move up to the Onyx Edition.
10. 2025 Kia Seltos
Overall Score: 9.1/10
The 2025 Kia Seltos holds the No. 2 position in our competitive subcompact SUV rankings. This small SUV delivers a surprising amount of versatility, offering multiple engine choices, relaxed and confident driving dynamics, a user-friendly infotainment interface, and a spacious, comfortable cabin.
Front-wheel drive is standard on both the Seltos S and EX trims, but you can opt for all-wheel drive on the S trim for an extra $1,500 and on the EX trim for $2,200.
If you go for the X-Line or SX trims, you’ll get standard all-wheel drive along with the added bonus of the more powerful turbocharged engine. While these trims cost more, they bring extra performance and features to the table.
11. 2025 Mazda CX-5
Overall Score: 9.2/10
Holding the No. 1 spot in our stacked compact SUV rankings, the 2025 Mazda CX-5 delivers a complete package. It combines sharp handling, fast acceleration, a refined ride, and an upscale, comfortable interior. All-wheel drive also comes standard, making it a solid pick for winter conditions.
With styling and quality that punch above its price point, the CX-5 brings premium appeal to everyday driving—even if you’re just heading through snow-covered roads to visit grandma.
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The infotainment setup can be a bit clunky, but the optional Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility make it much easier to navigate.
12. 2025 Mazda3
Overall Score: 9.3/10
The 2025 Mazda3 stands out in the compact car segment as one of the rare models to offer all-wheel drive, which makes it a smart choice for drivers facing wet or snowy weather conditions.
Beyond its drivetrain options, it impresses with a high-quality cabin that feels more premium than you’d expect at this price point, along with an intuitive and responsive infotainment interface.
As is typical for the brand, the Mazda3 offers a rewarding driving experience, with nimble handling and precise steering that make daily commutes or winding backroads more enjoyable.
When exploring the Mazda3 trim lineup, it’s important to note that the base and mid-tier trims do not include all-wheel drive. In order to gain access to that enhanced traction, you’ll need to move up to at least the Carbon Edition trim.
The Carbon Edition not only unlocks all-wheel drive but also adds exclusive design elements, upgraded interior materials, and additional tech features—making it a worthwhile step up for drivers seeking both style and performance.
Additionally, the Mazda3 is available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, giving buyers flexibility depending on their cargo needs or design preferences.
Both versions carry the same refined driving manners and upscale feel, making this one of the most versatile and compelling choices in the compact car class.