The Best Gas Mileage of AWD Vehicles

In order to understand what AWD (All Wheel Drive) is, we must first know what it isn't. AWD systems are not like the heavy duty part time 4wd systems put on some trucks for off-roading. AWD is a system where all four wheels get an identical amount of power. In some cases, however, there are variations like "Real-Time AWD" that only put power to all the driven wheels when necessary.

Full Time AWD Cars

As you might expect, the most fuel efficient AWD vehicles are based on lighter car platforms. For example, the Suzuki SX4 Crossover is the least expensive AWD vehicle in America (starting at $15,849) and its EPA fuel economy ratings are 23 city/30 highway. The next best is the Subaru Impreza which costs $17,495 and gets 20 city/27 highway.

Full Time AWD Wagons

Although the station wagon no longer has the dominant sales presence it once had in this country, there are three AWD station wagons that continue to sell in great numbers. They are the Subaru Outback (19 city/27 highway), the Audi A4 Avant 2.0 T (21 city/27 highway) and the Audi A6 Avant 3.0T (17 city/25 highway).

AWD SUVs

As far as SUVs go, some have full time all-wheel drive while the more efficient models only have part-time AWD. Some the of best AWD SUVs for fuel economy include the Ford Escape Hybrid (18 city/23 highway), the Honda CR-V (21 city/27 highway) and the Chevy Equinox (20 city/29 highway).

References

• Rubicon Trail: AWD
• Suzuki Auto: SX4 Specs
• Subaru: 2010 Impreza

Resources

• Audi Information