All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) systems are becoming a must-have for drivers in regions with snow, rain, or rugged terrain. But not all AWDs are created equal. Some vehicles offer dependable, intelligent systems that handle adverse conditions with confidence, while others fall short when they’re needed most.
In this section, we’ll explore five vehicles praised for their reliable AWD systems, each excelling in areas like safety, traction, and consistent performance across various terrains—from city streets to off-road paths.
5 Reliable AWD Systems
1. Subaru Forester 2025: Built for Traction in Every Season
The 2025 Subaru Forester sets the standard for accessible AWD performance, especially in snowy or icy conditions. Unlike competitors like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, which start as front-wheel-drive, the Forester includes full-time AWD on every model.
While its 180-horsepower engine isn’t thrilling, Subaru’s symmetrical AWD offers impressive stability. SlashGear praised its excessive grip and smooth handling, which make everyday driving a confident experience.
Consumer Reports backs this with high reliability scores. The Forester’s strong safety profile and standard AWD setup make it one of the most dependable winter-ready vehicles on the market.
2. Audi A5 2023: Quattro Luxury with Winter Capabilities
The 2023 Audi A5 combines luxury and all-weather reliability with its standard Quattro AWD system. Available in coupe, convertible, and hatchback forms, the A5 delivers a composed and confident ride, even on snowy roads. Consumer Reports highlights its smooth handling and responsive acceleration.
For performance enthusiasts, higher trims like the S5 and RS 5 push horsepower up to 444 while maintaining excellent grip. Though some cabin controls take getting used to, the A5 is a strong choice for those wanting AWD confidence wrapped in a premium driving experience.
3. Honda CR-V 2025: Hybrid Efficiency Meets AWD Stability
The 2025 Honda CR-V, particularly in its Sport Touring trim, offers a solid AWD system tailored for daily use and occasional off-road or winter driving. Though most trims start with front-wheel-drive, the AWD version offers significantly better traction and even includes hill-descent control.
Car and Driver called its hybrid model “smooth and satisfying,” despite its modest power. AWD does slightly reduce fuel economy, but the gains in control during inclement weather make the trade-off worthwhile. Honda’s attention to balance and drivability makes the CR-V a dependable AWD option for the snowbelt and beyond.
4. Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 2024: AWD Hits Supercar Speeds
The 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray is a groundbreaking model—the first Corvette to feature AWD, powered by a hybrid system that delivers 655 horsepower. Though known for performance rather than utility, the E-Ray’s AWD provides superior control on winding roads and slippery surfaces alike.
SlashGear’s review praises its sharp steering and confident cornering, even in tricky conditions. Despite being a high-end sports car, the E-Ray’s AWD system doesn’t just exist for show; it elevates the Corvette’s handling to new levels, giving drivers real-time control and stability in both dry and slick conditions.
5. Rivian R1S 2023: Electric AWD for the Elements
For buyers seeking electric performance and rugged capability, the 2023 Rivian R1S is a standout. This three-row SUV comes with standard AWD and multiple drive modes, including settings for mud, snow, and rocky terrain.
SlashGear notes its dual and quad-motor setups offer up to 835 horsepower and lightning-quick acceleration, even for a family SUV. Despite a slight drop in range when AWD is fully engaged, the R1S excels at handling bad weather, potholes, and even off-road trails. Its blend of comfort and advanced traction systems makes it a reliable EV companion for all seasons.
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5 That Break Down in the First Snow
While AWD can dramatically improve a car’s performance in winter, not all systems are created with true durability or engineering excellence. Some vehicles either lack real off-road chops, suffer from flawed design choices, or are burdened by excessive weight and poor fuel economy.
These AWD-capable cars often fail to live up to expectations when snow hits. Below are five AWD vehicles that fall short when conditions get rough—each one offering lessons in how marketing and mechanical reality don’t always align.
1. Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato: Exotic, But Not Practical
The Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato is a unique AWD-equipped supercar made for off-road excursions—but in reality, it’s more of a novelty. With only 1,499 units made and a $284,000 price tag, it’s unlikely to be driven through deep snow.
While Top Gear called it an “off-road psychopath,” the Sterrato’s AWD system isn’t built for the kind of reliability or consistency needed in real-world wintry conditions. It may have rally-inspired styling and decent traction, but practicality and peace of mind are absent. It’s a showpiece rather than a dependable winter warrior.
2. Hummer H2: All Muscle, No Winter Agility
The Hummer H2 is a textbook example of over-engineering gone wrong. While it features AWD and massive ground clearance, its nearly 7,000-pound weight and poor 9 mpg fuel efficiency make it an impractical choice for winter travel. Snow and mud can easily bog it down due to its bulk.
Though marketed as a military-grade off-roader, its real-world usability in slick or icy conditions is poor. As sales declined dramatically from 2003 to 2009, it became clear that AWD alone couldn’t save the H2 from its fundamental design flaws.
3. Lamborghini Cheetah: An AWD Concept That Never Stood a Chance
The Lamborghini Cheetah was never built for the snow—it was barely built at all. This 1970s military prototype featured AWD and a rear-mounted V8 but was plagued with instability and legal trouble. It was so flawed that the U.S. military dismissed it before testing.
Despite its ambitions, the Cheetah’s AWD layout made handling unpredictable and failed under pressure. Its failure directly impacted Lamborghini’s future development plans. Though it inspired the later LM002, the Cheetah proves that just adding AWD to a poorly executed platform doesn’t guarantee performance or reliability.
4. Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross: Sporty Looks, Sluggish Snow Skills
Reviving the “Eclipse” name for a compact SUV didn’t win Mitsubishi many fans, and neither did its lackluster AWD capabilities. While the Eclipse Cross offers optional AWD, its underpowered engine (maxing at 175 horsepower) and bulky weight make it sluggish in snow.
The base trim barely hits 148 horsepower, limiting response in slippery conditions. Though its design is stylish, the drivetrain struggles to deliver the confidence drivers expect in winter. The mismatch between appearance and performance turns this crossover into more of a fair-weather vehicle, despite its AWD badge.
5. Lada Niva: Tough, But Uncomfortable and Outdated
The Lada Niva is a rugged Soviet-era off-roader that comes with permanent AWD and an iconic legacy. While it’s surprisingly capable off-road, its outdated technology, underpowered engine, and barebones interior don’t fare well in harsh modern conditions.
Though its simplicity makes it easy to fix, it lacks modern traction control or safety aids needed for winter urban driving. It may crawl through mud and snow, but it does so at a painfully slow pace, without any of the refinement or comfort most buyers expect today. It’s reliable in one sense, but not practical for everyday winter driving.
All-wheel drive can make or break a vehicle’s performance in winter, but it’s the engineering behind the badge that matters most. Vehicles like the Subaru Forester, Audi A5, and Rivian R1S show how well-integrated AWD systems improve confidence and handling in snow and ice.
In contrast, cars like the Hummer H2 or Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross reveal that bulky builds or underpowered engines can render AWD ineffective. Before buying, it’s critical to assess not just if a car has AWD, but how well that system is implemented. Winter roads are unforgiving, and only truly capable AWD systems will rise to the challenge.
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