All-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles have become increasingly popular, and for good reason. AWD systems offer drivers an appealing combination of stability, traction, and performance in a range of driving conditions.
This blog post explores how innovative manufacturers are revolutionising AWD technology in 2024, making it more cost-effective, fuel-efficient, and easier to maintain than ever before.
In this article, we will discuss the top AWD vehicles that perfectly balance enhanced traction and stability with optimised weight distribution and responsive handling. These vehicles offer the best of both worlds—delivering the high performance that defines AWD vehicles while also being highly efficient and practical, attributes not commonly associated with AWD models.
At Motorfinity you can save on average £7,000 on these AWD vehicles. Our nation’s Armed Forces, Veterans, Emergency Services, NHS, Police and Prison Services, the Education and Social Care sectors and more form our eligible audience are eligible for these deals.
Best New AWD Cars
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Retail Price: £65,405.00
Savings: £16,458.00
Motorfinity Price: £48,947.00
Motorfinity Lease Starts From: £980.87
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Specific AWD Trim:
- 258kW Premium 91kWh AWD 5dr Auto
The Ford Mustang Mach-E stands out as one of the most compelling AWD electric SUVs in its class, offering an impressive blend of performance, technology, and practicality.
The Mach-E's AWD system, available on select models, provides excellent traction and stability across various driving conditions.
Efficiency, often a concern with AWD vehicles, is a strong point for the Mach-E. The AWD variants offer impressive range, with the extended range AWD model capable of up to 335 miles on a single charge.
Performance is another area where the Mach-E AWD excels. The top-spec GT model, with its dual-motor AWD setup, delivers a stunning 467hp and can accelerate from 0-60mph in just 3.7 seconds, rivalling many sports cars while offering the practicality of an SUV.
In terms of value, the Mustang Mach-E AWD variants offer competitive pricing within the premium electric SUV segment. The combination of performance, range, and technology justifies its position in the market.
For those seeking a well-rounded AWD electric SUV that offers exciting performance, impressive range, and cutting-edge technology, the Ford Mustang Mach-E stands out as an excellent choice.
Cupra Ateca
Retail Price: £40,500.00
Savings: £6,954.00
Motorfinity Price: £33,546.00
Motorfinity Lease Starts From: £438.77
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Specific AWD Trim:
- 2.0 EcoTSI 190 V1 5dr DSG 4Drive
The Cupra Ateca stands out as an exceptional AWD vehicle, seamlessly blending the practicality of a family SUV with the exhilaration of a high-performance car.
Audi Q5 Sportback
Retail Price: £51,865.00
Savings: £6,540.00
Motorfinity Price: £45,325.00
Motorfinity Lease Starts From: £630.80
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Specific AWD Trim:
- 45 Tfsi Quattro Sport 5dr S Tronic
The Audi Q5 Sportback is an excellent AWD vehicle, offering a stylish coupé SUV package without compromising on capability or efficiency.
Its petrol AWD variant (45 TFSI) achieves up to 33.2 (mpg), while the plug-in hybrid version (50 TFSIe) can deliver an impressive 177mpg under ideal conditions. These figures demonstrate that AWD doesn't have to mean poor fuel economy.
The Q5 Sportback's Quattro AWD system provides excellent traction and stability across various driving conditions, enhancing its sporty handling characteristics and cornering ability.
Despite its coupe styling, the Q5 Sportback maintains impressive practicality with 510 litres of boot space (455 litres in the PHEV version).
It offers decent rear headroom and optional sliding and reclining rear seats for enhanced comfort and flexibility.
With smooth, punchy performance across its engine range and refined driving characteristics, the Q5 Sportback proves that choosing a stylish coupé SUV doesn't mean compromising on the benefits of all-wheel drive or overall usability.
Audi A6 Saloon
Retail Price: £51,380.00
Savings: £8,982.00
Motorfinity Price: £42,398.00
Motorfinity Lease Starts From: £616.13
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Specific AWD Trim:
- 45 TFSI Quattro Sport 4dr S Tronic
The Audi A6 saloon is an excellent choice among AWD vehicles in the luxury segment. It offers a blend of performance, comfort, and efficiency, making it a well-rounded option for those seeking the benefits of all-wheel drive in a premium executive car.
The 40 TDI quattro diesel variant achieves an impressive 46.8 mpg in real-world testing, outperforming its key rivals and demonstrating that AWD doesn't have to mean poor fuel economy.
Audi's Quattro AWD system provides excellent traction and stability across various driving conditions, enhancing the A6's handling characteristics.
The system makes the car feel lighter and more agile than its size might suggest, offering nimble performance even compared to some rear-wheel-drive competitors.
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Volkswagen Golf R Hatchback
Retail Price: £43,895.00
Savings: £7,647.00
Motorfinity Price: £36,248.00
Motorfinity Lease Starts From: £447.10
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Specific AWD Trim:
- 2.0 TSI 333 R 4Motion 5dr DSG
The first hatchback on our list that offers the best of both worlds is the Volkswagen Golf R.
The Golf’s R 4MOTION all-wheel drive system enhances traction and stability in all conditions. It dynamically distributes power between the axles, improving grip and handling while maintaining efficiency.
Toyota Yaris Cross
Retail Price: £32,925.00
Savings: £3,514.00
Motorfinity Price: £29,411.00
Motorfinity Lease Starts From: £398.12
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Specific AWD Trim:
- 1.5 Hybrid Excel AWD 5dr CVT
In the compact SUV segment, the Toyota Yaris Cross stands out as a compelling AWD option with impressive fuel efficiency, high performance, handling, and agility—qualities not commonly found in many compact SUVs.
It boasts one of the best fuel efficiencies among AWD models, offering a real-world average of 60.1 mpg, making it one of the top performers even among 2WD options.
Audi S3 Sportback
Retail Price: £46,925.00
Savings: £2,177.00
Motorfinity Price: £44,748.00
Motorfinity Lease Starts From: £638.99
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Specific AWD Trim:
- S3 TFSI Black Edition Quattro 5dr S Tronic
The other compelling option that provides the best of both worlds is the Audi S3 Sportback. With excellent driving dynamics, sharp handling, a comfortable ride, and the added benefits of AWD, the S3 Sportback makes a strong statement.
The Audi S3 Sportback offers respectable fuel efficiency for its class with an average of 33.0 mpg. On long runs, the car can even achieve over 40 mpg. This is quite impressive considering the S3's performance credentials.
The Audi S3 Sportback strikes an impressive balance between performance and practicality. It offers generous front space and adequate rear room, ensuring comfort for both driver and passengers. The boot space, while slightly compromised by the all-wheel drive system, still provides a useful 325 liters of capacity. This proves more than sufficient for daily needs and even weekend getaways. The versatility of the space is evident, easily accommodating everything from golf clubs to gardening supplies.
Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Retail Price: £53,750.00
Savings: £3,096.00
Motorfinity Price: £50,654.00
Motorfinity Lease Starts From: £591.64
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Specific AWD Trim:
- 2.0 Turbo 280 Veloce 5dr AWD Auto
The other SUV stands out in the premium SUV segment with its engaging driving dynamics and capable all-wheel drive system. It delivers a strong performance without compromising on drive quality, efficiency and practicality.
The vehicle's handling is its strongest point. It's lively, fun, and amazing to drive, as you normally expect from a car in this segment.
Despite its performance focus, the Stelvio maintains impressive efficiency for an AWD vehicle. The vehicle achieves an average of 28.9mpg, with up to 32.2mpg possible during moderate motorway cruising.
. The Difference Between AWD, 2WD and RWD vehicles
All three drivetrains are suited for different driving conditions. 2WD is best for everyday driving on paved roads, offering simplicity and fuel efficiency but struggling in adverse conditions.
AWD, on the other hand, offers enhanced traction and versatility, making it suitable for varying weather conditions and light off-road use. 4WD, in contrast, excels in extreme off-road terrains and heavy-duty tasks, but typically at the expense of higher fuel consumption and complexity.
To learn more about the differences, check our comprehensive guide on FWD vs. RWD to better understand two-wheel drive systems and AWD vs. 4WD to learn about all wheel drive and four wheel drive systems in detail.
Best AWD Car Deals at Motorfinity
Motorfinity specialises in offering exclusive vehicle deals for its eligible audience, which includes members of the Armed Forces, Veterans, Emergency Services, NHS, Police, and other key workers.
Our dedicated deals page showcases a range of special offers across various makes and models, with the potential to save you thousands on your next car purchase.
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