If you want a capable and reliable AWD car, there are many options to choose from. The best thing is that you don’t even have to spend an exorbitant amount of money either, as there are many affordable, but still reliable AWD cars on the market.
Starting with the iconic Subaru Impreza, a car deeply rooted in rallying, you get a lot of car for the money. If you want a more premium compact sedan, you should also check out the Audi A5. However, if you want a larger, yet equally reliable sedan, the Subaru LaCrosse is the one to get, or the Audi A6 if you prefer luxury.
In the world of SUVs, there are many AWD options to chose from, but it seems like the Mazda CX-5 and the Kia Telluride are the most reliable AWD SUVs on the market. If you want a more luxurious, but equally reliable SUV, the Porsche Macan or the Audi Q7 are the ones to get.
No matter which car you buy, you always have to do regular maintenance if you want to maximize your car’s reliability. No matter if it’s a Japanese economy car or a luxurious German flagship sedan, regular maintenance is essential.
Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza has always been at the very top end when it comes to reliable AWD sedans, and it seems like the new Impreza is very much the same. With a starting price of less than $20k, the Impreza is a true bargain for what it delivers because AWD comes as standard across all models and variants.
If you opt for the Automatic version, you also get the Subaru EyeSight safety system as standard which makes the Impreza very safe as well. That being said, however, the Impreza does not offer any hybrid powertrains as of yet, but the reliability is class-leading in almost every regard.
Audi A5
The Audi A5 is one of the most desirable Audi models on the market right now, and thanks to a relatively reliable platform and Quattro AWD, it’s also one of the best compact AWD sedans on the market. The A5 looks stunning thanks to cleverly executed styling cues which make the A5 look mature while still retaining a sporty coupe ethos.
Quattro AWD does not come as standard though, which means that you will have to pay a bit extra in order to get it. However, it is worth it to do so, especially if you opt for the S-Line package which also comes with a more purposeful suspension set up which makes the A5 way more fun to drive.
Subaru LaCrosse
The Subaru LaCrosse is fairly similar to the Impreza in many regards, but it also improves on where the Impreza fails to deliver, and that is driving enjoyment and higher quality build materials. With a starting price north of $30k, the LaCrosse is a huge step up from the Impreza, but it’s well worth it.
The LaCrosse also offers a proven Subaru Symmetrical AWD system which is often considered as the best AWD system on the market right now. If you pair that with lots of interior and cargo space, a great infotainment system, and great reliability, the LaCrosse is certainly a good option for those who want a relatively affordable larger sedan.
Audi A6
The new Audi A6 looks and feels like a spaceship inside and out. Thanks to a futuristic interior and great build materials, the A6 stands above the rest of its segment as the most technologically advanced mid-size Premium sedan.
The A6 comes standard with Quattro AWD which is often regarded as the best AWD system on the market. If you pair that with above-average reliability, the A6 comes on top as the best larger-sized sedan on the market right now.
Porsche Macan
The Porsche Macan is the most reliable Porsche SUV on the market. If you consider that Porsche as a whole, is a brand known for reliability, superior engineering, and luxury, the Macan is a true no-brainer. You should skip the 4-cylinder engines, and opt for a 6-cylinder powertrain because the Macan is a true sports SUV.
With a handsome-looking interior and exterior, the Macan is as attractive as a compact SUV can get. Even though there are many reliable SUVs on the market, no SUV can offer what the Macan offers, and still be considered reliable. It’s Porsche engineering at its very best.
FAQ Section
How can I increase my car’s reliability?
To increase your car’s reliability, you need to take good care of your car. This means that you need to do all the regular maintenance, keep the car clean, always opt for OEM parts and always use licensed service shops to do carry out the necessary service schedules.
You should also listen to your car while driving, and look for any signs of crackling, popping, squealing, whining, knocking, or similar. Fix all the issues promptly and always be easy on the accelerator and the brake pedal. Change all the filters and fluids regularly, and always use the best care products available.
Which AWD system is best in the snow?
Audi and Subaru make the best AWD systems for snow driving, but between the two, it seems like Subaru has the upper hand because of the symmetrical AWD platform it is based on. This system enables the Subaru to be more controlled which in turn decreases slip.
On the other hand, the Audis Quattro AWD system is almost as good, but it’s not set up as aggressively as Subaru’s AWD system is. No matter which one you go for, you will not be disappointed.
Which AWD system is the sportiest?
BMW M xDrive and Mercedes AMG 4Matic+ are the two sportiest AWD systems on the market right now because they enable you to decouple the rear diff completely which literally turns the cars into rear-wheel-drive hooligans.
These systems are already primarily rear-wheel-drive biased which makes them feel way sportier than Quattro AWD or Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD system. Its worth mentioning that BMW and Mercedes recommend you not use ‘’Drift Mode’’ on public roads as this can often be hazardous.
