All-wheel drive cars are a smart choice if you live in an area of the country that experience adverse weather conditions. All-wheel drive provides extra acceleration in slippery conditions, by distributing power from the engine to all four wheels. This power distribution is also helpful when the roads are dry. Because of this extra control all-wheel drive cars have become popular, and more automakers are adding all-wheel drive to their list of standard or available features. Here are the best all-wheel drive cars of 2016.
Ford Fusion AWD
The Ford Fusion (base MSRP $22,110) is a great choice if you’re looking for an affordable sedan with all-wheel drive. It’s big enough for the driver and passengers to ride comfortably, manages respectable fuel efficiency (22 city / 31 highway), and its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission manages 240 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque.
While not the fastest on the road – the Fusion has a 7.3 second 0-60 time – the Ford Fusion will offer an enjoyable experience with a soft, quiet ride. All-wheel drive is available on the SE and Titanium trim levels.
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Audi A6 Quattro
If you’re looking for a German-engineered car, the Audi A6 Quattro (base MSRP $46,200) may be to your liking. Featuring your choice of a 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (24 city / 35 highway) or a 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque 3.0-liter V6 engine (20 city / 30 highway), the A6 has plenty of power going to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The A6 features precise handling and a 0-60 time of 6.1 seconds (2.0-liter engine) or 4.6 seconds (3.0-liter engine).
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Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic
Another superb German sedan with all-wheel drive is the Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic (base MSRP $40,950). The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine pumps out 241 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque (24 city / 31 highway). That power is then routed through a 7-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. The car zips up to 60 mph in just a little over 6 seconds and performs well in the twisties thanks to 4-wheel multilink suspension, agility control and smartly calibrated electromechanical power steering.
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Subaru Legacy
Subaru is probably the king of all-wheel drive because all of its vehicles come standard with it, and the Legacy (base MSRP $21,745) is one of its best cars. It’s a family sedan with either a 2.5-liter four-cylinder pumping out 175 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque ( 24 city / 36 highway) or a 3.6-liter six-cylinder the produces 256 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque ( 20 city / 29 highway) both of which are mated to a CVT.
While certainly not the fastest on the road, the Legacy has strong performance numbers, with a 0-60 time of 8.8 seconds for the 2.5-liter engine and right around 7 seconds for the 3.6-liter engine.
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Cadillac CTS AWD
If you’re craving a hot-blooded American luxury sports sedan with available all-wheel drive, look no further than the Cadillac CTS (base MSRP 45,560). The CTS comes with either a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (21 city / 29 highway) that manages 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque or a 3.6-liter V6 (16 city / 24 highway) that blasts out 335 hp and 285 lb-ft of torque.
Either engine option has available all-wheel drive and an eight-speed transmission, however, the CTS-V’s 3.6 twin-turbo engine won’t spread power to all four wheels. Still, the regular versions of the CTS provide a driving experience that is not at all boring, with a 0-60 time of under 6 seconds for the 2.0-liter engine and the 3.6-liter engine makes 60 mph closer to 5.5 seconds.
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BMW 528i xDrive
With a sporty history, the BMW 528i xDrive sedan (base MSRP $52,500) comes toting an impressive 2.0-liter twin-turbo four-cylinder engine (24 city / 34 highway) is capable of 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, which is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The German-engineered 528i xDrive boasts an impressive 0-60 time of under 6 seconds.
While the 528i still has a sporty focus, it has become more refined over the years and is a truly impressive car. The ride is smooth and comfortable thanks to double wishbone suspension up front and multi-link integral rear suspension in the rear.
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Volvo S60 Cross Country
The Volvo S60 Cross Country (base MSRP of $43,700) is the vehicle you want if you’re an urbanite who has a serious affinity for taking weekend trips out into the wilderness. The Volvo S60 Cross Country might not be able to contend with some more off-road geared crossovers, but it does have 7.9 inches of ground clearance, making it more capable than many of the CUVs on the road. The 250 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque produced by the 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine (20 city / 28 highway) is enough for any road. Its 6.1 0-60 time isn’t blistering fast, but it’s not too shabby either.
If you feel that the S60 Cross Country is just a little too hardcore of an off-road machine for you, consider the regular Volvo S60 (base MSRP $34,150 with all-wheel drive. You can still get the all-wheel drive performance without the ride height and off-road credibility of the Cross Country.
