Best 2012 AWD Hybrids

If any powertrain configuration can be considered a “magic bullet” for fuel economy, reduced emission and even enhanced performance, the hybrid powertrain is the one. First employed in mass production by Honda and followed closely to market by Toyota the gasoline/electric hybrid systems have both increased the average fuel economy and come to symbolize environmentally sensitive motoring.

For those of you who have paid absolutely no attention to things automotive in the last twelve years, a hybrid powertrain combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor (or motors) to power an automobile. The electric motors are energized by a rechargeable battery pack. In the vast majority of configurations, the battery pack is recharged when the vehicle coasts or brakes.

Because they run partially on self-generated electricity, hybrids use less combustible fuel. All of the hybrid models on this list run on gasoline, so for the purposes of this discussion, we’ll refer solely to gasoline moving forward. The gasoline engine also generates electricity to recharge the battery pack.

In some configurations the electric motor is capable of propelling the vehicle without the gasoline motor; this is referred to as a “full hybrid”. In other configurations, the electric motor works only in conjunction with the gasoline engine. This is referred to as a “partial hybrid”. Further, the hybrid system can be used to enhance fuel economy as with the vast majority of its applications; or it can be used to enhance performance—as with the Lexus sedan, Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid and Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid on this list of the best AWD hybrid cars for 2012.

Initially all hybrid models were front-wheel drive. When hybrid powertrains started to appear in SUVs and crossovers they gained all-wheel drive counterparts as well. That said, only one passenger car on the market currently is an AWD Hybrid Car, the Lexus LS 600h L, the rest are all either car-based crossovers, or full SUVs.

What follows is our list of the best 2012 all-wheel drive hybrids.

Best 2012 AWD Hybrids: Ford Escape Hybrid

Ford’s Escape compact crossover has found a ready audience among drivers who appreciate the benefits of an SUV, but prefer a tidier-sized automobile. The entry on our list of best AWD hybrids is offered in two trim configurations, “XLT” and “Limited”.

With luxury features like automatic headlights, steering wheel audio controls, and a power-operated driver’s seat, the Escape Hybrid XLT is a nicely equipped automobile. Go for the Limited model and you’ll get leather upholstery, chrome trim, heated seats, and a six-speaker audio system. Options include self-parking, navigation and a rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2012 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine teamed with a pair of battery-powered electric motors (one of the electric motors powers the rear wheels while the other one feeds the front wheels). Combined with the gasoline engine, the powertrain produces a total of 177 horsepower. The gasoline engine’s power is sent through a continuously variable transmission.

Fuel economy is rated at 30 miles per gallon in the city, 27 on the highway and 29 miles per gallon combined.

Best 2012 AWD Hybrids: Lexus LS 600h L

Proof that all-wheel drive hybrid cars don’t have to be spartan affairs, the gasoline/electric powered big Lexus flagship sedan is a rolling showcase of technological marvels, hedonistic displays of luxurious accoutrements, outstanding comfort, and almost tomb-like quiet.

While a number of other luxury manufacturers produce hybrid-ized versions of their top of the line autos, the Lexus is the only all-wheel drive hybrid car in the luxury category. Additionally, the Lexus LS 600h L was the first hybrid-powered prestige sedan.

Standard features include LED projector headlights, the Lexus Advanced Parking Guidance System to automatically steer the AWD hybrid car into a parallel parking space, a 16-way power driver’s seat and 12-way power actuated front passenger seat—both with memory, heat and ventilation. The model also features the Lexus Enform telematics system embedded with a 19-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system. A six-disc CD/DVD changer, satellite radio, and a digital hard-drive based music server with a 2,000-song capacity feed the Mark Levinson’s amplifiers. The system also incorporates auxiliary/USB input jacks for portable audio devices.

Power is supplied by a full hybrid system made up of two electric motor/generators and a 5.0-liter, 389-horsepower V8. Peak output is 438 horsepower when both electric motors and the gasoline engine are combined. Power is routed to all four wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a manual shift control function. The transmission also has three driver-selectable driving modes -- Normal, Power and Snow.

Fuel economy for the 2012 all-wheel drive hybrid Lexus LS 600h Lis rated at 19 miles per gallon in the city, 23 on the highway and 20 combined.

Best 2012 AWD Hybrids: Lexus RX 450h

Descended from the industry’s first all-wheel drive hybrid luxury crossover, the 2012 Lexus RX 450h is essentially a five-passenger midsize luxury suv.

It’s a Lexus, so you know you can count on a smooth ride, lots of plush accommodations, and a host of extremely high quality materials gracing the interior. Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless ignition/entry, and dual-zone automatic climate control. There is also a nine-speaker audio system fed by a six-disc CD changer, satellite radio, and an auxiliary input jack for portable audio devices.

Key RX 450h options include leather seating, a wood and leather steering wheel, a 15-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo system, a head-up display and adaptive cruise control with a pre-collision warning system.

Powering the 2012 Lexus RX 450h is a combination of a 3.5-liter gasoline-powered V6 engine and three electric motors. Total system output is 295 horsepower routed through a specialized continuously variable transmission.

Fuel economy is rated at 30 miles per gallon in the city, 28 on the highway, and 29 combined. With the proper supplemental equipment, the all-wheel drive hybrid 2012 Lexus RX 450h is capable of towing as much as 3,500 pounds.

Best 2012 AWD Hybrids: Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid

The Porsche of all-wheel drive hybrids, the 2012 Porsche Cayenne lineup is just off of a completely redesign in 2011, making it one of the freshest models on our list of the best all-wheel drive hybrid cars for 2012.

In typical Porsche fashion, the Cayenne S Hybrid can be equipped as mildly or as wildly as you’d like. Further, being a Porsche, you can bet significant emphasis was placed on the performance potential of the hybrid SUV. Additionally, the Cayenne S Hybrid is one of the two vehicles on this list of the best all-wheel drive hybrids with just as much capability offroad as it flaunts on the street (the Porsche’s close relative, the Volkswagen’s Touareg Hybrid is the other one).

Standard features include leather upholstery, Bluetooth, a touchscreen interface, a power liftgate, automatic wipers, dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power front seats, and a 10-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. Key options include adaptive suspension dampers, active stabilizer bars, adaptive cruise control, keyless ignition/entry, four-zone climate control, ventilated front seats, voice-activated secondary controls, and a 16-speaker Burmester surround-sound audio system.

The 2012 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid motive force is derived from a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 gasoline-fired engine, which is teamed with a 34kW electric motor and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Porsche uses the hybrid system to enhance performance more than efficiency so this all-wheel drive hybrid powertrain produces 380 horsepower and 427 ft.-lbs. of torque. With a zero to 60 capability of 6.1 seconds, the Porsche returns 20 miles per gallon in the city, 24 on the highway, and 21 combined.

Best 2012 AWD Hybrids: Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The crossover hybrid from the company most people think of when they hear the word “hybrid” in reference to an automobile, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid seats seven. Further, it is the most fuel-efficient vehicle on the market to do so—while also delivering the benefits of all-wheel drive.

Based as it is on Toyota’s best-selling Camry model, the Highlander is comfortable, reliable and nicely appointed. Clever packaging and detailing sets the Highlander apart from other crossovers in its class. The second-row seats slide fore and aft and are capable of split-folding 40/20/40. Their center section can actually be removed and a table can be installed in its stead. The third row is best left to kids however.

Available in two states of trim—base and Limited—standard features for the base model include automatic headlights, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and a six-speaker sound system fed by a CD player, satellite radio and an iPod/USB audio input interface.

Key options include Highlander’s Leather package, which includes leather upholstery for the front two rows and vinyl for the third row, a power liftgate, heated front seats, a sunroof, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and an upgraded trip computer.

Highlander Hybrid Limited features all of the above as standard equipment; then adds items such as keyless ignition and entry, tri-zone climate control, a 10-way power driver’s seat and a four-way power adjustable passenger’s seat.

A nine-speaker JBL sound system with a six-disc CD changer and a navigation system with a touchscreen interface and real-time traffic information are optional for both models. A rear seat entertainment system is offered for both as well.

The 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid uses a hybrid powertrain consisting of a continuously variable automatic transmission and a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline-fired engine with three electric motors. Combined, the system produces 280 horsepower. The standard all-wheel-drive system uses the third electric motor to power the rear wheels for extra traction or acceleration.

Fuel economy is rated at 28 miles per gallon in the city, 28 miles per gallon on the highway and 28 miles per gallon combined.

Best 2012 AWD Hybrids: Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid

Lest you be deceived by those VW badges adorning this member of our best all-wheel drive hybrids for 2012 list, please be apprised the Volkswagen Touareg is most assuredly a luxury vehicle.

This 2012 all-wheel drive hybrid model comes laced with exceptionally rich wood trim, glowing metallic accents, and a raft of other high-quality decorative interior materials. Plus, you'll find a plethora of contemporary electronics and entertainment-oriented comfort and convenience features.

The VW hybrid’s lengthy standard features list includes a power liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated 12-way adjustable power front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, keyless ignition/entry and a premium sound system. Other standard kit includes a power-adjustable steering column, rear parking sensors, and passenger-seat memory.

Further, being a German hybrid, the Touareg goes down the road with a confidence found in but one other vehicle on this list—its close relative—the Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid. Also similar to its Porsche relative, the all-wheel drive Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid features a supercharged, direct-injection 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine paired with an electric motor and an eight-speed automatic transmission.  

The two combine to generate an impressive 380 horsepower and 428 foot-pounds of torque. Like the Porsche, the VW uses hybrid augmentation for performance over efficiency. Configured correctly, the Touareg Hybrid’s can tow up to 7,700 pounds.

The hybrid Volkswagen’s fuel economy is rated at 20 miles per gallon in the city, 24 on the highway, and 21 miles per gallon combined.