Best AWD Trucks for 2024

Almost every pickup truck uses four-wheel drive (4WD) instead of all-wheel drive (AWD), which better aligns with their use as towing and off-roading vehicles. Four-wheel drive can also be called 4x4 (four-by-four), as both terms mean the same thing. And because most pickups start out as rear-wheel drive trucks (RWD), the addition of a driver-controlled four-wheel-drive system, along with a low-range transfer case, makes more sense than trying to graft an automated AWD drivetrain onto them.

This is true for every heavy duty and full-size pickup, including the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ford F-150, GMC Sierra 1500, Nissan Titan, and Toyota Tundra. It’s also the case with most midsize trucks like Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, Nissan Frontier, and Toyota Tacoma. The one truck that straddles the 4WD/AWD definition is the Ram 1500 TRX, which uses a mechanical drivetrain based on a 4WD design and includes a low-range transfer case. But the TRX doesn’t allow drivers to turn off 4WD to have it operate in RWD mode, thus making it similar to the automated AWD systems found on mostly small trucks (and crossovers and sedans).

Honda’s Ridgeline is the exception to this rule in the midsize truck category. It comes standard with all-wheel drive, which means it forgoes a low-range transfer case but also offers a more car-like ride quality and better mpg ratings. Towing capacity and payload ratings don’t live up to competitors like the Chevy Colorado, but the Ridgeline’s standard crew cab body style and comfortable interior, along with its smoother ride and higher fuel efficiency, make it a viable choice for truck buyers who don’t need maximum towing, hauling, or off-roading capabilities.

Unlike the large and midsize truck categories, the small truck segment is populated entirely by car-based vehicles like the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz. You won’t find V8 engines, locking differentials, and massive ground clearance in this segment, but the four-cylinder powertrains and responsive automatic transmissions in these trucks offer both excellent road manners and fuel economy, along with user-friendly infotainment systems and trim levels that range from work truck to premium.

These small trucks start out with front-wheel drive, but they can be outfitted with all-wheel drive to improve traction on slick surfaces or during modest off-road driving.

iSeeCars has identified the best all-wheel drive trucks below and ranked them based on their iSeeCars quality score, which takes reliability, resale value and safety into consideration.