Top 5 AWD SUVs of 2019

The popularity of the utility vehicle segment is growing exponentially. Such is the demand for the segment that several mainstream car manufacturers like Ford have announced that they would be redesigning their entire lineup only to incorporate crossovers, trucks, and SUVs. The trend is not only limited to traditional car manufacturers but has also trickled down into the electric vehicle segment. Half of Tesla’s S3XY lineup comprises of a crossover and a battery-powered SUV. The appeal of all-wheel-drive SUVs is obvious, not only do they offer versatility and practicality for everyday use but also perform exceptionally well when it comes to the occasional camping trips to Yellowstone or when one wants to take the road less travelled.

Here are our top 5 recommendations for crossovers and SUVs that are available with all-wheel-drive -

2019 Toyota 4Runner

We kick off our list with the bestselling car brand in the US, Toyota, and its very capable 4Runner SUV. One of the last remaining body on frame, internal combustion engine-powered SUVs left in the market today, with price starting from $36,020, Toyota 4Rumner comes equipped with one of the best four wheel-drive-systems available in offerings with similar price brackets. The car is powered by 4-liter V6 motor which produces 270 bhp of power output and 278 lb-ft of torque. The motor gets Toyota’s 24-valve, dual independent variable timing intelligence technology and is offered with an optional part-time four-wheel-drive system which comes with low range selection and active traction control that bestows the SUV with impressive off-road capabilities.

2019 Nissan Armada

Not one of most popular offering in our list but one of the most capable, Nissan Armada is a four-wheel-drive, V8 powered SUV which shares its underpinnings with the company’s legendary off-roader, the Nissan patrol. The V8 motor produces 390 bhp of power and 394 lb-ft of peak torque and is the only engine option offered across the lineup. The all-wheel-drive system in the Armada gets three drive modes viz. Auto, 4HI, and 4LO, thanks to an electronically controlled part-time transfer case. The SUV also offers an impressive ride and handling characteristics thanks to its double-wishbone front and rear suspension setup. With the Japanese car manufacturer’s reliability, guarantee and prices starting as low as $47,100, Armada is one of the best value for money 4x4 SUV available in the market today.

2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the perfect combination of power, comfort, and affordable luxury. With a wide range of frugal as well as powerful engine options and just as wide option list for luxury features, Jeep allows its customers to configure their cars as they desire down to the very last detail. The Quadra-drive II all-wheel-drive system offered in the Grand Cherokee comes equipped with an electronic limited-slip differential and a hill ascent and descent control which also works while reversing. We also like the car’s easy to use the infotainment system which is a 12 inch Ram 1500 touchscreen unit. There is a wide range of engine options available for the customers to choose from which includes a 2-liter turbocharged unit, a Pentastar V6 and the monsters Hemi V8.

2019 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe might seem like your good old American mild-mannered family hauler that one would often spot while making morning school runs around the neighborhood but there is more to this capable SUV than that meets the eye. Like other Chevrolet offerings, the Tahoe can be upgraded in several ways including the company’s very own Z71 package which equips the SUV with hill descent control, all-terrain tires, Z71 specific skid plate, and updated suspension, amongst other performance upgrades. With prices starting from $48,790 and going all the way up to $71,520, customers get a wide 7 variant lineup to pick from. According to EPA estimates, Chevrolet Tahoe offers 9.78 mpg of fuel economy while driving on the freeway which further drops down to 6.38 mpg while cruising around the city.

2019 Toyota Land Cruiser

And lastly, we have one of the most luxurious, capable, and reliable all-wheel-drive terrain destroyer, the 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser. The car has been one of the most popular and trustworthy nameplates in the SUV segment for decades, and the latest installment of this 4X4 truck is available for prices starting at $85,165. Under the hood, we find a 5.7-litre double variable valve timing power plant which produces 381 bhp of power and 401 lb-ft of peak torque. The motor comes mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and gets a full-time all-wheel-drive setup which comes equipped with a limited-slip differential and active traction control. It’s not all work and no play with the 2019 Land Cruiser, as the 8-seater also gets creature comforts like heated and ventilated front and rear seats, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system which comes paired with a 14 speaker JBL audio system.