AWD
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Tesla now offers roughly the same percentage of its model lineup with standard all-wheel-drive configuration as famed AWD proponent Subaru. The Silicon Valley electric-car maker has completely ditched rear-wheel drive in its Model S hatchback sedans and Model X crossover utility vehicles. Only its Model 3 smaller sedan remains available (at some point in the future) with rear-wheel drive in the base model. DON'T MISS: Why Tesla Model 3 should use standard model-year changes: opinion Unlike traditional all-wheel-drive systems that sap efficiency due to additional weight and driveline drag...
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If Toyota and Mazda make electric cars together, where's Subaru?
At the end of September, Toyota and Mazda announced they would form a joint venture with parts maker Denso to design, test, and build components for a shared electric-car platform. Earlier interviews with Mazda indicate that the small Japanese maker will create its first all-electric model for...
John Voelcker -
What AWD vehicle has the highest fuel economy?
"I want a fuel-efficient car, but I live in a snowy area, and won't buy one without all-wheel drive; what's the best?" It's a question we hear often. Whether or not you agree that AWD is a must-have in wintry climes, the selection of cars with high fuel economy and AWD is limited. DON'T MISS: 2014...
John Voelcker -
Honda WR-V: how to make a crossover from a small hatchback
Crossovers are so popular right now that several automakers are even trying to pass off conventional hatchbacks as high-riding utility vehicles. The latest example of this trend is the Honda WR-V, a new pseudo-crossover for the Indian market. Despite the extra plastic body cladding and...
Stephen Edelstein -
2017 Subaru Impreza: first drive of AWD compact sedan, hatch
The 2017 Subaru Impreza is one of the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive vehicles in the U.S. market, and has been for many years. The entirely redesigned 2017 Impreza rides on new underpinnings, but it's easily recognizable as an evolution of the company's popular compact sedan and hatchback. One...
John Voelcker -
All-wheel-drive hybrid cars, SUVs: why are there so few?
Fifty years ago, a now-forgotten British luxury coupe called the Jensen FF went into production, offering the first modern all-wheel drive system on any passenger car in the world. Four-wheel drive had been offered only on a few specialized truck models to that point, but the traction and braking...
John Voelcker -
Chrysler may add electric all-wheel drive to the next-generation Town & Country minivan.
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Kia Soul To Get Hybrid AWD? 'Rugged Runabout' For Chicago Show Adds Electric AWD
Kia will unveil a concept car with electric all-wheel drive at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show.
Stephen Edelstein -
Is This A Tesla Model S AWD Prototype Caught Testing? (Video, Photos)
It's long been expected that sooner or later, the Tesla Model S electric sport sedan will be offered with all-wheel drive. Now, two different Tesla fans have captured photos and video of what appears to be a prototype test vehicle with external instrumentation driving around the San Francisco Bay...
John Voelcker -
Most Efficient AWD Cars: Beat The Snow, And The Gas Pump
When a weather system dumps an uncommon amount of snow in your part of the world, thoughts often turn to how you might get about in it. Provided you've not got a seven-foot drift blocking you indoors, those plans might involve an all-wheel drive car. 4WD is no substitute for careful driving and a...
Antony Ingram -
Subcompact Crossovers: AWD Gets Smaller, More Fuel-Efficient
The 2013 Detroit Auto Show will mark the debut of a crossover concept from Honda, dubbed the 'Urban SUV' concept. It's set to be based on the next-generation Honda Fit, making it the latest in a line of downsized crossovers promising chunky styling with a fuel-efficient twist. They're a world away...
Antony Ingram -
Reader Q: All-Wheel Drive Hybrid Or Diesel Cars (Not Trucks)?
We get some of our most interesting topics from reader questions. Past questions include how emergency responders should react to hybrid and electric cars, and whether towing a Prius behind a motorhome is a good idea. Today, we have a query about green cars (not trucks) that offer all-wheel drive...
John Voelcker -
We like small cars, not only because they're fuel efficient but because they're usually more fun and engaging to drive than larger ones. But this being winter in the Northeast, we also need an all-wheel-drive vehicle on weekends, when we head up into the mountains. And that severely limits the number of small cars we can consider. So we were delighted to get an all-wheel-drive 2011 Nissan Juke five-door hatchback to test this weekend. Here's your chance: What questions do you have about Nissan's little AWD entry? The 2011 Juke is build on the platform of the subcompact Versa, but with...
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2010 Dodge Caliber: Fewer Engines, 30 MPG Highway, Better Interior
The Dodge Caliber hatchback has never been at the top of our compact-car list, in part because of its lousy gas mileage compared to the competition. Now, Chrysler has simplified its engine and drivetrain options to improve the gas mileage of the 2010 Dodge Caliber slightly, along with its platform...
John Voelcker