We Canadians love our all-wheel drives. I’ve got one, and you probably do, too.
Most of us get our AWDs in the form of crossover SUVs.
These are all the rage these days because they’re handy, higher off the ground, and have more room than a car.
For those of us who want AWD but prefer to drive a car, the selection seems fairly limited.
There’s the Canada-built Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger, the popular Subaru Impreza and Subaru Legacy, and a handful of others like the
Ford Fusion and Buick Lacrosse.
For most folks who’ve ever found themselves in search of a list of AWD-equipped cars, that’s probably what the list looked like last time you checked.
But several new cars have recently hit the market, offering optional AWD to shoppers after a boost in traction.
Mazda 3
The first is the Mazda 3. This is an all-new generation car, and AWD is available optionally on select model grades, in either it’s sedan, or hatchback body styles. Mazda’s AWD system is fast-acting and seamless, and uses some trick programming and to ensure you get a sporty and confident feel in slippery conditions.
Mazda 3 with AWD starts in the high 20s.
Nissan Altima
Next, it’s the Nissan Altima.
Launched in its latest form earlier this year, the all-new Altima comes in from the high 20s, and includes AWD as standard on every model grade. Altima’s slick styling, highway-ready ride, and precise brakes were notable from a previous test drive. The AWD system operates with nothing remarkable from the driver’s seat: it just works in the background, invisibly.
Two (discontinued) Volkswagens
Next up? An assortment of Volkswagen wagons.
Both VW’s Sportwagen and its backwoodsy Alltrack variant have AWD on board. It’s optional in the Sportwagen, standard in the Alltrack.
Notably, at the moment, you can still order a manual transmission with AWD on selected models, too. This makes these VW entries some of your only choices if you’re after AWD and driving stick. Act fast though — these two machines are casualties of the crossover takeover, and they’re being discontinued after 2019.
Pricing across the mid-high 20s, more for the Alltrack.
Toyota Prius
Finally, the Toyota Prius.
You’ve probably heard of Toyota’s world-famous hybrid car, and in Canada, many Prius drivers enjoy long periods of driving without stopping to refuel, as the electric hybrid system cuts down on gasoline use. In a move that’ll help take this technology to more Canadian drivers, Toyota’s now made AWD available optionally, with the new Prius AWD-E. The hybrid driveline drives the front wheels, and when needed, an electric motor provides propulsion to the rear wheels, with immediate electric torque, and precise control like only an electric motor can.
You’ll be doing under 5L/100 km in most driving, backed fully by automatic supplemental traction whenever you need it.
And a final note: get your winter tires with your AWD for a dramatic improvement in safety and control, as well as superior performance from the AWD system.
All of the cars listed on this page include advanced safety and control features that require proper tires to do their very best work.
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