Top 3 AWD Cars to Choose From

December 10th, 2010 by No comments »

With the cost of gas appearing to continually rise, running cost for SUVs is quickly outgrowing peoples budgets. So people are looking for alternatives, and one group of vehicles that are getting a lot of converts are AWD cars. This review will take a look at three of the most popular all wheel drive cars.

Infiniti G25x


The first in the group is from Infiniti’s popular G range of vehicles, and while the range starts at just under $31k you have to step up to the almost $34K G25x model to get all wheel drive.

For the cost you do get a very well equipped car, a 2.5 liter V6 engine with a 7 speed automatic gearbox, and just about every option you you can think of actually comes as standard including, leather heated power seats, remote keyless entry, rear view monitor, HID headlights and side curtain airbags. If you are looking for a luxury AWD car then the Infiniti deserves investigation.

Subaru Impreza WRX

To be honest we could have picked any of the current Subaru lineup, as they all come with all wheel drive, but we decided on the best selling Impreza WRX which comes in at just over $25k, almost ten thousand dollars less than the Infiniti.

The lower price does come with fewer features, the engine only has 4 cylinders, but it does add a turbo-charger, and the gearbox is a 5 speed manual. The interior is also less well equipped than the expensive Infiniti, having no leather heated power seats, and a less extensive entertainment system. What it does come with though is Subarus Legendary rally history, and where you are buying a car for its AWD potential that counts for a lot.

BMW 328i xDrive


The 3 series BMW has been sold as the ultimate drivers car for years now, and the 328i xDrive is their entry level all wheel drive model, although starting at $36.5k there is nothing entry level about the price.

For your considerable investment you do an inline 6 cylinder engine and a six speed gearbox with paddle shifters. While pretty well equipped, with leather interior and a whole bunch of other standard features the Infiniti has it beat when you compare what is included as standard. The BMW may be the car for you if badge prestige is important, but in this group of AWD cars it just looks over-priced and under specified.

The brand new Honda CR-V

November 10th, 2011 by No comments »

The all-new Honda CR-V due to be released later this year has a lot to live up to. The previous three incarnations of the car have been exemplary in the world of SUVs – standing out from the crowd for their simple but elegant styling, their safety, reliabilty and longevity.

The design of the brand new Honda CR-V will remain faithful to the initial concept version shown off by Honda earlier this year. The new CR-V will have a slightly sportier, more “aggressive” look than its predecessors.

The new model, though, will be based on a completely new platform. Most notably, perhaps, the new CR-V has a wrap-around lower front bumper that appears more integrated into the rest of the fascia than on its predecessors.

Also, the three bar horizontal front grill appears more prominently on the new version, whilst the CR-V’s traditional big headlights have been slightly slimmed down. The overall impression is a little sleeker, overall, but it clearly retains its overall lineage and Honda heritage.

The front end changes were driven more by aerodynamics than by style – though, as ever with Honda cars, the designers have managed to marry up these requirements superbly.

The side sills are also more prominent on the new CR-V as the car takes on a little more of a “sculpted” appearance. At the back, the new CR-V retains its trademark vertical lights introduced with the first CR-V during the 1990s. Internally, there is a lot more space thanks, in part to a lower floor for improved load-carrying.

The new car will be hitting Honda UK showrooms during the autumn of 2012. As the car is still basically under wraps, engine details haven’t been fully revealed. But Honda has promised both improved efficiency and better fuel economy. The predecessor Honda CR-V was available with a choice of a 2.2-litre diesel or a 2.0-litre petrol or engine, both of which produce 148bhp.

2010 AWD Cars List

February 10th, 2011 by No comments »

If you’re looking for a safe family car that handles well in all types of weather should you consider this AWD cars list.

The Subaru Impreza falls into the category of AWD. The benefits to consider with this vehicle are extra cargo space allowing plenty of room for groceries and carrying the items that you need. This car has high safety scores and handles well. You can expect 20 mpg for city driving and 28 mpg during highway driving. This vehicle is priced around $18,000 and the Insurance Institute for Highway safety has selected the Impreza as a Top Safety Pick.

Also on the list is the Toyota Sienna LE it offers drivers a 3.5 liter V6 engine with 266 horsepower. Drivers of the Sienna will be impressed with the zippy acceleration. The fuel economy will save you money giving owners 19 mpg in the city and 24 when driving on the highway.

The Sienna rides comfortably and has many safety features such as side curtain airbags for the front seat, stability control and antilock disc brakes. It is priced around $25,000 making it one of the best AWD vehicles priced under $30,000.

Another vehicle that has made the best awd cars list is the Ford Fusion V6 SE. The interior of this vehicle is roomy and comfortable and the Fusion handles nicely. It is four cylinders making the car fuel efficient. Different trims are offered allowing you to choose the one you prefer, these include the S, SE, Sport and SEL.

Ford focused on safety features and added airbags for the front, side curtain airbags and antilock disc brakes. The fusion costs around $20,000 and the fuel economy is 23 around town and 34 when driving highway distances.

Naturally a Volvo made the list of best cars and The Volvo V50 TS is one of the top rated awd vehicles. It handles smoothly on every driving surface and this includes wet or slippery roads. It comes with a 2.5 liter engine, this will give you power that you can enjoy.

The Lexus IS 250 is a beautiful vehicle and gives owners the fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg highway. A 204 hp 2.5 liter engine will give you the power you need and the acceleration you’ve always wanted. It handles perfectly on any road condition and the cost is around $30,000. Safety features include stability control, front seat airbags and curtain airbags.

Consider carefully your preferences in vehicles when choosing an awd car. You will feel comfortable transporting your family in a vehicle that handles well in all types of weather. The awd cars list will give you an idea of where to start.