All-Wheel Drive Cars

With the winter months approaching, many Americans are looking for the safety and stability provided by all-wheel drive. Sending power to all four wheels can help a vehicle gain traction in all weather conditions. Luckily for all-wheel drive shoppers, there are many options to choose from without venturing into the realm of high-riding trucks and SUVs. Although the advantages of four driven wheels are obvious in slippery road conditions, the technology usually comes at a cost - both upfront and at the pump. We've indicated the extra cost of the all-wheel-drive option, or the cost differential compared with the equivalent two-wheel-drive model, as well as its EPA gas mileage ratings, and the fuel economy penalty versus the two-wheel-drive version of the same car for every vehicle on our list.

Acura

Acura's best-selling model is the MDX crossover, so it's not surprising to see the brand lend a little bit of all-weather appeal from the MDX to some of its other cars. The brand's flagship RL sedan comes standard with all-wheel drive, while Acura's midsize offering - the TL - adds the brand's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system as an option for performance-minded buyers. RL
MSRP (including destination): $49,095
AWD Cost: standard
City/Highway MPG: 17/24
AWD Penalty: n/a TL SH-AWD
MSRP (including destination): $40,150
AWD Cost: $3550
City/Highway MPG: 18/26
AWD Penalty: 2 mpg city, 3 mpg highway