AWD is one of those features that sounds essential until you realise 90% of Australian drivers never actually need it. But if you do need it, here's which cars do it best.
Do You Actually Need AWD?
Honest answer for most people: no. Modern FWD cars with traction control handle rain and wet roads perfectly well. AWD adds weight, uses more fuel, and costs more upfront. You need AWD if you:
- Regularly drive on unsealed/dirt roads
- Live somewhere with frequent heavy rain or flooding
- Tow on steep or slippery boat ramps
- Go camping or skiing on unpaved access roads
If your commute is suburban roads and the occasional highway trip, save your money and buy FWD.
Best AWD SUVs
| Car | Price (AWD) | Fuel | AWD Type | Ground Clearance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Forester | $43,490 | 7.4L | Symmetrical AWD | 220mm |
| Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD | $44,560 | 4.8L | Electric rear motor | 195mm |
| Mazda CX-5 AWD | $42,190 | 7.5L | i-Activ AWD | 200mm |
| Subaru Outback | $48,990 | 7.3L | Symmetrical AWD | 213mm |
| Kia Sportage AWD | $38,490 | 5.6L | On-demand AWD | 178mm |
| Tesla Model Y | $65,900 | 15.5kWh | Dual motor AWD | 167mm |
Best Value AWD: Subaru Forester
Every single Forester comes with AWD. No extra cost, no option boxes to tick. Subaru's symmetrical AWD system is one of the best in the business because it's permanently engaged, not reactive. Combined with 220mm ground clearance and X-Mode for slippery surfaces, the Forester handles dirt roads and wet conditions better than most cars twice its price.
Best AWD Fuel Economy: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
4.8L/100km with AWD. That's better than some FWD cars. The RAV4 Hybrid uses an electric motor to drive the rear wheels, so there's no mechanical connection between front and rear axles. Less friction, less weight penalty. You get AWD grip when you need it without the fuel penalty the rest of the time.
Best AWD for Driving Fun: Mazda CX-5
Mazda's i-Activ AWD is a predictive system: it reads throttle, steering and wiper inputs and shifts torque before slip happens rather than after. G-Vectoring Control trims engine torque on turn-in to settle the nose. It is an on-road AWD system rather than an off-road one, so treat it as wet-weather and gravel-road security, not a low-range substitute.
AWD vs 4WD: What's the Difference?
| Feature | AWD | 4WD (with low range) |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Rain, dirt roads, light tracks | Serious off-road, steep towing |
| Low range | No | Yes |
| Diff lock | Usually no | Usually yes |
| Fuel penalty | 5-10% | 10-20% |
| Examples | Forester, RAV4, CX-5 | LandCruiser, Ranger, HiLux |
Don't buy a Forester thinking it'll handle the Gibb River Road. And don't buy a LandCruiser for school drop-offs. Match the drivetrain to what you actually do.
The AWD Premium: Is It Worth It?
Most manufacturers charge $2,000-4,000 extra for AWD over FWD. Then there's the ongoing fuel penalty. Over 5 years:
- AWD premium at purchase: $2,000-4,000
- Extra fuel over 5 years: ~$750-1,500
- Total AWD cost: $2,750-5,500
If you use it regularly, that's money well spent on safety and capability. If you bought it "just in case," you're paying $5k for peace of mind you probably didn't need.