Ditching Your SUV? Top Fuel Efficient AWD Cars and CUVs for Winter

Lots of Americans are ditching their gas-guzzling SUVs for fuel-efficient all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles. More and more, less expensive and super fuel efficient cars now come with either standard AWD or an AWD option.

For winter driving, AWD vehicles generally give you better safety and handling. Plus, the advancement of electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control has brought even more performance safety technology to entry-level and mid-priced cars.

Unfortunately, you usually sacrifice cargo room and seating space when ditching your SUV. So, you may want to consider a five-door hatchback or a fuel-efficient mid-sized CUV. For example, the 2010 Chevrolet Traverse comes with an AWD option, seats up to eight persons, has versatile cargo capacity with flat folding seats and good fuel efficiency (23 mpg hwy, 16 mpg city).

How does AWD work and do you need it? With AWD technology, all four wheels receive torque from the engine simultaneously, allowing each tire to rotate at different speeds. Independent tire rotation improves a vehicle’s overall handling and stability, making it useful in rain, snow and dry pavement. All of the extra equipment needed for AWD makes the vehicle heavier; therefore, AWD vehicles usually have less fuel efficiency.

Remember, AWD is not 4WD. Four-wheel drive is usually found on trucks and SUVs that are made to go off road. AWD is mostly found on compact cars, sedans, CUVs and SUVs and it is not advised to take AWD vehicles out on unpaved roads, in mud or in deep snow.

Something else to remember is that AWD systems are also not always in full AWD mode. In fact, AWD vehicles drive most of the time just as any front-wheel-drive car. With advanced AWD technology, however, engine power automatically goes to the rear wheels when the front wheels begin to slip.

Thinking about getting electronic stability control (ESC) along with AWD technology? You should seriously consider it!

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration estimates ESC will reduce crashes by as much as 34% (59% for SUVs with a great reduction in rollovers). The NHTSA estimates ESC technology will save between 5,000-9,000 lives and prevent around 200,000 injuries (once all light vehicles on the road are equipped with ESC) each year. (Note: Federal law now mandates ESC on all vehicles by the 2011 model year.)

So, which car company makes the best AWD cars? Subaru is known for putting its advanced AWD system on every single Subaru model. In fact, AWD has been a feature on all American-made Subaru vehicles since 1996. For 2010, Subaru has been garnering much critical acclaim for its lineup of super functional vehicles such as the newly-designed Outback and Legacy models.

The least expensive AWD vehicle in the U.S. car market today is the five-seat hatchback Suzuki SX4 Crossover. Priced at around $16,000, the Suzuki SX4 Crossover comes standard with a three-mode AWD system. I have road tested several Suzuki SX4 models and I’ve fallen love with this versatile hatchback for its overall versatility, excellent performance, standard Garmin navigation system and all-weather AWD technology.

What does this mean? The drive can choose between 2WD, 4WD Lock or 4WD Auto. In 4WD lock mode, the differentials lock together for low gear driving in snow, ice, sand and mud. The 4WD Auto mode is more versatile, allowing the driver to push power to all four wheels for extra safety and performance.

So, are you asking way too much for an AWD hatchback, sport wagon or SUV with GREAT (not just above average) fuel efficiency? Nope. For 2010, more and more of versatile vehicles come with all-weather AWD technology and fuel efficient engines. Plus, hatchbacks, sport wagons and CUVs give you that all-around versatility in a vehicle.

Unfortunately, most hatchbacks and sport wagons -- unless they are from luxury brands -- do not come with an AWD option. Here’s a list of top hatchbacks and sport wagons that come with standard or optional AWD:

• Audi A3
• Audi A6
• BMW 3 Series
• BMW 535xi
• Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon
• Subaru Impreza WRX Wagon
• Toyota Matrix S
• Volvo V50
• Volvo XC70

These top CUVs get at least 28 mpg highway and come with standard or optional AWD:

• Chevrolet Equinox
• Ford Escape
• Ford Escape Hybrid
• GMC Terrain
• Lexus RX 450h
• Mazda CX-7
• Mazda Tribute
• Mazda Tribute Hybrid
• Mercury Mariner
• Mercury Mariner Hybrid
• Pontiac Vibe
• Subaru Outback
• Suzuki SX4
• Toyota Venza

Ready to drive your brand-new AWD vehicle this winter and save money at the pump too? Go for it, America!

Sheryll Alexander is a lifestyles writer based in Costa Mesa, Calif. Follow me! @sheryllalexande