Best AWD Cars: Reviews, Pricing and More

Looking for the best AWD cars? All-wheel drive is an important feature to have if you want a vehicle that can handle a variety of road conditions. In this guide, we explore the best AWD vehicles to buy now. 

All-wheel drive vehicles are designed to help you gain traction on the road when driving in icy, rainy or snowy conditions⁠—something that’s a given for Canadian winters. Cars, SUVs and crossovers can all come with all-wheel drive while you’re more likely to find four-wheel drive on trucks.

The key difference between all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive comes down to how energy is transferred from the driveshaft to the vehicle’s wheels.

To save you some time, we’ve done the research to find the best AWD cars based on their features, price, and safety ratings. Read on to see which all-wheel-drive vehicles made the list.

WHAT IS AWD & HOW DOES IT WORK?

Nothing beats all-wheel-drive—whether you need to speed up quickly, navigate tricky weather, or take on a long-distance drive! But how does it work, you might be asking?

AWD systems distribute power to all four wheels of your vehicle, helping it move forward and maintain traction. The AWD system uses sensors to monitor traction and grip, allowing it to respond quickly and give extra power to the wheels if traction is ever lost. Here are the ways AWD systems work:

• Differentials: Differentials allow wheels on the same axle to spin at different speeds. This is especially helpful if the vehicle is slipping. In other words, AWD vehicles use a centre differential that allows the front and rear tires to spin at different speeds while turning.
• Locking Differentials: Some AWD vehicles have the option to lock up the front, rear, or centre differentials. A locking differential (also known as a locker) is a part of the axle that forces both wheels to turn at the same speed. This is especially helpful when off-roading and one wheel is off the ground or if you’re on a surface with low traction.
• Sensors: Other all-wheel-drive systems use sensors to monitor traction and grip. These sensor systems detect the vehicle’s condition and automatically decide how to distribute power to the wheels. This is helpful in a variety of driving conditions.
• Clutch-Pack Coupling: Some AWD systems use a clutch-pack coupling between the front and rear axles. A piston and oil pressure compress a set of discs inside a drum, which then locks the clutch pack components together. Automatic transmissions create smoother gear shifting. 

AT A GLANCE

When it comes to this list of the 10 best AWD cars in Canada right now, you’ll see that the following offer the quality, performance, and value anyone could need in a vehicle:

1. Toyota Corolla Hybrid
2. Subaru Impreza
3. Toyota Prius
4. Hyundai Ioniq 6
5. Mazda Mazda3
6. Hyundai Sonata
7. Nissan Altima
8. Acura TLX
9. Genesis G90
10. Dodge Charger

1. TOYOTA COROLLA HYBRID

Overview

The Toyota Corolla has been a legend in quality for many years and the hybrid model has taken that one step further, making it one of the best AWD cars in Canada. It features a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine, an electric motor with 138 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. Its compact size makes it the perfect option for city drivers and it has an impressive fuel economy rating of 4.9 to 5.3 L/100 km. It’s not just stylish and comfortable, but it also comes with a ton of advanced safety features to keep every passenger safe. Some bonuses include heated seats, automatic climate control, a six-speaker sound system, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Specifications

• Trim: LE, SE, Nightshade or XLE
• MSRP: Starting at $31,185 CAD
• Engine: 1.8L four-cylinder
• Horsepower: 138 hp
• Torque: 156 lb-ft
• Fuel Efficiency: 4.9 to 5.3 L/100 km

2. SUBARU IMPREZA

Overview

The Subaru Impreza is one of the best AWD cars in Canada as a compact sedan that offers both quality and an affordable price tag. It boasts impressive handling, a comfortable ride, and ample space thanks to its standard all-wheel-drive and hatchback design. No matter the road condition, the Impreza will keep you safe and firmly planted. It’s also fuel-efficient with a standard 2.0-litre boxer-four engine (with the option to upgrade to the RS and Sport-tech models). With its precise handling, comfortable cabin and ample cargo space, the Impreza is a joy to drive no matter how long the trip. Don’t forget its excellent safety tech including adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assist, emergency braking, and more.

Specifications

• Trim: Base, Sport, RS
• MSRP: Starting at $29,385 CAD
• Engine: 2.0-litre boxer-four engine, 2.5-litre four-cylinder (RS)
• Horsepower: 152 hp, 182 hp (RS)
• Torque: 145 lb-ft, 178 lb-ft (RS)
• Fuel Efficiency: 8 to 8.2 L/100 km

3. TOYOTA PRIUS

Overview

The Toyota Prius, one of the best AWD cars in Canada, is also a looker with its new sleek and aerodynamic style. It features excellent fuel economy (4.7 to 4.8 L/100km) and smooth handling. The Prius has an all-wheel-drive system that doesn’t significantly impact its fuel efficiency, which is a big plus. The Toyota Prius is enjoyable to drive and comes with many helpful features. It might not have the best utility or the most spacious seating, but MotorTrend still named it the Car of the Year.

Specifications

• Trim: LE AWD Hatchback
• MSRP: Starting at $37,650 CAD
• Engine: 2.0-liter I-4
• Horsepower: 196 hp
• Torque: 139 lb-ft
• Fuel Efficiency: 4.7 to 4.8 L/100km

4. HYUNDAI IONIQ 6

Overview

The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a sedan that offers plenty of power and excellent handling, making it one of the best AWD cars in Canada. It also has a bold exterior, making it one of the first sedans to be compared to the style of the Tesla Model 3. It offers fast charging (10 to 80 percent in under 20 minutes in ideal conditions), a comfortable interior, and plenty of room in both the front and back. Don’t forget the personalized features that will enhance your daily commute, including the EV Performance Tune-Up.

Specifications

• Trim: SE
• MSRP: Starting at $54,999 CAD
• Engine: Dual electric motors
• Horsepower: 320 hp
• Torque: 446 lb-ft
• Fuel Efficiency: 16.2 to 19.9 L/100km

5. MAZDA MAZDA3

Overview

The 2024 Mazda3 is a spirited car with a sporty style—and it won’t break the bank. It’s no wonder the Mazda3 made it on the list of the best AWD cars in Canada. It’s compact but comes with a bunch of high-end features including LED exterior lighting, push-button start, electronic parking brake, eight-speaker audio system, leather-wrapped steering wheel with heat, and so much more. Both the GS and GT trims also have powertrain options. The Mazda3 includes safety technology such as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist.

Specifications

• Trim: GS, GT
• MSRP: Starting at $34,248 CAD
• Engine: Standard 2.5-litre, GT turbocharged 2.5-litre
• Horsepower: 191 hp, GT 350 hp
• Torque: 186 lb-ft, GT 320 lb-ft
• Fuel Efficiency: 7.6-8.9 L/100 km combined

6. HYUNDAI SONATA

Overview

The Sonata is a mid-size sedan with a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that delivers 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, earning its spot on the list of best AWD cars in Canada. There’s also an N Line model with a turbo 2.5-litre that puts forward 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. It’s spacious and comfortable with plenty of legroom and headroom, making it the perfect vehicle for growing families. It also has lots of premium features including heated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and more. You can’t forget about the safety technology including blind-spot collision avoidance and automatic emergency braking.

Specifications

• Trim: SEL, N Line, SEL Hybrid, Limited Hybrid
• MSRP: Starting at $37,256 CAD
• Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder
• Horsepower: 191 hp
• Torque: 181 lb-ft
• Fuel Efficiency: 8.2-8.8 L/100 km combined

7. NISSAN ALTIMA

Overview

The Nissan Altima has a standard AWD system paired with a 2.5-litre engine that produces 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It’s a comfortable and cozy ride with lots of legroom and headroom. You’ll love the standard features, including remote start, 8-inch infotainment system, heated front seats, and more. The Altima also boasts excellent safety gear including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and more. You can also opt-in for extra features such as adaptive cruise control and ProPILOT Assist.

Specifications

• Trim: S, SV, SR, SL, SR VC-Turbo
• MSRP: Starting at $34,385 CAD
• Engine: Standard 2.5-litre
• Horsepower: 182 hp
• Torque: 178 lb-ft
• Fuel Efficiency: 7.9 L/100km combined

8. HONDA ACURA TLX

Overview

The Honda Acura TLX is one of the best AWD cars in the Canadian market.  It’s on the expensive side but offers a lot for the price. It’s a luxurious and powerful mid-size sedan with standard AWD. The TLX’s base engine is a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder that delivers an impressive 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission. It also has a sleek and spacious interior with a 10.2-inch infotainment system, a 17-speaker audio system, 4G LTE Wi-Fi, 23-way power front seats, and so much more. The TLX doesn’t sleep on safety features, either. It comes standard with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, road-departure mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic monitoring, traffic jam assist, adaptive cruise control, and front and rear parking sensors.

Specifications

• Trim: Technology, A-Spec, Type S
• MSRP: Starting at $56,963 CAD
• Engine: 2.0-litre
• Horsepower: 272 hp
• Torque: 280 lb-ft
• Fuel Efficiency: 9.8 L/100km combined

9. GENESIS G90

Overview

The Genesis Hyundai is a full-size luxury sedan, which comes with a standard AWD system and is powered by a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine with a 48-volt electric supercharger. It clearly has power, but it has even more class. The G90 might be pricey, but it comes with 21-inch wheels, microfibre suede headliner, Nappa leather seating, tri-zone automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel with heat, 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, 18-way power driver’s seat and 16-way power passenger’s seat, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, massage front seats, power rear seats, a 14-speaker audio system—and so much more! It also comes standard with important safety features including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, and full-speed adaptive cruise control.

Specifications

• Trim: GT, SXT
• MSRP: Starting at $116,150 CAD
• Engine: 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6
• Horsepower: 409 hp
• Torque: 405 lb-ft
• Fuel Efficiency: 12 L/100 km combined

10. DODGE CHARGER

Overview

The 2023 Dodge Charger is a powerful AWD car with impressive features. Dodge discontinued this legendary vehicle after 2023, but it’s still impressive enough to make the list of best AWD cars in Canada. Dodge limits its all-wheel-drive system to the SXT and GT trims, which include a 3.6-litre V6 with up to 300 hp and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Fortunately, that’s still a lot of power! The Charger features sleek and modern designs with high-strength steel and aluminum. You’ll love the spacious cabin and roomy front and rear seats. It also includes unexpected luxury features including heated seats, a six-speaker premium sound system, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and more. Safety is also top of mind with blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

Specifications

• Trim: GT. SXT
• MSRP: Starting at $51,890 CAD
• Engine: 6.2-litre supercharged V8
• Horsepower: 797 hp
• Torque: 707 lb-ft
• Fuel Efficiency: 12.3 L/100km combined

BUYING AN AWD VEHICLE IN WINNIPEG

If you live here in Winnipeg during the wintertime, you know that an AWD car is pretty much a necessity! All-wheel-drive cars are becoming more and more popular in Canada because they provide stability and control on slippery or icy roads during the harsh winter. That’s why researching the best AWD cars available in Canada is key, and hopefully, this blog was a helpful guide to get you started.

All-wheel-drive is a common vehicle feature, but this list includes the best of the best! You might have noticed that when a new vehicle includes AWD, it often increases its MSRP—but here’s the good news—opting to buy a used AWD car can help to significantly lower the cost!

At Birchwood Credit Solutions, we offer a variety of all-wheel drive cars and four-wheel drive vehicles. You can browse our extensive inventory of vehicle options online today, or start your loan application in minutes. We work with buyers from all credit backgrounds to provide financing, including those who are rebuilding credit after bankruptcy or are new to Canada and are still establishing credit.