I Want It All!

All-wheel drives come of age

by David Menzies

Vehicles come in all shapes, styles, sizes and prices. Regarding drivetrains, the vast majority of vehicles once fell into one of two camps: rear-wheel drive or front-wheel drive. While each of these has both advantages and disadvantages, in recent years, another option has been growing in popularity: all-wheel drive (AWD).

Indeed, the drivetrain landscape began to evolve significantly in the early ’90s with the advent of the sport utility vehicle (SUV). Most come with all-wheel drive and a key marketing proposition of the SUV is its ability to go off road and do the Jeep Jamboree thing.

Still, in recent years, an increasing number of automotive manufacturers have embraced AWD. Today, even some luxury sedans and sports cars come so equipped. And for a perfectly valid reason.

A vehicle with power to all four wheels offers added stability and surefootedness, which benefits motorists in slippery driving conditions. But take note. There is a downside: AWD vehicles cost more. And the added weight of their drivetrains means more fuel consumption.

Even so, if you can afford such a premium, the good news is variety of choice. Recently, BoomerLife took some AWD vehicles for a spin. Here are some highlights:

MOST FUN
Subaru Impreza WRX STi ($33,495)

Talk about a pocket rocket. This Subaru is about the size of a Honda Civic, yet it packs a potent 293-horsepower engine plus all-wheel drive. The result? It’s a true scream machine. It’s also a bona fide bargain, given that the WRX STi is comparable to sports cars costing more than twice as much. If you’re in the market for a performance-minded AWD that boasts effortless acceleration and outstanding handling, look no further. The WRX STi is truly a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

What we liked the most: This race-car-like sedan represents great value for the money. What we liked the least: Tendency to attract unwanted attention from law enforcement.

MOST AFFORDABLE
Suzuki SX4 ($14,999-$16,399)

Most AWD vehicles sell for a premium. But, with a base price of less than $15,000, the all-new SX4 is a bargain. It’s a small, funky-looking, five-door hatchback, sporting a 2.0-liter, four cylinder engine that generates 143 horsepower. A notable feature: the driver can switch to front-wheel drive for slightly better fuel economy, reverting to AWD mode for improved traction to cope with slippery conditions.

What we liked the most: The price is right - the SX4 represents a lot of vehicle for the money. What we liked the least: Limited cargo room when rear seats are not folded down.

ROOMIEST
Toyota Sienna AWD Limited ($37,665)

Some cynics sneer that the minivan is synonymous with the white flag of suburban surrender. But they have likely never experienced what is arguably the best minivan on the planet. In addition to Toyota quality, a new powerful, efficient 3.5-liter V6 engine drives the Sienna. And thanks to its agile handling, this minivan - which seats eight - can actually be fun to drive. Also, with the third row folded down, there is enormous storage space. Better yet, the Sienna is indeed available with optional AWD — a rarity in the minivan segment.

What we liked the most: Superb vehicle for moving people and/or cargo. What we liked the least: Lackluster exterior design.

COOLEST
Cadillac Escalade ($55,640)

Granted, coolness is an intangible quality. But when a vehicle is mentioned in more than a dozen hip-hop songs, surely that’s an indicator of cutting-edge cool (at least with the MTV demographic). Indeed, the bling-bling Cadillac Escalade is all about being large and in charge. Inside, it is festooned with luxury options one expects from a Cadillac; as for the exterior, thanks to an excess of chrome accents and a bold headlight cluster, the vehicle radiates like a fine-cut diamond. It also has considerable power, thanks to a 6.2-liter V8 that delivers a considerable 403 horsepower.

What we liked the most: Easily the sharpest-looking full size luxury SUV on the market. What we liked the least: When it comes to fuel economy, the super-sized Escalade is a pig - we averaged about 12 mpg during our test period.

MOST VERSATILE
Honda Element ($20,380 to $22,390)

Media ads for SUV's invariably depict vehicles traversing off the beaten path, climbing a mountain range or whipping through the Serengeti. Yet, the Element really is a superb choice for those who want to embrace the great outdoors. For example, when there’s no Motel 6 for hundreds of miles, this smallish SUV doubles as temporary sleeping quarters. Tucking the front and rear seats into the sides allows two adults to snooze with the tailgate closed.

For those who want more expansive temporary living quarters, an optional tent can be affixed to the rear of the vehicle.

If you’re packing cargo ranging from mountain bikes to snowboards, you needn’t worry about scuffing the Element, thanks to its scratch-resistant utility floor. Should you get soaked, take comfort in the fact that its seat fabric is water-resistant. As well, bulky items can be easily loaded into the Element - there’s no center pillar between the front doors and the rear-hinged rear doors, truly a unique vehicle.

What we liked the most: Terrific functionality - a lot of thought has gone into this vehicle. What we liked the least: Ride can be a tad stiff and choppy.

MOST RETRO
Toyota FJ Cruiser ($22,545)

For the past decade, the retro design trend has continued unabated. The only thing amiss? None of the retro-themed vehicles has embraced AWD — until now. The Cruiser offers head turning styling cues, thanks to a bold front fascia and wraparound rear windows reminiscent of Toyota’s FJ40 Land Cruisers from the 1960s. And since the FJ Cruiser actually has a bona fide four-wheel-drive system, it also makes for a very capable off-roader. Toyota claims the FJ Cruiser is engineered to climb 20-degree grades, ford three-foot-deep rapids and drive over boulders the size of refrigerators. What we liked the most: Those retro design cues are both gorgeous and unique.

What we liked the least: Beauty has a price: the exterior design results in a plethora of blind spots - visibility can be a bit scary at times.

BEST OFF-ROAD
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon ($19,320 to $28,105)

If you’re planning to acquire a vehicle that can indeed excel as an off-road performer, this Jeep is your best bet. It was recently named “Four Wheeler of the Year” by Four Wheeler Magazine. And for good reason: it’s well suited to conquering desert dunes, rocky trails, gravel roads and steep hill climbs, thanks to its genuine four-wheel drive drivetrain.

What we liked the most: The Wrangler has rugged good looks and, in this case, you can judge a book by its cover, given the Jeep’s exceptional off-road capabilities. What we liked the least: When it comes to highway commuting, the ride is harsh and it’s a gas guzzler.

DREAM
Lamborghini Murcielago ($311,100)

Of course, unless you’re fabulously wealthy or expecting an imminent windfall, a car that retails for the same price as a nice house isn’t exactly on your new car shopping list. But we can dream, can’t we? And the Murcielago is surely the stuff of fantasy, from its futuristic design to its scissor doors and monstrous 6.5-liter V12 engine that generates an astounding 640 rip-snortin’ ponies. This supercar can go from zero to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds - and it turns heads even faster. Unlike many exoticars on the market, this Lambo comes standard with AWD.

What we liked the most: Eye-popping design cues make the Murcielago look like the Batmobile. What we liked the least: The taxes on this baby, not to mention the insurance premiums, would be so prohibitive for most car buyers.

David Menzies is a freelance writer specializing in automotive reviewing (www.davidmenzies.ca). A baby boomer himself, David currently drives a much-loved, trusty Honda Prelude.