Hyundai Cars with All-Wheel Drive (10 Models: New & Used)
Car buyers familiar with the industry know that Hyundai products give the best bang for the money with feature-rich offerings and an industry-leading warranty.
These all-wheel-drive Hyundai cars, SUVs, trucks, and EVs offer even more value for drivers needing the AWD’s all-weather traction.
Does Hyundai Have AWD vehicles?
For a car manufacturer famous for value-for-money products, it was inevitable that it would make vehicles that meet the buyers’ needs.
Hyundai produces all-wheel-drive SUVs, trucks, and electric vehicles, except for sedans.
If you like Hyundai’s long warranty, Kia AWD sedans are worth considering – Kia and Hyundai are closely related.
Hyundai Sedan with AWD
Despite a comprehensive entry in the various size categories, Hyundai presently does not have any all-wheel-drive sedans.
Hyundai sedans are predominantly front-wheel drives.
Buyers wanting an all-wheel drive Hyundai sedan can consider Genesis, Hyundai’s parallel car brand in the luxury segment.
Hyundai SUVs with AWD
#1 Hyundai Kona
The Hyundai Kona is a compelling purchase for an extra-small SUV in an increasingly hot segment.
The gasoline-only Hyundai Kona has optional all-wheel drive, and the available turbocharged four-cylinder N model and all-electric powertrain complete the subcompact’s exciting lineup.
Hyundai Kona has had AWD since its introduction in 2018.
Besides the abundant features, the Kona is enjoyable to drive, and budget-minded buyers will be happy to own a distinctly sporty-looking little SUV.
#2 Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson is one of the few compact SUVs that a manufacturer has made available a gas-only, a hybrid, and a plug-in-hybrid variant to satisfy various powertrain preferences.
Not all Hyundai Tucson models have an all-wheel-drive system, but the Korean marque has made it optional since 2011; Four-wheel drive is optional in the 2010 and earlier Hyundai Tucson.
Tucson’s notable pluses include a roomy cabin, smooth ride quality, and a generous cargo area behind the second-row seats.
#3 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
The hybridized version retains the regular model’s qualities, and the marque offers all-wheel drive as standard in all Hyundai Tucson Hybrids since 2022.
The gas-electric powertrain with AWD is relatively thrifty, nearing 40mpg overall.
#4 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
The Tucson PHEV is half hybrid, half EV, with an extra-large battery pack that allows drivers to travel on electric-only power for close to 30 miles on a full charge.
All-wheel drive has been standard in all Hyundai Tucson plug-in hybrids since the variant appeared in 2022.
This plug-in-hybrid model is the ideal way to sample life with an electric vehicle before making the EV jump.
#5 Hyundai Santa Fe
Being a little larger than the Tucson, the five-seater Santa Fe is Hyundai’s midsize SUV with a luxuriously-equipped cabin that enhances the model’s value-for-money proposition.
The gasoline-powered Santa Fe has had the all-wheel-drive system as an option since 2002.
Pre-2002 models had optional four-wheel drive instead.
Santa Fes have spacious interiors and the Korean make’s lengthy warranty.
#6 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
When Hyundai introduced the Santa Fe Hybrid variant in 2021, it decided to make the all-wheel drive standard.
Like the regular Santa Fe, the hybrid version has abundant features for the money and extended warranty coverage but offers close to 10 mpg of improved efficiency.
Santa Fe Hybrid has one of the largest cabins among the competition that includes:
- CR-V Hybrid (one of Honda’s AWD vehicles)
- RAV4 Hybrid (one of Toyota’s AWD vehicles)
- Escape Hybrid (one of Ford’s AWD vehicles)
#7 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid
The Santa Fe PHEV is a solid choice if you want to drive on electric-only power for around 30 miles on a full charge.
All Santa Fe plug-in hybrids have had all-wheel drive since its introduction in 2022.
#8 Hyundai Palisade
Moving one size up but still having AWD in the Hyundai SUV stable is the three-row Palisade.
Although it is relatively new in the segment, Hyundai Palisade has quickly established itself as a frontrunner for the best midsize SUV.
All Hyundai Palisade models have had all-wheel drive as an option since its 2020 debut, with most trim levels offering an AWD choice.
It’s worth noting the Palisade’s quiet and comfortable ride quality, and the roomy interior in all three rows make it an excellent vehicle for larger families.
Hyundai Truck with AWD
#9 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Compact pickup trucks like the Santa Cruz are better suited for on-road driving than shouldering heavy loads.
Still, the Santa Cruz has had an optional all-wheel drive since 2022 and over 8 inches of ground clearance, aiding its capability on graded dirt roads and slippery surfaces.
If you want to explore another compact pickup with AWD, the similarly sized Maverick – one of Ford’s AWD vehicles – is worth a look.
Hyundai Electric Vehicle with AWD
#10 Hyundai IONIQ 5
The IONIQ 5 marks the beginning of Hyundai’s EV venture, one of the best small electric SUVs on the market.
All EVs have quiet powertrains, but the IONIQ 5 offers added qualities like attractive exterior styling, a supple ride, and an optional all-wheel drive with enhanced drivability in poor weather conditions.
Its mid-200s to near-300 miles range with the AWD is respectable, though not class-leading.
The AWD IONIQ 5 gives you more control in bad weather, while the RWD version offers more range.
Is Hyundai AWD Good?
Hyundai’s all-wheel-drive system has been reasonably reliable, with only the Santa Fe SUV having notable problems.
Owner complaints on the Hyundai Santa Fe’s AWD issues cover grinding noises at higher speeds, knocking sound from the vehicle’s rear, and blinking lights in the drive selector.
Possible causes include the rear differential viscous coupler breakdown or the AWD sensor failure.
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