Summer, sadly, is a thing of the past. We're now in the part of the year where the days grow shorter, the light more dim, and above all else, the days grow colder — which means ice and snow for many of us.
Dealing with winter's frozen precipitation is a major reason all-wheel-drive cars have become popular in recent years. That's been helped by the fact that AWD technology has improved to the point where it's light and compact enough to appear in all sorts of vehicles; indeed, all-wheel-drive is as likely to appear on your sport sedan these days as it is your crossover SUV.
Here, then, is our list of the best AWD vehicles by segment. Yes, this list is somewhat subjective; there are many other good choices in each category. But these are our favorites.
Best Sports Car: Porsche 911 Turbo S
Will Sabel Courtney
Porsche produces precisely engineered supercars, whose practicality distinguishes them from other manufacturers. Porsches are comfortable; Porsches are robust. Most 911 owners won’t use their car as a daily driver, but they could. Even the insanely powerful 911 Turbo S.
The 911 Turbo S will do everything you expect from a $205,000 sports car. It has 640 horsepower, and accelerates from 0-60mph in well under three seconds. But, with all-wheel drive, it can also go well beyond what you’d expect. The 911 Turbo S will not just get you to the ski slopes; it can drive up the slopes.
Engine: 3.8-liter turbocharged flat-six6 Transmission: 8-speed dual clutch automatic Horsepower: 640 hp Torque: 590 lb-ft Base Price: $203,500
Tesla is often in the headlines: you’ll frequently read about its dear leader, its stock price and its ad hoc methods of reaching production targets. Forget all that. We’re here to discuss the Model S, the sedan that redefined the electric vehicle. Tesla describes its acceleration as “Ludicrous,” which is an apt description; Motor Trend clocked its 0-60 mph time at 2.28 seconds. When not doing that, the Model S Performance can achieve a 348-mile range on a full charge.
Engine: Dual electric motors Transmission: 1-speed direct drive Horsepower: 680 hp Torque: 791 lb-ft Base Price: $94,990
The BMW M5 was one of the first vehicles to ever earn the sobriquet of "sport sedan," and in its current form, it's made clear that it deserves to hold that title still. The AWD speed machine packs a luxurious cabin for four inside, but enough performance to make them scream: a 0-60 mph time of three seconds or less, thanks to the all-wheel-drive grip, but with a Drift Mode for rear-wheel-drive antics when desired.
Engine: 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 Transmission: 8-speed automatic Horsepower: 617 hp Torque: 553 lb-ft Base Price: $111,095
Volvo is in the business of premium practicality. The Volvo buyer shares common concerns with the Subaru buyer, but needs a more sophisticated aesthetic and that little bit of extra pampering. The V90 Cross Country wagon hits that note perfectly. It’s like a Subaru Outback, but fancy.
The turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder T6 engine delivers ample power and torque, while its AWD system is tuned to master all reasonable terrains and weather conditions. A base price north of $50,000 isn’t cheap — but this car feels like it should be much more expensive.
Engine: 2.0liter turbocharged and supercharged inline-4 Transmission: 8-speed automatic Horsepower: 316 hp Torque: 295 lb-ft Base Price: $56,100
Mazda was once known as the zoom-zoom brand, but in recent years, it's set about bringing exceptional levels of refinement and features to its cars on top of their usual fun-to-drive characteristics. The Mazda3 would be one of the best regular sedans on sale even if it just came in front-wheel-drive form; the fact that you can get an AWD version, though, earns it a clear spot on this list.
Engine: 2.5-liter inline-four Transmission: 6-speed automatic Horsepower: 186 hp Torque: 186 lb-ft Base Price: $24,100
Car people don’t like crossovers. Cars that do everything decently tend not to do anything particularly well. Crossovers are functional but boring. The Stelvio Quadrifoglio is the crossover for car people. It looks like an Alfa Romeo on the surface and is powered by a Ferrari under the hood.
The Stelvio Quadrifoglio is the world’s fastest production SUV, with a sub-eight-minute lap around the Nurburgring. Getting from 0-60 mph in only 3.6 seconds, it's quicker off the line than its sedan sibling the Giulia Quadrifoglio. (Thanks, AWD.) And when you want to turn the volume down, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio returns to being a charming, comfortable and nimble kid hauler.
Engine: 2.9-liter turbocharged V6 Transmission: 8-speed automatic Horsepower: 505 hp Torque: 443 lb-ft Base Price: $80,500
When you need a hatchback, it’s best to stick with the classic that invented the category, the VW Golf. The Golf R is the hottest variant; it packs spot-on steering and handling, the option of a manual transmission, and tons of grip and go. Sure, you are spending $40,000-plus for a Volkswagen that doesn't look that much different from a standard Golf. But, there’s nothing wrong with keeping things low-key, especially when driving quickly.
Engine: 2.0-liter turbcharged inline-4 Transmission: 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic Horsepower: 288 hp Torque: 280 lb-ft Base Price: $40,395
Any list of all-wheel-drive cars would be incomplete without the the Subaru Outback. In many ways, the Outback was the ur-crossover: it combined the handling of a car with serious all-terrain capability. Considering Subaru’s now--standard EyeSight technology and the copious cabin and cargo space, the Outback is the ultimate practical family vehicle.
The only trouble with the Outback is, it’s a vehicle made to get you to your fun, not to provide any of its own. Upgrading to the turbocharged 2.4-liter engine found in XT versions makes things a little more enjoyable, at least on the straightaways — but you’ll pay up both front and at the pump by comparison.
Engine: 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four Transmission: CVT Horsepower: 260 hp Torque: 277 lb-ft Base Price: $34,995
This nearly matches the lowest price we've seen on Apple's premium AirPods. Competition is now fierce in this headphone category, but the quick pairing and native integration with Apple devices still makes the AirPods Pro tough to beat.
The V10 used to be Dyson's top-tier stick vacuum, but it was eventually replaced by the slightly more powerful (and much more expensive) V11. This makes the V10 a great value, as it's usually $150 less than the V11. Thanks to this sale, it's even a better value than the V11 right now.
Sony's latest and greatest, the WH-1000XM4 features Active Noise Cancelling, an unreal 30 hours of battery life, touch sensor buttons, and wearing detection that pauses playback when they are removed. This is one of the best prices we've seen on this set of headphones.
These cloth masks are more than meets the eye. United By Blue has made them with deadstock fabrics and included a filter slot that fits the brand's Activated Carbon Filters. Plus, for each pack purchased, one will be donated to a Philadelphia resident who is experiencing homelessness.
With 4K UHD, you get four times the display power of a 1080p TV. Built in Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity allow access to the Google Play store via the TV's Android TV operating system.
This smart plug allows you to control lights, fans and more from your phone or tablet via the free WEMO app or through the major smart ecosystems (Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit).
Hay is currently having a 15% off sale, featuring sofas, lounge chairs, and coffee tables. This is one of our favorite chairs; it has a high back for comfortable lounging and comes in multiple colors and materials, allowing you to customize to fit your space.
If you've been watching The Crown or have been following style moodboards lately, you've surely seen Barbour. The classic hunting brand makes some of the finest harsh-weather garments, bred to excel in the rain soaked British islands. A quilted jacket is an essential layering piece, whether topping off a sweater or under a waxed field jacket.
If you're looking to get a smoker but don't have the space for a full-sized grill and don't want to fuss with gas or wood, this electric smoker is an excellent option. With a removable wood chip tray, built-in thermostat and 1,800 watt heating element for even, consistent smoking, it has everything you need to get going.
If sleep has been tough to come by, whether pandemic anxiety-related or otherwise, a noise machine is an excellent way to put your mind and body at ease. Keep one in your bedroom for peaceful nights or in the office for a calming presence throughout the day.
Is anything left to be said about the Eames chair? This is one of the most iconic pieces of furniture to come out of the 20th century and is a must-have for any furniture aficionados (if you can afford it).
The CPO jacket is a classic silhouette that never goes out of style. Todd Snyder upgraded this one with premium a cotton-linen Herringbone that will break in and only get better over time.
Four-way stretch, seamless construction, and extreme breathability make this our pick for the best premium workout shirt. It is simple, and simply good.
This collab between Outdoor Voices and Hoka One One pairs an award-winning running shoe with OV's sharp eye for design to make a shoe that looks as good as it feels.
Not only is this one of the most versatile packs around, it eschews some of the "ugly" features on a standard outdoor pack for a look that is actually super stylish. We welcome an outdoor pack that values both style and function.
Everlane does basics extremely well — it's kind of Everlane's thing. The brand's 18-wale corduroy fabric shirt is a great option for the winter months and at half off you truly cannot beat it. READ OUR GUIDE TO CORDUROY SHIRTS
Yamaha SR-C20A Compact Sound Bar with Built-in Subwoofer and Bluetooth
The complete package, this sound bar connects via Bluetooth, has its own subwoofer and passive radiators, is wall-mountable, and can connect via HDMI, optical or AUX connections.
This chronograph re-issue of Timex's original military-style watch has an aluminum 40mm case that provides strength without the weight. If you're looking for a daily knock around with chronograph features, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better deal.
If you are working out a lot, you're going to need more than one mask. Under Armour has created one of the best sports-specific masks and right now if you buy two you get a great deal.
Todd Snyder's collaborations with Timex always hit. Paired with a vintage military-inspired band, this bullseye design is straight from the Timex archives.
Whether you want to move some of your most frequently used herbs indoors or don't have space outside for a garden, the AeroGarden Harvest is a perfect solution, with clearance for up to a foot of growth and room for 6 plants that grow five times faster than soil.
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