The 8 Best AWD Electric Vehicles Today
The electric vehicle (EV) market has exploded in recent years as automakers race to electrify their model lineups. Once only offered by niche EV startups, all-wheel drive (AWD) is now increasingly common among electric cars and SUVs.
AWD improves winter weather handling and provides better traction in slick conditions. EV buyers no longer have to choose between an electric powertrain and AWD capability. Today there is a wide range of AWD EVs spanning all price points and vehicle segments.
In this guide we will survey the 8 best AWD electric vehicles available as of 2023. We‘ll examine critical specs like driving range, horsepower, acceleration, pricing and included tech features. For each vehicle we‘ll also overview the automaker‘s EV approach and powertrain design. Let‘s dive in and explore the top AWD EVs ruling the electric road!
Best Overall: 2023 Kia EV6
Funky styling wraps around the first dedicated electric model from Kia. The EV6 shares its E-GMP platform with corporate cousin Hyundai Ioniq 5, but stands out with its own distinctive coupe crossover aesthetic.
On sale since early 2022, the EV6 impresses with up to 310 miles of range, ultra-fast 800V charging, a high-tech interior and standard driver assistance tech. The available dual-motor AWD system provides a stout 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft torque with up to 282 miles range.
Accelerating to 60 mph in as little as 5.1 seconds, the AWD EV6 provides plenty of performance. Prices start at $47,000 for RWD models, with AWD adding about $6,000 across trim levels. Kia hits a sweet spot with the EV6, blending cutting-edge EV capability with attractive pricing.
Best Luxury EV: 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 4MATIC
The electric S-Class lives up to its sedan heritage with an absurd 56-inch hyperscreen, airplane-style yoke steering wheel and the serene comfort expected of a flagship Mercedes-Benz. Representing the state of the art for a luxury EV cruiser, the dual-motor EQS 450 4MATIC dishes out 516 horsepower and 631 lb-ft torque with AWD grip.
Despite its 5,800 pound curb weight, the electric Benz still zips to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The 107 kWh battery enables up to 340 miles of driving range. With road-reading E-Active Body Control suspension and intuitive MBUX infotainment, the EQS pushes EV luxury to new heights above $100,000.
Best Performance: 2023 Porsche Taycan 4 Cross Turismo
Blurring the line between wagon and super sedan, the Taycan Cross Turismo flexes serious EV performance in a practical package. The dual-motor AWD powertrain in the 4 Cross Turismo model churns out 375 hp enabling 0-60 mph in just 4.8 seconds, while adjustable air suspension preserves composed handling.
With seating for five adults and 15.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity, the longest Taycan brings real utility. The Performance Battery Plus achieves up to 235 miles EPA range from its 93 kWh capacity battery pack. Prices open at $114,900 for this rare blend of family hauling ability and Porsche pace.
Best Pickup Truck: 2023 Rivian R1T
The first electric pickup truck to market, the R1T brings zero-emission work and adventure capability without compromise. Offered exclusively with AWD, the quad-motor configuration produces up to 835 horsepower enabling 0-60 mph in just 3 seconds flat. The 135 kWh battery pack can recharge at rates up to 210 miles in 20 minutes.
Rivian‘s R1T pickup can tow up to 11,000 pounds and features a handy gear tunnel for extra cargo space. Prices start at $73,000, reflecting the R1T‘s unique talent set as the premiere electric 4×4 on the market.
Best Efficiency: 2023 Tesla Model 3
The electric vehicle sales leader, Tesla‘s Model 3 needs no introduction. Available with rear- or all-wheel drive, the dual-motor Long Range AWD variant achieves an EPA rated 315 miles from its 82 kWh battery. Pumping out 346 horsepower, the Model 3 accelerates to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds.
Priced from $57,990, the Model 3 offers strong value anchored by access to Tesla‘s ubiquitous Supercharger fast charging network. With the latest introduced lithium iron phosphate battery cells, buyers gain extra range, lower fire risk and longer cycle life compared to other lithium-ion chemistries.
Best Crossover SUV: 2023 Tesla Model Y
The Model Y packs Model 3 goodness into a more practical midsize crossover SUV shape. Seating up to 7 with an optional third row, the dual-motor AWD Long Range Model Y offers up to 303 miles EPA range courtesy of its 82 kWh battery pack. $65,990 buys a wicked fast electric family hauler, with 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds!
Beyond straight line speed, the Model Y sets itself apart with excellent safety scores and Tesla‘s controversial Autopilot driver assistance software. Supercharger access further enables long distance road trip adventures for the whole family.
Best Affordable AWD EV: 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV
The Chevy Bolt EUV became an even stronger value after recent MSRP cuts by GM. Now starting at $27,200, the all-electric compact crossover SUV offers AWD capability unmatched by rivals like Nissan Leaf and Kia Niro EV. Pricing stays reasonable as Bolt EUV AWD models run from $31,700 in entry LT trim up to $38,495 for the top Premier package.
Shared with the Bolt EV hatchback, the 150 hp front motor works with a 65 hp rear motor for surefooted traction even in poor weather. Range sits at 247 miles courtesy of the 65 kWh battery pack. DC fast charging at up to 55 kW further bolsters road trip appeal.
Best Range: 2023 Lucid Air Grand Touring
California based luxury EV startup Lucid Motors may have only recently begun production, but the company is pushing boundaries when it comes to driving range. Lucid‘s range-topping Air Grand Touring model achieves an incredible 516 miles EPA range from its dual-motor AWD powertrain and gargantuan 118 kWh battery pack.
Output checks in at an appropriately robust 800 horsepower and 789 lb-ft of torque. Even with a high performance powertrain, efficiency still allows over 500 miles range for the top Air Grand Touring model. With a starting price near $140,000, Lucid is playing in ultra-luxury territory occupied by high-end versions of the Mercedes EQS and Tesla Model S.
AWD EV Driving Experience
Drivers choosing all-wheel drive electric vehicles can expect surefooted year-round handling and driving range roughly 10-15% less than comparable rear-wheel drive versions. The Range Anxiety commonly associated with early EVs fades thanks to 200+ mile batteries and expanding fast charging infrastructure. Cold weather only minimally impacts modern lithium-ion batteries.
Regenerative braking preserves battery charge by recuperating waste kinetic energy during deceleration. The one pedal driving allowed by aggressive regen is a unique characteristic among EVs. Instantaneous full torque delivery supplies sports car-like acceleration. Quiet and quick electric vehicles bring a new dimension of family transportation – with AWD providing extra driver confidence when road conditions deteriorate.
AWD Systems Compared
Not all EV AWD systems behave the same way even among models from the same manufacturer. Tesla employs an induction front motor supplemented by a permanent magnet rear motor. The Porsche Taycan instead uses permanent magnet synchronous motors at both axles. Chinese battery giant CATL recently introduced a silicon carbide motor with fields tuned by magnets made up of rare earth dysprosium and terbium.
AWD strategies also differ – Rivian trucks use torque vectoring for greater authority managing front/rear power distribution. Some EVs cling to front-biased systems saving weight and complexity over more advanced rear torque split designs. As software increasingly becomes integral to vehicle dynamics, automakers enjoy great latitude optimizing AWD behavior for either efficiency or performance depending on driving mode.
Buying Considerations
The EV revolution brings questions for shoppers unfamiliar with electric-only propulsion. When choosing an electric vehicle, consider your average driving distances versus rated range along with available home and public charging options. Most public DC fast chargers now plug straight into EV charge ports, but some systems still rely on clunky cables.
Research to see if the tax credits and incentives available align with your selected model. Note that Tesla and GM vehicles currently do not qualify for the full $7,500 Federal credit due to high past EV sales. Going electric stands to save thousands over a comparable gas-powered model when accounting for lower operating costs and available purchase incentives.
EV Industry Developments
In a historic announcement on June 8, 2023, General Motors CEO Mary Barra confirmed that starting in 2024 owners of GM‘s electric models will gain access to Tesla‘s vast 12,000 station Supercharger fast charging network. A new universal North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector co-designed by GM and Tesla will also appear across models from both marques beginning in 2025.
The barrier-breaking charging partnership between legacy GM and industry upstart Tesla promises to significantly advance electric vehicle adoption by giving two widely selling EV brands reciprocal access to proprietary fast charging infrastructure continents apart in design.
Conclusion
This overview of the top electric cars and SUVs with AWD shows that EV shoppers need not choose between powertrain electrification and foul weather driving capability. Automakers now commonly integrate AWD across their EV model ranges spanning affordable Chevys to exotic luxury Porsches.
With new models like the 516 mile Lucid Air and mallet-swinging 835 hp Rivian R1T pickup, the EV future burns bright as range, performance and charging convenience all continue pushing forward at a rapid pace thanks to intensifying competition between legacy and start-up automakers. Drivers no longer sacrifice capability in exchange for efficiency when buying electric, heralding the imminent mainstream tipping point where EVs dominate vehicle sales.
