Our cars are more than just a means of getting to and from work or ensuring that the kids arrive on time at school. They are our all-access pass to a world of adventure and freedom. Many people associate obtaining a driver’s licence with entering adulthood, and in some ways, they are correct. They allow you to go wherever the road and your gas budget will allow. They are, however, still somewhat limited. After all, roads do not reach everywhere.
When it comes to true automotive adventure, something with a little more versatility and capability is required. Off-roaders come into play here, and while AWD does not always guarantee the ability to go wherever your whims take you, it does broaden your horizons. Click here to see some of the best all-wheel-drive cars in terms of practicality, versatility, and value.
These vehicles come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and their enhanced capabilities are sometimes used to bolster existing strengths rather than add new ones. This is true of high-performance sports cars. So, what are some examples of these vehicles that best utilise their all-wheel drivetrains?
1.Range Rover Land Rover
The Range Rover, the true king of the great outdoors, is equipped with genuine 4WD, which differs from the more common AWD. This, combined with an impressive 11.7-inch ground clearance (with the air suspension raised), means it can handle rough terrain with ease. Of course, it’s not as agile or engaging as a Jeep Wrangler, but it more than makes up for it in a variety of other ways.
For starters, it’s an extremely luxurious vehicle, but all that opulence comes at a cost. This is easily one of the most expensive SUVs on the market, competing with the Cadillac Escalade for a sizable portion of your retirement fund. Heated and ventilated seats are standard, with genuine leather and wood trim throughout the cabin.
But it doesn’t just look good; it also feels good. This is due to the spacious back seats and ample cargo space. Many luxury brands struggle with this, but because Land Rover doesn’t try to cram in seven seats, it can afford to generously serve everyone. Aside from the exorbitant price, the drawbacks of this land barge include a thirsty V6 engine or an optional V8 engine that is downright lush, as well as a less-than-stellar ride on asphalt.
2.Telluride, Kia
The Telluride is a far more affordable way to get behind the wheel of an AWD SUV, and it’s one of the best in the class. It’s not the most luxurious vehicle, but it’s one of the few that can handle three rows of seating well. In most cases, only toddlers can sit comfortably in the back seats, but this large Kia can accommodate adults, albeit for short distances.
What’s more, even with all of the seats up, the trunk can hold a decent amount of cargo. When you fold them down, you’re presented with a magnificent storage area that can compete with the most capable midsize SUVs on the market. The V6 engine under the hood isn’t a powerhouse, but it’s more than enough to propel the vehicle and provides a respectable 5,500-pound towing capacity.
The AWD is not necessary for Telluride’s success, and it provides no real off-roading capabilities. However, light camping along established trails is an option, and its on-road manners and safety are excellent. This is an example of all-wheel drive simply improving an already excellent vehicle in ways you may not be aware of.
3.Lucid Air is a third option.
Electric vehicles are quickly becoming more common on the road, but the Lucid Air is not a car we’d ever call “common.” This luxury electric sedan is the result of a decade of research and development, and the dedication and focus is palpable. It’s stunning to look at, and the powertrain is truly amazing. It comes in a variety of configurations, with the quad-motor setup producing more than 1,000 horsepower and insane performance.
While EV fuel economy cannot be easily translated into miles per gallon, the Air has some impressive mileage and a total range that gives Tesla, the segment’s long-time champion, a run for its money. The electric AWD system differs from a gas-powered vehicle in that each axle, or even each wheel when there are four motors, is powered independently and equitably. This gives EVs exceptional handling characteristics, which may be necessary given that some models can accelerate from 0-60 mph in under two seconds.
It is worth noting, however, that even the most basic model in the Air line will cost you nearly as much as a top-tier trim from another brand. On the plus side, you get a lot of bang for your buck. The Lucid Air is truly luxurious, with almost every modern comfort and convenience imaginable. Furthermore, the MSRP is somewhat misleading because many states offer tax breaks and other incentives for purchasing eco-friendly EVs.
Mentions of Merit
These are just a few of the many capable and popular AWD vehicles on the market in the United States, and they do not even include pickup trucks, which are almost synonymous with American culture. These are all four-wheel drive vehicles, such as the Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado, and Ram 1500.
AWD is almost always standard in luxury executive sedans, even if it is optional. Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, and Genesis G80 are among the top models in this category.
Finally, there are the muscle and sports cars that continue to be the automotive industry’s poster children. These are the vehicles that many first-time drivers aspire to own one day, and they include some stunning sports cars such as the Porsche Taycan, Audi e-tron GT, and Acura NSX.
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