10 All-Wheel Drive Crossovers

crossovers are everywhere these days, and that means that automakers will continue to pump more time and energy into expanding trim levels and improving technology in order to reach wider audiences. For many modern crossovers, that means the inclusion of all-wheel drive systems that add extra capability. No longer are crossovers simply appliances on wheels—with all-wheel drive (AWD) in place, they can be experts at towing, changing road conditions, and even agile handling. Nor does an AWD system mean that fuel economy goes out the window; the technology is more intelligent than ever before, and improving each year.

Here, we've compiled a list that runs the gamut of excellent all-wheel drive crossover options, from affordable to luxury and dynamic to trail-rated. Read on to see some of the most intriguing all-wheel drive crossovers available today.

One of the best value luxury crossovers available today, and available in all-wheel drive, the 2016 Buick Encore is armed with a turbocharged, 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, the Encore has two power levels available: 138 horsepower and 148 lb.-ft of torque in the Base, Convenience and Leather trims, and 153 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft of torque in the Sport Touring. The interesting thing is that the more powerful version of that engine is also the more efficient—rated at 26 MPG city and 32 MPG highway, over 23 MPG city and 30 MPG highway. Paired with the stronger engine and 6-speed automatic transmission, the AWD system gives the 2016 Encore a more lively drive and welcome pep. Buick has promised more power for the 2017 Encore that will hit dealerships this fall, and those AWD models should up the ante even more in the small SUV.

As one of the only vehicles on this list that offers seating for eight people, the all-wheel drive 2016 Traverse has won a loyal following among families looking for car-like handling with minivan capability. All-wheel drive is available in four different trims, ranging from $33,205 for the Traverse LS to $44,145 for the Traverse LTZ. All models use the same 3.6-liter V6 engine, though the power output climbs from 281 horsepower to 288 for the LTZ. Chevrolet employs an intelligent AWD system to send appropriate power to the front and rear axles based on traction, wheel speed, throttle input and other factors. It’s an impressive system, and lends athleticism to a vehicle that ten years ago would have been a minivan. Even better, an all-new 2017 Traverse is coming to dealers later this year.

There are many reasons that the best version of the 2016 Dodge Journey is the all-wheel drive version. First of all, it transfers power to the wheel that needs it most based on available traction, and drives the front wheels only (for fuel economy purposes) until the demands of the road call for power to the rear. Second, the four-cylinder engine in the FWD versions of the car is considered underpowered by many at just 173 horsepower—the AWD trims come with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine rated at 283 horsepower. The Journey has an excellent interior and capable handling, so pair that with AWD, the V6 and the six-speed transmission for a unique crossover experience.

One of the most beloved crossovers on the market is made even better with the help of two different AWD systems: one fitted to the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine with 295 horsepower, and one fitted to the stellar 5.7-liter V8 engine with 360 horsepower and a low-range transfer case (both come with a class-exclusive 8-speed automatic transmission). AWD trims with the V6 range from $33,095 to $43,895, while the V8-equipped Durango R/T starts from $44,595. Top to bottom, the Durango is a fan favorite for its impressive handling, 50/50 weight distribution and towing capacity. This is the affordable crossover for your performance demands, and AWD is a big reason why.

With its Euro-inspired looks and small displacement engines on tap, the 2016 FIAT 500X might seem like a long shot to make a dent in the AWD crossover segment. The 500X scores major points with its interesting all-wheel system, however, which disconnects the rear axle when it’s not needed in order to increase fuel efficiency. As a result, the 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is capable of 22 MPG city and 31 MPG highway—excellent ratings for the segment. All-wheel drive is available in the 500X Easy trim from $24,635, all the way up to the 500X Trekking Plus starting at $29,235. Its tight dimensions and adept handling make the 500X an intriguing option, with AWD fuel economy the cherry on top.

Technology is quickly playing an increased role in all-wheel drive systems these days, and the Ford Edge is a perfect example. Ford developed their own AWD system in-house, which can assess road conditions up to 25 times in the blink of an eye, sending torque to the appropriate wheel based on traction, fuel efficiency and handling. The system helps make the Edge one of the most nimble crossovers on the market, and with a base 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine wth 245 horsepower, plus a 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with 315 horsepower and sport-tuned suspension, the Edge is extremely capable. What’s more, the redesigned 2017 Ford Edge with greater refinement and Ford Adaptive Steering will be available very soon.

Similar to the Edge, the 2017 Escape is also redesigned and equipped with intelligent all-wheel drive that makes it among the most agile and capable vehicles in its segment. For example, the AWD system monitors traction and road conditions every 16 seconds, and can transfer up to 100-percent of the torque to the rear wheels when necessary. It’s part of the reason the Edge boasts an impressive 3,500-lb. towing capacity. The Escape is also new for 2017, and AWD is available with either a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, or a 2.0-liter twin-turbo four-cylinder—both equipped with Auto Start/Stop technology that help the Escape achieve up to 22 MPG city and 28 MPG highway. With up to 245 horsepower on tap and a price tag that easily stays under $30,000, the Escape is a top contender in this category.

Widely regarded as one of the best three-row crossovers on the market—if not the best crossover, period—the 2016 Honda Pilot has been redesigned and is equipped with a stellar all-wheel drive system. Called Intelligent Traction Management, it uses torque distribution to maximize power, handling and efficiency, and also includes different modes for Normal, Mud, Snow or Sand, each one specifically tailored for different traction conditions. Starting from $31,945 for the AWD LX trim, the 2016 Pilot is not the most affordable three-row on the market, but standard features include a 3.5-liter V6 and a rearview camera. Plus, its inviting interior and excellent driving dynamics make even its top-line price tag of $46,570 for the AWD Elite with Navigation seem perfectly reasonable.

If you’re thinking off-road, you’re probably thinking Jeep. And with good reason. In the 2016 Cherokee compact crossover, there are actually three different all-wheel drive systems available. One engages the rear axle only when necessary; another has low-range for greater rock climbing and a neutral mode for towing behind an RV; the last is Trail Rated Jeep Active Drive Lock 4x4 with 4-Low and a rear locker for ultimate capability—standard in the extreme Cherokee Trailhawk trim. Two engines are available: A 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 184 horsepower, the choice for most trims, including the Trailhawk; and a 3.2-liter V6 with 271 horsepower in the Overland trim. Is it a ton of power? No, but paired with the all-wheel drive system, there are few vehicles in any segment as potent.

Crossovers that are new to the market are increasingly coming equipped with intelligent all-wheel drive, and the 2016 Nissan Murano adds it to a long list of best-in-class features that places it at the top of the affordable SUV segment. The Murano AWD system powers the front wheels only, until the rear needs it for traction purposes or under demanding handling at speed. That, along with an XTronic CVT transmission, helps some AWD models achieve 21 MPG city and 28 MPG highway with a 260-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine. Pricing starts from $31,260 all the way up to $40,700 for the Murano AWD Platinum trim. That's a lot of car for the money, and the Murano also boasts cargo capacity, interior refinement, and safety ratings that are at the top of its class.