When shopping for an SUV, especially in regions with snow, rain, dirt trails, or rugged terrain, the quality of the all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is more than just a line in the brochure—it’s a make-or-break component of long-term satisfaction and performance.
Some AWD systems are engineered with precision and heritage, born from years of motorsport, off-road, or all-weather testing. Others are slapped together to give the illusion of capability, but fall apart—or worse, give inconsistent performance—when you actually need them.
Not all AWD systems are created equal, and understanding which SUVs excel and which struggle in this area is essential for making a confident purchase.
The best AWD systems operate seamlessly and intelligently. They transfer torque where it’s needed most, react quickly to changing terrain, and maintain stability without excessive intervention from the driver.
Some even come with sophisticated terrain-response modes or torque vectoring that fine-tunes performance on the fly. These systems are not only designed for function, but also for durability, holding up under tough conditions without premature wear or constant repairs.
On the flip side, there are AWD systems that may appear adequate on paper but are plagued by issues in the real world. Whether it’s from weak mechanical parts, poorly designed electronic systems, or a lack of robustness in varying climates, some SUVs suffer from chronic AWD failures.
Owners of these vehicles frequently report problems like premature differential wear, power delivery delays, odd noises, or even complete system failures requiring costly repairs.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into five SUVs that are revered for their legendary AWD systems, known for dependability, performance, and engineering finesse. Then, we’ll turn to five SUVs with AWD systems that tend to cause more headaches than confidence.
Whether you’re braving mountain passes, wet highways, icy streets, or muddy backroads, knowing what works—and what doesn’t—can save you time, money, and a lot of frustration down the road.
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SUVs With Legendary AWD Systems
1. Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback has long been associated with some of the most capable and dependable all-wheel-drive systems in the automotive world. Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD is a full-time system that distributes power to all four wheels at all times, offering immediate response and balance.
Unlike many competitors that use on-demand systems, Subaru’s layout keeps power evenly distributed and uses a longitudinally mounted engine that enhances mechanical balance and stability. This AWD system is particularly suited for inclement weather, gravel roads, and light off-road use.
One of the key advantages of Subaru’s system is its simplicity and consistency. There are fewer moving parts than some electronically complex systems, and it doesn’t rely heavily on driver input or software to activate under challenging conditions.
The torque split adapts naturally based on traction needs, and the combination with Subaru’s lower center of gravity (thanks to the boxer engine) results in exceptional control in rain, snow, and ice. Whether you’re navigating a steep incline or just managing a slippery driveway, the Outback inspires trust.
Subaru’s AWD reputation is reinforced by real-world durability. These systems routinely last for hundreds of thousands of miles with minimal intervention.
Very few brands have a community of drivers who deliberately seek out nasty weather or rough terrain just to showcase their AWD system’s prowess, but Subaru does. Whether it’s in the mountains of Colorado, the forests of the Pacific Northwest, or the icy streets of New England, the Outback’s AWD is a benchmark for real-world utility and reliability.
2. Audi Quattro (Audi Q5, Q7, Q8)
Audi’s Quattro AWD system is more than just a feature—it’s a cornerstone of the brand’s identity, and its implementation in models like the Q5, Q7, and Q8 is nothing short of exceptional. Originally born in rally racing, Quattro has evolved into one of the most advanced AWD systems on the market.
Unlike simple part-time systems, Quattro uses a Torsen center differential or electronic multi-clutch units (depending on model) to actively distribute torque between front and rear axles—and in some cases, even between left and right wheels.
In practical terms, this means outstanding cornering stability, rapid response to traction loss, and a planted feel that rivals many performance sedans. Audi’s tuning ensures that its AWD systems are not just functional in bad weather but also add to driving enjoyment.
Even under aggressive driving or while climbing snowy hills, the system distributes power intuitively and seamlessly. On higher-end models like the Q8, additional torque-vectoring rear differentials give the SUV almost sportscar-like handling, even in poor weather conditions.
Durability is another feather in Quattro’s cap. While maintenance can be a bit more costly than simpler AWD systems, Quattro units are built to last and rarely fail prematurely when properly maintained.
Their all-weather performance is consistently praised in snowbelt regions, and the system remains one of the most confidence-inspiring in the luxury segment. Whether you’re navigating icy switchbacks or just want assured grip year-round, Audi’s Quattro system is an industry gold standard.
3. Toyota Land Cruiser
The Toyota Land Cruiser is globally known for its legendary off-road and all-weather performance, and much of that reputation stems from its full-time AWD system with locking center differential and off-road assist technologies.
Unlike lighter crossovers with AWD, the Land Cruiser’s drivetrain is engineered to perform in extreme environments, from desert heat to tundra. Its AWD system is heavy-duty, and its 4WD capabilities are integrated seamlessly with electronic and mechanical locking systems to ensure maximum grip.
What makes the Land Cruiser’s system truly stand out is its robustness under extreme stress. The system allows for high- and low-range gearing, which is critical for rock crawling, mud, and steep climbs. Coupled with Toyota’s Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select features, it adapts power distribution across wheels individually.
Even in the worst terrain or conditions where traction is almost non-existent, the Land Cruiser keeps moving, making it a staple of military, humanitarian, and expedition fleets across the globe.
Reliability is unmatched. It’s not uncommon to find Land Cruisers with 300,000 or more miles still running their original AWD system without major failure.
The vehicle’s reputation for durability isn’t just hype—it’s hard-earned. For people who live in remote areas or simply want a vehicle that will work anywhere, the Land Cruiser remains one of the top AWD choices in the world.
4. Jeep Grand Cherokee (Quadra-Drive II)
Jeep’s Grand Cherokee, particularly in higher trims or Trailhawk versions equipped with Quadra-Drive II, offers one of the most intelligent and effective AWD systems in the industry.
Unlike standard part-time systems that simply split power front to rear, Quadra-Drive II uses a full-time transfer case and electronically controlled limited-slip differentials on both axles, offering torque vectoring across all four wheels.
This system shines when conditions are slippery, uneven, or unstable. With the ability to send up to 100% of torque to a single wheel if needed, the Grand Cherokee provides superior traction where lesser AWD systems would falter.
Jeep’s Selec-Terrain system adds further versatility, giving drivers modes for snow, sand, rock, and mud, optimizing throttle response, suspension behavior, and drivetrain settings accordingly. The result is an SUV that’s equally at home in mountain snowstorms as it is on backcountry trails.
Durability is another highlight. Though the Grand Cherokee’s reputation for reliability can vary across model years, the Quadra-Drive system itself has proven highly resilient.
Owners frequently cite its capability in real-world off-road use, and it’s a system that provides both comfort and confidence in daily driving and extreme conditions alike. It’s one of the best examples of off-road-grade AWD packed into a family-friendly SUV.
5. Volvo XC90 (AWD Models)
The Volvo XC90, particularly in its modern AWD versions, is a blend of Scandinavian engineering elegance and real-world traction performance.
While not as aggressive as off-road-focused systems, the AWD in the XC90 is particularly smart, using an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch that reacts in milliseconds to changing traction needs. It balances comfort, efficiency, and all-weather capability in a way that feels refined yet capable.
Where the XC90’s system excels is in variable conditions—rain, light snow, gravel, and wet pavement. It doesn’t wait until a wheel slips to react; it anticipates and redistributes torque proactively, giving the driver a smooth, confident experience in dynamic driving environments.
Combined with Volvo’s excellent stability control and driver-assist systems, it makes for a seamless driving experience in challenging weather without ever feeling like the car is struggling.
Volvo’s AWD system is also known for its durability in colder climates. Scandinavian winters are no joke, and Volvo engineers have built systems meant to endure salt, snow, and long-term exposure to freezing temperatures
. While not intended for deep off-roading, the XC90 offers peace of mind for families living in areas where the weather can turn dangerous quickly. It’s a luxury SUV that doesn’t just promise safety—it delivers it.
SUVs With Constant AWD Issues
1. Ford Escape (Older AWD Models, Especially 2013–2019)
The Ford Escape, particularly models produced from around 2013 to 2019, has had a rough track record with its AWD system. While Ford marketed the Escape as a smart alternative to bulkier SUVs, with light off-road potential and confidence in snow, the reality for many owners has been far less reassuring.
The AWD system in these years often relied on a light-duty electronic coupling between the rear wheels and the drivetrain. This system had a habit of engaging late, inconsistently, or sometimes not at all when slippage occurred, which directly undermined its purpose in adverse conditions.
One of the most common issues reported is the failure of the rear differential clutch assembly. This component is central to the Escape’s ability to send power to the rear wheels when needed, and when it fails, the AWD system becomes effectively useless. In some cases, the vehicle would throw error messages or simply revert to front-wheel drive with no warning, leaving drivers with compromised traction.
Replacement of these AWD components often came at a high cost and sometimes required entire rear driveline assemblies to be swapped—an unexpected and frustrating expense for many owners.
Compounding the issue is the limited communication between the Escape’s traction control and AWD system. Unlike more robust designs, the Escape’s system often lags behind the vehicle’s needs, responding reactively instead of proactively.
This results in occasional “torque steer” or wheelspin in icy or wet conditions, exactly when an AWD system should be offering the most help. While newer versions have improved somewhat, the AWD implementation in this generation of Ford Escapes left a lot to be desired, especially for those relying on it for true all-weather driving.
2. Nissan Rogue
The Nissan Rogue is one of the top-selling compact SUVs in North America, but its AWD system has long been a weak point, especially when paired with Nissan’s much-criticized CVT transmission. Though marketed as an all-weather warrior, real-world performance and reliability show otherwise.
The AWD system in the Rogue is basic and reactive, meaning it only kicks in when front wheels slip, often too late to offer a smooth, confidence-inspiring response. In slick or icy conditions, this delay can be dangerous, particularly when cornering or merging.
Owners of Rogue models from the 2014 to 2020 era have frequently reported drivetrain vibrations, loud clunking noises, and premature rear differential failures, all tied back to the AWD system. Often, the source of these issues is the rear transfer clutch, which struggles to maintain consistent power delivery.
There have also been instances where the AWD system overheats under prolonged use, such as driving uphill in the snow or navigating gravel roads, triggering a fail-safe mode that temporarily disables AWD altogether. These breakdowns are not just annoying; they present serious safety concerns for drivers in remote or winter-prone areas.
What further frustrates Rogue owners is the cost and complexity of repairs. Because the Rogue’s AWD system is integrated with the transmission and traction control modules, failures often require multiple systems to be diagnosed and repaired simultaneously. Nissan’s widespread CVT issues also muddy the waters, as some AWD complaints stem from transmission lag or gear hunting rather than true AWD failure.
Regardless, the end result is a system that lacks the refinement, durability, and responsiveness expected in modern AWD-equipped SUVs. While the Rogue is a great urban commuter, it falls short of being a reliable all-weather vehicle in regions with demanding terrain.
3. Chevrolet Equinox (Pre-2021 AWD Models)
The Chevrolet Equinox has long been positioned as a family-friendly crossover with all-weather capabilities, but its AWD system has proven problematic in more than one generation. Before the 2021 redesign, the Equinox used a part-time AWD system that activated rear-wheel engagement through a multi-plate clutch mechanism, similar to many basic AWD systems in the segment.
However, in real-world driving, this system showed inconsistent engagement, slow response to slippage, and in many cases, a complete inability to adapt to variable road conditions.
One of the most common failures in Equinox AWD systems involved the rear differential and PTU (Power Transfer Unit). Owners reported loud whining noises, difficulty maintaining traction in snow or rain, and in severe cases, complete loss of power to the rear wheels.
This wasn’t helped by the fact that the AWD system had no user-selectable modes or diagnostics built in, meaning that many drivers only found out it was malfunctioning after experiencing a slide or loss of traction. For a vehicle often marketed as a safe, reliable choice for families, these surprise failures were especially disappointing.
Mechanically, the Equinox AWD system simply wasn’t built for durability under stress. Whether it was light off-roading, steep hills in poor weather, or just long highway trips in high temperatures, the components would wear more quickly than expected. Moreover, because the system was integrated into a compact and cost-conscious design, serviceability was limited.
Repairs often meant replacing entire driveline sections rather than individual parts, and warranty coverage didn’t always extend to these costly fixes. For drivers depending on dependable AWD, especially in snowbelt states, the pre-2021 Equinox was a letdown.
4. Acura RDX (2013–2018 SH-AWD Issues)
Acura’s SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) is often praised in the brand’s sedans and performance models, but in the 2013–2018 RDX, it didn’t live up to expectations.
While the name suggests advanced torque vectoring and superior handling, the implementation in this generation of the RDX was scaled down and less capable than what was used in the MDX or TLX. The result was an AWD system that struggled with torque distribution under load, particularly during inclement weather or light off-roading.
One significant issue involved the rear differential fluid overheating and triggering a warning light, which often disabled AWD until the system cooled down. This was frustrating for owners using the RDX for extended drives in snow or uphill climbs, where continuous AWD engagement was necessary.
Even with routine maintenance, the RDX’s SH-AWD seemed less robust than its luxury competitors, and some owners reported frequent visits to the dealership for diagnostics or replacement of rear differential components.
Another weak point was the system’s reliance on outdated control software that lagged in responsiveness compared to newer competitors. Where modern AWD systems anticipate slippage, the RDX’s system often waited until the vehicle was already unstable before engaging corrective torque.
This delayed reaction could reduce driver confidence in snowy or icy conditions. While newer RDX models (2019 and onward) have reintroduced a much-improved version of SH-AWD, the 2013–2018 version remains a cautionary tale of what happens when cost-cutting compromises an otherwise innovative technology.
5. BMW X3 (Early xDrive Models)
BMW’s xDrive AWD system is marketed as a performance-oriented, all-weather enhancement, but in early generations of the BMW X3 (particularly from 2007–2014), it was fraught with issues. The xDrive system in these models was overly complex, relying heavily on software to adjust the torque split between the front and rear axles.
Unfortunately, this complexity led to frequent system glitches, mechanical breakdowns, and sky-high repair bills for relatively common issues like transfer case actuator failure and drivetrain vibrations.
One common complaint was the binding feeling during tight turns, a symptom of transfer case or differential wear caused by uneven torque distribution. Additionally, the system’s sensors were known to become miscalibrated or fail entirely, leading to erratic AWD performance.
In some cases, the vehicle would flash traction control or drivetrain warning lights with no clear solution, and dealers were often forced to reset or reprogram the system multiple times before arriving at a permanent fix.
The combination of high cost and inconsistent reliability made xDrive in these early X3s a source of frustration, not peace of mind.
While xDrive has evolved and improved significantly in recent years, early versions lacked the robustness necessary for daily use in harsh climates. In snowy conditions, the X3’s AWD sometimes delays power delivery to the rear wheels, compromising stability.
Owners also reported that AWD-related repairs often weren’t covered under warranty unless failure was immediate and replicable, leading to mistrust and dissatisfaction. For a premium brand that builds its image on performance and precision, early xDrive-equipped X3s represent a rare but costly misstep in AWD engineering.
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All-wheel-drive systems can make or break the driving experience in an SUV. The difference between a legendary AWD system and a problematic one isn’t just about marketing claims—it’s about how the system responds under real stress: snow, mud, steep hills, icy turns, and even mechanical wear over time.
Systems like Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD, Audi’s Quattro, and Jeep’s Quadra-Drive II show that great AWD is not only possible but dependable and often lifesaving. These systems were built with a purpose, often battle-tested in motorsport or wilderness scenarios, and are known for long-term resilience.
On the other hand, flawed AWD systems can quickly undermine driver confidence and lead to costly repairs. When AWD exists just to check a box in a brochure, it’s often plagued by delayed engagement, poor traction, and mechanical fragility.
Vehicles like the Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue, and older BMW X3s prove that even major automakers can get AWD wrong when priorities shift toward cost-cutting or superficial features. For drivers who truly need their AWD to perform in harsh conditions, these shortcomings aren’t just inconvenient—they’re dangerous.
Choosing the right SUV involves balancing comfort, price, and performance, but AWD should never be an afterthought. Whether you’re battling snow-packed streets, wet highways, or backcountry gravel roads, knowing which SUVs have a legacy of AWD excellence—and which are infamous for letting drivers down—can mean the difference between getting there safely and getting stuck. Drive smart. Choose wisely.
