Mazda Cars with All-Wheel Drive (6 Models: New & Used)
Mazda cars are typically the most enjoyable to drive in their respective segments, with the automaker’s hallmark precise handling and excellent driving dynamics.
With these all-wheel-drive Mazdas, the time behind the wheel promises an unforgettable experience.
Are All Mazdas All-Wheel Drive?
Mazda has established itself as a maker of fun-to-drive cars, regardless of the drivetrain – front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive.
All Mazda SUVs have AWD either as standard or an option, while the small Mazda 3 is the remaining sedan or hatchback with all-wheel traction.
Apart from luxury cars with all-wheel propulsion from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, only the following can come close to offering the same level of joy for their pilots as Mazdas:
Mazda Sedan & Hatchback with AWD
#1 Mazda 3 (Sedan & Hatchback)
Experienced shoppers choose Honda or Toyota for economy and efficiency, but those desiring an exciting drive will always have Mazda at or near the top of their list.
Since the midsize Mazda 6’s retirement after 2021, Mazda 3 flies the Japanese marque’s flag as the sole sedan (or hatchback) still in production.
Still, all Mazda 3s have carried the all-wheel-drive option since the 2019 model year, with the ones before that purely front-wheel drives.
Its interior space is mediocre, and fuel economy fairly average, but the Mazda 3’s sporty driving dynamics and confident handling are the top reasons to choose one.
Mazda SUVs with AWD
#2 Mazda CX-3
The CX-3 is one of two subcompact SUVs within the Mazda roster of the recent past – the CX-30 is the other one.
Mazda discontinued the CX-3 after 2021, leaving the CX-30 (the next SUV on the list) to carry the company’s flag in the extra-small segment.
All Mazda CX-3 model years since the model’s 2016 debut have all-wheel drive as an option.
Quite unlike other Mazdas, the CX-3 is frugal on fuel, though it’s still an engaging little SUV to drive like the rest of its stablemates.
#3 Mazda CX-30
Despite the increasingly stiff competition in the subcompact SUV class, the Mazda CX-30 is a strong pick offering a sophisticated driving experience.
Although it began life with optional all-wheel drive, all Mazda CX-30 models since 2022 have standard AWD, an upgrade compared to most competitors.
Continuing Mazda traits, the CX-30’s interior is upscale with excellent build quality, and the little SUV is engaging to drive, with sharp steering that provides drivers a good feel of the road.
#4 Mazda CX-5
CX-5 and CX-50 (next on the list) spearhead Mazda’s challenge in the small SUV class and perform admirably at it.
Though the older of the two, Mazda CX-5 model years have been offering drivers an optional all-wheel drive before 2022, after which the AWD drivetrain became standard equipment.
The premium cabin, quiet ride even at higher speeds, and excellent handling at a reasonable price for the class make the CX-5 an outstanding choice for a small SUV.
#5 Mazda CX-50
If you like the older CX-5 but wish it’s better off-road, the CX-50 is your answer.
The CX-50’s over 8 inches of ground clearance is on par with similar-size Subaru SUVs, known for above-average off-road capability.
All Mazda CX-50 models enjoy an all-wheel drive as standard provision.
#6 Mazda CX-9
As Mazda’s largest SUV, the CX-9 is a worthy choice in the midsize three-row SUV class.
Since life began in 2007, all Mazda CX-9s have had all-wheel drive as an option until 2022, when the Japanese marque offered AWD as standard.
Although available as a six or seven-seater, the CX-9 remains one of the smaller ones in the segment.
With the strong competition, CX-9 shoppers should explore the following options for compelling alternatives:
Is Mazda AWD Good?
Except for some CX-9 owners who have reported issues with rear differential failure at close to 80k miles and a noisy and leaking transfer case, Mazda’s all-wheel-drive systems have generally exhibited strong reliability.
According to Consumer Reports, the following Mazda models with AWD top the automaker’s most-reliable list:
- Mazda CX-5.
- Mazda CX-9.
- Mazda CX-30.
Opting for an AWD model is an excellent way to enjoy Mazda’s hallmark sporty vehicles.
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