Best AWD SUVs for 2023
These are the best AWD SUVs based on iSeeCars' analysis of each vehicle’s reliability, resale value and safety.
The best awd subcompact SUV is the Mazda CX-3 (8.2 quality rating), with the BMW X1 being the best awd luxury subcompact SUV (8.6 quality rating). The Honda CR-V ranks #1 for the best awd small and compact SUVs (9.1 quality rating).
The best awd luxury small and compact SUV is the Acura RDX (8.8 quality rating) and the best awd midsize SUV is the Toyota Highlander (9.0 quality rating). Topping the list for the best awd luxury midsize SUVs is the Lexus RX 350 (9.2 quality rating), while the Toyota Land Cruiser ranks first for the best awd large SUVs (9.2 quality rating).
The best awd luxury large SUV is the Lexus LX 570 (9.1 quality rating), with the Honda CR-V being the best awd crossover SUV (9.1 quality rating). The Lexus RX 350 ranks #1 for the best awd luxury crossover SUVs (9.2 quality rating).
The best awd three-row SUV is the Toyota Land Cruiser (9.2 quality rating) and the best awd luxury three-row SUV is the Lexus LX 570 (9.1 quality rating). Topping the list for the best awd hybrid SUVs is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid (9.2 quality rating), while the Lexus RX 450h ranks first for the best awd luxury hybrid SUVs (9.0 quality rating).
The best awd plug-in hybrid SUV (PHEV) is the Subaru Crosstrek (Plug-in Hybrid) (8.6 quality rating), with the Volvo XC90 (Plug-in Hybrid) being the best awd luxury plug-in hybrid SUVs (PHEV) (8.4 quality rating). The Tesla Model X ranks #1 for the best awd electric SUVs (9.1 quality rating).
The best awd luxury electric SUV is the Tesla Model X (9.1 quality rating) and the best awd 7-seater SUV is the Toyota Highlander (9.0 quality rating). Topping the list for the best awd hybrid 7-seater SUVs is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid (9.2 quality rating), while the Acura MDX ranks first for the best awd luxury 7-seater SUVs (8.8 quality rating).
The best awd hybrid luxury 7-seater SUV is the Acura MDX (hybrid) (8.7 quality rating), with the Toyota Land Cruiser being the best awd 5-seater SUV (9.2 quality rating). The Mazda CX-9 ranks #1 for the best awd 6-seater SUVs (8.3 quality rating).
The best awd 8-seater SUV is the Toyota Land Cruiser (9.2 quality rating) and the best awd luxury 5-seater SUV is the Lexus RX 350 (9.2 quality rating). Topping the list for the best awd luxury 6-seater SUVs is the Volvo XC90 (8.8 quality rating), while the Lexus LX 570 ranks first for the best awd luxury 8-seater SUVs (9.1 quality rating).
How We Rank These Cars
The best AWD cars rank vehicles by iSeeCars Score which is based on our proprietary assessment of a vehicle’s reliability, resale value and safety (based on ratings from IIHS and NHTSA).
The iSeeCars Score is an analysis of three factors: reliability, resale value and safety. It is calculated based on the latest research and analysis by our data science team. The data analysis comes from over 12 million new and used vehicles in our Longest-Lasting Cars and 5-Year Depreciation Studies, combined with NHTSA and IIHS Safety Ratings.
Vehicles are scored in three categories:
Reliability | 33.3%
The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.
Value Retention | 33.3%
The value retention score is based on our data science team's statistical analysis and prediction of 5-year depreciation from MSRP to determine which cars hold their value best, using US Bureau of Labor Statistics data to adjust for inflation.
Safety | 33.3%
The safety score is calculated based on the last five years of crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and incorporates the latest Top Safety Pick information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
