If you’re looking for an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system to take on slippery roads or a trail off the beaten path, there are many different ones to choose from — and they’re not all created equally.
I’ll cover ten of the best AWD systems on the market for 2025, based on the research and testing I’ve done working for different manufacturers over the past two decades. These AWD systems provide excellent grip in the worst weather conditions, have light to moderate off-roading capability, and a few can even dramatically improve dry-weather handling.
A few caveats:
- I’m only covering systems that are widely available in the U.S. — no one-offs that you can only find on an exotic supercar that few people can afford.
- This isn’t a deep-dive analysis of each system (I’ll cover that in separate articles).
- AWD systems are constantly changing, so this article may be updated later.
- I’m only discussing AWD systems, not four-wheel drive (4WD) systems. (Generally speaking, true 4WD systems tend to be heavier-duty systems designed for serious off-roading.)
Same brand, different system
First, you should know that an AWD brand is simply that — a brand. It’s no secret that a manufacturer’s AWD system will differ significantly between different cars in its lineup. There are numerous reasons for this, but it makes sense that you’d tailor the AWD system for that vehicle’s specific needs, right?
This makes sense. You wouldn’t want the same AWD system on a sports car and an SUV, right? A sports car needs a high-performance AWD system for street or track use, while an SUV should be tuned for more off-road capability (yes, I know most SUVs never see more than a potholed shopping mall parking lot).
Simply put, the AWD system’s performance will vary depending on the vehicle it’s on, even if it’s under the same brand.
It’s all about hardware and software
A good AWD system has hardware that can handle different conditions and software to recognize those conditions, adapting how the hardware operates.
By hardware, I mean the components of the AWD system: the differentials, transfer case, driveshaft, engine, and transmission. These components work together to determine how power is distributed.
By software, we’re talking about the computers/electronics controlling how these things all work together. The software acts similarly to how a conductor leads a symphony.
For example, an AWD system’s software can tone down the engine if it’s causing too much wheelspin, while also braking individual wheels to redirect power to the wheels with more traction. It orchestrates how everything works together, making sure everything works in harmony.
A weakness in either (or both) of the AWD system’s hardware or software hurts performance — or worse, gets you stuck. All of the systems on this list have a good combination of hardware and software, with the manufacturers tuning their systems to what they think works best for that vehicle and its intended operation.
TIPS IF YOU’RE STUCK: AWD systems will begin braking your vehicle’s wheels and reducing engine power if the system determines there’s too much wheel slippage. This can get you stuck if you’re in deep sand, snow, or mud.
In most vehicles, you can disable the stability control system in these situations. This can give your vehicle the extra power to get moving by preventing your engine and brakes from fighting each other.
TOP 10 ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE SYSTEMS (alphabetically listed)
Acura SH-AWD
If there could be a valedictorian of AWD systems, this would likely be it. Acura’s SH-AWD system is an overachiever.
SH-AWD stands for Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. Yes, it’s a tad hyperbolic, but it’s a groundbreaking system that lives up to its name.
According to Acura, it was the first AWD system to use its rear differential to control power distribution not only front to rear, but also side to side at the rear wheels. SH-AWD can send up to 70% of the engine’s power to the rear wheels, and 100% of that rear-driven torque to just one rear wheel if needed.
It can then further accelerate the vehicle’s outside rear wheel in turns, generating additional turning force — essentially using the rear wheels to steer the car.
SH-AWD accomplishes this with a trick torque-vectoring rear differential that contains two multi-plate clutches that can distribute torque individually to the left and right rear wheels.
Instead of waiting for a wheel to slip, SH-AWD monitors the driver’s steering and throttle inputs, wheel speed, and cornering forces (lateral g and yaw) to proactively redistribute power to enhance cornering performance.
How effective is this system? Well, it enabled the second-generation MDX to have roadholding grip that was about the same as Acura’s own NSX exotic sports car — and better than some other so-called sports cars.
This extrasensory perception improves dry-weather handling and dramatically enhances wet-weather handling. SH-AWD also has clutches with a very high torque capacity to effectively transfer power from front to rear in more difficult situations, making it very capable for light off-road excursions.
You can find SH-AWD on models like the TLX, RDX, MDX, and NSX
Audi quattro
If Acura’s SH-AWD is the valedictorian of AWD systems, Audi’s quattro would be like a highly-respected, tenured professor — it has years of history and experience, and is a legend wherever it goes.
Audi’s Quattro system was tested and proven in rally car racing in the 1980s, with an eye-opening number of wins, and is credited with helping popularize AWD systems on cars.
So it’s no surprise that Audi is second to none in terms of the sheer breadth of AWD systems it offers. As of the writing of this article, there are no less than six different types of quattro systems that have been produced in the past decade. Each system is specifically tailored to the vehicle it’s found on, and all of them are extremely capable (as you would expect from Audi).
My favorite systems are on the S and RS models, which are also available with Audi’s impressive sport differential (another torque-vectoring differential with dual clutches in the rear differential).
Most of these models use an Audi-designed Torsen system, which is a permanent AWD system — meaning all four wheels receive power all the time — providing outstanding grip compared to many other systems that operate only in two-wheel drive mode until a wheel slips.
Most importantly, Audi went to great lengths to ensure this quattro system can handle high power output and extreme levels of abuse, making it one of the most durable AWD systems on the market — it’s even suitable for some moderate off-roading.
If I needed a bug-out vehicle in an apocalypse, a car with quattro would be high on my list — it can run all day without the heat fatigue associated with virtually any multi-plate clutch system.
BMW xDrive
BMW’s xDrive system is another one of my favorites because, like many other systems mentioned here, it combines excellent hardware and software.
The xDrive system reacts very quickly to wheel slippage. Its multi-plate clutch system is tenacious and has a very high clutch torque capacity, enabling it to effectively transfer power between the axles—even in more challenging situations.
In addition, xDrive is proactive, constantly monitoring driver inputs to vary torque distribution to improve handling and stability. On many models, it can revert to rear-wheel drive only to enhance cornering performance.
My favorite xDrive systems are the more performance-oriented systems found on the 3 Series – 8 Series and X3 – X7 models, and of course any of the M models. BMW also offers the torque-vectoring M Sport Differential on M models for enhanced cornering performance over the standard xDrive system.
Genesis e-LSD AWD
If you think Genesis vehicles look like Bentleys, there’s a reason for that. Genesis stole two of the top designers from Bentley, including SangYup Lee, who designed the Bentley Bentayga SUV.
Do you know who else Genesis stole? Albert Bierman. He’s the former head of BMW’s M performance division, who then went on to run research and development for Genesis.
So it’s no surprise that the Genesis all-wheel-drive system provides phenomenal performance — especially with the e-LSD (electronic limited-slip differential).
The video above shows the GV80 doing some moderate off-roading (Fast-forward 13 minutes to view. Caveat: the reviewer mentions the front wheels, but the e-LSD is located in the rear differential.)
It’s interesting to note that Genesis highlights its AWD system as being good both on-road and off, with a noticeable emphasis on off-road capability. This is a departure from most of its competitors, which mainly focus on snow or slippery conditions.
The e-LSD system uses an active, electronically-controlled clutch pack in the rear differential to send power side to side at the rear wheels (similar to how Acura, Audi, and BMW torque-vectoring systems work), and is said to have one of the fastest response times in the industry.
Based on my research and experience testing the AWD system in both a GV70 and a GV80, I have no reason to doubt that claim. Many videos online show people taking their Genesis off-road in places no sane owner would, and each time, the Genesis vehicle makes it look like a walk in the park.
The Genesis AWD system with e-LSD provides fantastic traction, brilliant operation, and impressive hardware, making it one of the most capable AWD systems on-road — and off.
Honda iVTM-4
Honda’s tried and true VTM-4 system has been around since the early 2000s. This was one of the first AWD systems to use two multi-plate clutches in the rear differential that could apply power independently to each rear wheel (and was the progenitor to SH-AWD).
This system also surprised some journalists with its off-road capability. Early versions featured a lock mode that allowed VTM-4 to climb over obstacles typically reserved for more serious 4WD systems.
The latest generation, iVTM-4, essentially operates like SH-AWD with the ability to vector torque front to rear and side to side at the rear wheels. Like SH-AWD, it can also overdrive the outside rear wheel to help steer the vehicle using the rear wheels.
iVTM-4 also adds an Intelligent Traction Management system that optimizes the AWD system for sand, mud, or snow conditions.
Like SH-AWD, iVTM-4 has a very high clutch torque capacity and can send up to 70% of the engine’s power to the rear wheels. This makes iVTM-4 one of the best systems for on-road and moderate off-road use.
You can find iVTM-4 on the Honda Pilot, Ridgeline, and Passport.
Land Rover All-Wheel Drive
If you need to conquer the Rubicon, or maybe pick up a Chanel bag on Rodeo Drive, Land Rover’s AWD system has got you covered.
Virtually everyone knows Land Rovers are incredibly competent off-road vehicles, which makes sense considering Land Rover has been making 4WD vehicles for over 70 years. So when Land Rover decided to make an AWD system, it seems it made one that thinks and acts like a 4WD system.
A good friend of mine worked for Land Rover, and we took his LR3 to an off-road park in Hollister, CA. I came away with a newfound respect for these vehicles. It’s one thing to see them in action; it’s another to experience them for yourself.
My friend let me drive his LR3 — I could climb up rutted hills so steep that the only thing I could see was the sky, and it felt like the LR3 might want to do a backflip.
The Terrain Response system is also fantastic, enabling Land Rovers to walk over obstacles like a gold-medal gymnast playing hopscotch — Land Rovers make incredibly difficult challenges look easy.
My favorite Land Rover systems are on the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Velar, Discovery, and, of course, the Defender.
Mercedes Benz 4MATIC
The 4MATIC system from Mercedes is another fantastic brand and one of my favorites. This shouldn’t be surprising, considering Mercedes has a long history of making 4WD and AWD vehicles, from the military-grade Geländewagens to the systems found on its cars today, Mercedes makes some of the most durable and capable systems.
Mercedes features different 4MATIC systems specifically tailored to the vehicle it’s found on. Mercedes SUVs in particular have very capable 4MATIC AWD systems. You can find videos on YouTube of Mercedes SUVs climbing 100% grades (that’s a 45-degree angle).
For comparison, most AWD systems will have difficulty (or will completely fail) climbing a 60% grade. And if that hill is covered in ice or anything slippery, many won’t even make it up a 30% grade.
So if you want a vehicle with an AWD system that can practically scale a wall and look classy doing it, the Mercedes 4MATIC system is a good choice. (Mercedes uses a particularly aggressive stability control system, so you may need to deactivate it in some situations if engine power is restricted.)
My favorite 4MATIC systems are the permanent AWD systems found on the C-Class, E-Class, and S-Class sedans, as well as the GLC, GLE, and GLS SUVs.
Rivian Quad-Motor AWD (Gen 2)
Imagine an AWD system that’s equally good at off-road rock crawling as it is doing drifts on a race track. Think that’s impossible? Then you haven’t met the Rivian Quad AWD system — the holy grail of AWD systems.
It was designed from its inception to be a true off-road and on-road AWD system (kind of like if a Jeep and a Ferrari had a baby).
Using four motors (one for each wheel) the Quad has true four-wheel torque vectoring, independently adjusting torque at each wheel for outstanding performance and control.
This is a significant contrast to AWD systems on gas-powered vehicles, which can feature a torque-vectoring rear differential on the rear axle, but depend on the vehicle’s front brakes to divert power between the front wheels (using an open differential).
The video above is from the Gen 1 system, but it gives you an idea of Rivian’s Quad AWD system’s impressive breadth of capabilities.
Drivers can change how the Quad AWD system operates with up to 10 different drive mode settings, including off-road Rock Crawl, Rally, Drift Mode, Sport, and numerous others.
This dramatically changes the vehicle’s personality, and let’s be honest, how many AWD systems even come with a Rally or Drift Mode, much less a Rock Crawl mode? Very cool.
And while the Rivian Quad isn’t a true 4WD system (no locking differentials or low-speed transfer case), it can do far more than most will ask of it off-road, while delivering unmatched and surprisingly capable performance on-road.
For now, Quad is the king of AWD systems and that doesn’t look like that will change any time soon.
Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
It’s hard not to get that warm, fuzzy feeling when talking about Subarus. But Subaru is serious about the performance of its Symmetrical AWD system, another pioneer in all-wheel-drive systems.
Subaru has always been a favorite of mine. Marching to the beat of its own drum, Subaru installs a flat boxer engine and positions the drivetrain in the middle of the car.
This enables the system to have a symmetrical construction (hence its name) and distribute power evenly to all four wheels when needed. As Subaru’s motto goes, “Transferring power from the wheels that slip to the wheels that grip.”
Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD system varies significantly depending on the car, and is tailored to that car’s specific intended purpose. Unsurprisingly, Subaru’s performance-oriented DCCT system on the WRX STi is my favorite, with a rearward bias and tenacious grip.
I also like the systems found on the Outback, Legacy, Forester, and Ascent due to their construction and versatility. But you can’t go wrong with any Subaru system as they are all exceptionally well-engineered.
Subaru’s available X Mode system is also one of the most well-designed traction management systems out there. It optimizes the operation of the AWD system depending on the situation and gives Subarus with this feature impressive off-road capability.
Volvo Instant Traction AWD
Most people know Volvo makes safe cars. But here’s something that most people don’t know: Volvo’s latest generation of Instant Traction AWD system also makes Volvo cars very capable.
Volvo’s Instant Traction AWD system is a front-wheel drive-based system that sends power rearward on demand. Front-drive based AWD systems provide excellent stability and are easier for many people to handle in slippery situations.
Volvo uses a Haldex-based system. Haldex is another one of my favorite systems because it’s very effective at transferring power from front to rear, and the latest generation of Haldex systems work proactively to maximize grip.
Also, Haldex has one of the highest clutch torque capacities I’ve seen, making Volvo’s Instant Traction system very capable—even in some very difficult situations.
You can find the Instant Traction AWD system on virtually all of Volvo’s current models.
Summary
So there you have it. Ten of the best AWD systems on the market for 2025. Each system has different strengths, so hopefully this list can help you narrow down which one will best suit your needs and keep you from getting stuck. You might even find one that makes driving more fun. 🚘
P.S. Make sure you have the appropriate tires for the season. It won’t matter what kind of AWD system you have if you don’t have the right tires. For example, don’t drive on summer tires in the snow. (I did this as an experiment and it was even more horrible than I thought it could be — even with AWD.)
CARTHOLOGY 
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