Take a Look at Some of the Best New AWD Cars for 2012

Top Recommended 2012 AWD Vehicles

Harry Lloyd

All wheels turning

All wheel drive, or AWD, is a unique drivetrain in certain vehicles that distributes torque from the engine to all its wheels at the same time. This is different from most new cars these days, which are typically front wheel drive. This special kind of AWD vehicles provides drivers with certain advantages and disadvantages; it all depends on how you use your vehicle.

One of the biggest and most immediately noticeable differences is the extra handling that AWD provides you. The most practical application of this extra handling power is in snowy, icy and rainy road conditions. AWD can give you that extra little push you need to catch enough traction to get going or stop yourself. Anyone who has skid along an icy road knows how terrifying and helpless that feeling can be.

That's not the only application however. Pickup trucks can use the extra torque to give it more towing and hauling capability, which for some people makes all the difference in the world. It is also used in performance and luxury cars to give much more handling at high speeds, but these are usually higher priced car deals.

The disadvantage to AWD is really the hit it takes in fuel economy. Not only does this use more fuel to power all the wheels, the actual 4WD component itself weighs a considerable amount. This weight slows your car down and cuts its fuel economy.

Top AWD sedan

Sedans usually don't come with all wheel drive, but there are definitely some high quality options. If you want the cheapest available sedan with AWD, check out the 2012 Subaru Impreza. Subaru has a great track record of very reliable vehicles and is, undeservedly, often overlooked.

Top AWD SUV

SUVs benefit a lot from AWD, since they really didn't have great mpg to begin with, so they are not penalized as much by the extra weight and power. It also provides an extra bit of strength to carry these larger vehicles through turns and questionable road conditions. The 2012 Chevy Equinox provides a great balance of what crossover SUV shoppers want, all at a low price.

Top AWD truck

New 4x4 trucks are where AWD systems can really shine. No vehicle class appreciates or benefits from all wheel drive the way that powerful pickup trucks do, and of them, it's hard to not recommend the 2012 Ford F-150. The king of trucks has something for everyone.

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