Before advancements in vehicle technology, tire quality was the main factor in a car’s ability to handle slippery and wet conditions. Today, all-wheel drive (AWD), traction control, and other intelligent systems play a significant role in keeping drivers safe.
While high-quality tires are still critical, especially rain-specific ones, the prevalence of AWD systems in modern cars has changed how manufacturers approach safety.
With AWD options now widely available, many brands integrate them into their entire lineup, recognizing their value for performance and protection. This list highlights ten vehicles that best showcase AWD innovation and commitment to safety.
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1. Acura RLX: Super Handling with Style
The Acura RLX, the brand’s flagship sedan, exemplifies how AWD can enhance both luxury and performance. Equipped with SH-AWD—Super Handling All-Wheel Drive—the RLX intelligently adjusts power distribution based on road conditions, vehicle weight, and driver input.
This results in superior dry and wet traction. Recognized as a 2018 IIHS Top Safety Pick, the RLX also boasts high-end features such as Krell® Premium Audio, ventilated front seats, and rear sunshades. While Acura’s AWD system improves performance, it also plays a crucial role in ensuring stability and safety in adverse weather conditions.
2. Honda CR-V: Reliable and Smart AWD
Honda’s CR-V is a practical and reliable SUV that doesn’t compromise on safety. Featuring the Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System™, it automatically detects front wheel slippage and shifts power to the rear.
Coupled with Honda Sensing®, an advanced suite of driver-assistive technologies, it enhances awareness and responsiveness.
The CR-V also comes with luxury touches like a premium 330-watt sound system, navigation with voice recognition, and hands-free tailgate access. Its blend of safety, comfort, and innovation makes the CR-V a great choice for those who drive in wet or unpredictable conditions.
3. Mercedes-Benz S-Class: AWD Meets Innovation
Mercedes-Benz’s S-Class sets the standard for luxury and safety, featuring the sophisticated 4MATIC® AWD system. This technology balances torque between the front and rear axles using a limited-slip center differential and the Electronic Traction System (4-ETS), which works in conjunction with ABS and ESP®.
The result is precise torque distribution to the wheels that need it most. Mercedes-Benz’s legacy of safety innovation is deeply embedded in the S-Class, making it a powerful, elegant, and secure choice for handling any road condition with confidence.
4. BMW X1: Sporty Stability with xDrive
The BMW X1 is more than just a compact SUV—it’s a showcase of advanced driving technology. Its xDrive AWD system maintains stability by distributing power between the front and rear axles, adapting dynamically to road conditions.
When oversteering or understeering is detected, the system compensates immediately, enhancing driver control even in slick weather. Beyond its drivetrain, the X1 features bold styling, an elevated stance, and a premium interior that reflects BMW’s dedication to performance and refinement. It’s a compact package with big capabilities.
5. Cadillac XT4: Luxury Crossover with AWD Precision
Cadillac’s XT4 represents the brand’s entrance into the compact luxury crossover space. With AWD capabilities designed for confidence on slick roads, the XT4 includes Auto-Dry™ braking, which removes moisture for better stopping power. This feature alone gives it an edge in wet climates.
The XT4 also includes a range of premium finishes and features, rivaling European luxury counterparts. While Cadillac joined the AWD crossover game later than others, it has done so with style, thoughtful design, and safety-conscious engineering.
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6. Ford Fusion: Affordable AWD Assurance
The Ford Fusion may be a midsize sedan, but it offers AWD capabilities usually reserved for pricier vehicles. Available on several trims, its intelligent AWD adjusts traction automatically in real time. Ford promotes the Fusion as a smart, no-frills option with ample safety for wet driving.
Features like heated and cooled front seats and advanced driver aids make it an appealing choice. It’s a practical sedan for drivers who want AWD reliability without the high cost, proving that safety and affordability can go hand in hand.
7. Volkswagen Atlas: Big, Bold, and AWD-Equipped
Volkswagen’s Atlas has quickly become a fan favorite in the brand’s SUV lineup. Built as a more spacious and affordable alternative to the Touareg, the Atlas uses 4MOTION® AWD to maintain control on slick or rough surfaces. Its spacious interior, 3rd-row seating, and high-end infotainment system make it perfect for families.
When combined with advanced safety tech and a refined ride, the Atlas stands out as a reliable option for drivers in wet or snowy environments. It’s a versatile SUV that brings European engineering to the American market.
8. Subaru Outback: The AWD Standard-Bearer
Subaru is synonymous with AWD, and the Outback is its shining example. With its Symmetrical AWD and horizontally-opposed Boxer engine, it offers exceptional balance and traction. The 2020 Outback adds X-Mode, which uses electronic braking to manage tough terrain or slippery conditions.
Its 8.7 inches of ground clearance and advanced multimedia suite make it both rugged and tech-forward. The Outback continues to be a top pick for outdoor enthusiasts and cautious commuters alike, thanks to its unwavering focus on safety and performance in all weather.
9. Nissan Altima: AWD in a Midsize Sedan
Nissan’s Altima brings AWD to a mainstream midsize sedan—a rarity in the category. Its Intelligent AWD system adapts to changing traction levels instantly. Supported by Nissan’s Safety Shield 360™ and Intelligent Mobility™ suite, the Altima delivers confidence and control in poor weather conditions.
Features like Active Ride Control™ and Intelligent Trace Control™ further boost its road stability. It’s a competitively priced, well-rounded option that brings AWD technology to buyers who may not be shopping in the SUV segment, expanding safe driving access to more drivers.
10. Audi A8 L: Quattro Excellence in Luxury
Audi’s Quattro AWD system is legendary, and in the 2020 A8 L, it reaches peak performance. This flagship luxury sedan includes vectoring capabilities that distribute power precisely to each wheel, adapting seamlessly to any driving scenario—be it snow, rain, or tight corners.
Standard features include adaptive air suspension, a 3D Bang & Olufsen® sound system, and advanced navigation through the MMI® interface.
The Audi Pre-Sense® 360 system offers full-surround safety monitoring, making it one of the most secure AWD vehicles on the market. The A8 L is performance, luxury, and safety rolled into one.
As demonstrated across this list, AWD is no longer a luxury reserved for high-end models or off-road vehicles—it’s fast becoming a standard feature that enhances vehicle safety and control.
Whether in rain, snow, or slick road conditions, these AWD systems give drivers confidence and security. From affordable sedans like the Ford Fusion and Nissan Altima to luxury titans like the Audi A8 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, automakers are innovating to make AWD accessible.
Combined with driver-assist technologies and premium comfort, AWD has become a foundational element in defining what makes a vehicle truly safe and capable.
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