Top All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Cars in India
AWD, or all-wheel drive, is a popular feature in cars built for both on-road and off-road performance. Now, let’s take a look at some of the top AWD cars in India, ranked based on factors like performance, fuel type, price, and mileage.
Model | Fuel Type | Mileage | Price (Ex-showroom Delhi) |
Mahindra XUV700 | Petrol/Diesel | 10 kmpl to 12 kmpl | ₹14.49 - 25.74 Lakh |
Volvo XC60 | Petrol | 11.2 kmpl | ₹ 70.75 Lakh |
Volvo XC90 | Petrol | 17.20 kmpl to 46.0 kmpl | ₹1.04 Cr |
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque | Petrol/Diesel | 10.99 kmpl to 14.71 kmpl | ₹69.50 Lakh |
Land Rover Discovery Sport | Petrol/Diesel | 10.3 kmpl to 13.17 kmpl | ₹67.90 Lakh |
Land Rover Defender | Petrol/Diesel | 14.01 kmpl | ₹1.05 - 2.79 Cr |
Land Rover Range Rover Velar | Petrol/Diesel | 15.8 kmpl | ₹87.90 Lakh |
Audi Q8 | Petrol | 9.8 kmpl | ₹1.17 Cr |
Lexus LX | Petrol | 6.9 kmpl | ₹2.84 - 3.12 Cr |
Bentley Bentayga | Petrol | 4.61 kmpl | ₹5 - 6.75 Cr |
Below are more details of the top 4-wheel drive cars in India:
1. Mahindra XUV700
Price: ₹14.49 - 25.74 Lakh
The Mahindra XUV700 is a mid-size SUV with an AWD drivetrain on the top-spec variants. The versatile seating arrangement, excellent build quality, advanced creature comforts, and safety features are some of the highlights of the XUV700.
Key Specification:
Parameters | Details |
Engine | 2 litres to 2.2 litres |
Fuel type | Petrol/Diesel |
Power | 182.38 Bhp to 197.13 Bhp |
Torque | 380 Nm to 450 Nm |
Transmission | Manual/Automatic |
Seating capacity | 5/7 |
Boot space | 425 litre |
Fuel efficiency | 12 kmpl |
2. Volvo XC60
Price: ₹70.75 Lakh
The Volvo XC60 is a mid-size luxury SUV with an AWD system. It’s a premium product. Hence, with the XC60, you get luxurious interiors, the best technology and safety equipment, and superior performance.
Key Specifications:
Parameters | Details |
Engine | 2 litre |
Fuel type | Petrol |
Power | 246.74 Bhp |
Torque | 440 Nm |
Transmission | Automatic |
Seating capacity | 5 |
Boot space | 49 litre |
Fuel efficiency | 11.2 kmpl |
3. Volvo XC90
Price: ₹1.04 Cr
The Volvo XC90 is a full-size luxury SUV that offers a perfect blend of performance and luxury. The SUV comes with a spacious and luxurious interior. Other highlights include advanced safety equipment, hybrid engine technology, and an AWD system.
Key Specifications:
Parameters | Details |
Engine | 2 litre |
Fuel type | Petrol |
Power | 400 Bhp |
Torque | 640 Nm |
Transmission | Automatic |
Seating capacity | 4/7 |
Boot space | 314 litre |
Fuel efficiency | 17.2 kmpl to 46.0 kmpl |
4. Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
Price: ₹69.50 Lakh
Land Rover is known for its off-road vehicles, and the Range Rover Evoque is a compact SUV. However, it packs a punch when it comes to performance. With an all-wheel-drive system, the SUV can tackle off-road with ease.
Key Specifications:
Parameters | Details |
Engine | 2 litre |
Fuel type | Petrol/Diesel |
Power | 177 Bhp to 245.4 Bhp |
Torque | 365 Nm to 420 Nm |
Transmission | Automatic |
Seating capacity | 5 |
Boot space | 472 litre |
Fuel efficiency | 10.99 kmpl to 14.71 kmpl |
5. Land Rover Discovery Sport
Price: ₹67.90 Lakh
The Discovery Sport is a mid-size SUV by Land Rover, known for its versatility, premium interiors, and impressive on-road and off-road performance. Equipped with advanced four-wheel drive technology, it handles rough terrains with ease while offering a comfortable ride.
Key Specifications:
Parameters | Details |
Engine | 2 litre |
Fuel type | Petrol/Diesel |
Power | 177 Bhp to 245.40 Bhp |
Torque | 365 Nm to 430 Nm |
Transmission | Automatic |
Seating capacity | 7 |
Boot space | 740 litre |
Fuel efficiency | 10.53 kpml to 13.17 kpml |
6. Land Rover Defender
Price: ₹1.05 - 2.79 Cr
The Land Rover Defender is another capable 4x4 car in India when it comes to off-roading. It is built for rugged terrains and comes equipped with advanced technology. The interior is equally impressive as its performance, with the best in-car technology.
Key Specifications:
Parameters | Details |
Engine | 3 litre |
Fuel type | Petrol/Diesel |
Power | 296.36 Bhp to 394.26 Bhp |
Torque | 550 Nm to 60 Nm |
Transmission | Automatic |
Seating capacity | 6,7 |
Boot space | 397 litre |
Fuel efficiency | 14.01 kmpl |
7. Land Rover Range Rover Velar
Price: ₹87.90 Lakh
The Range Rover Velar features an elegant exterior design despite its rugged and tough demeanour. The automatic transmission and the all-wheel-drive technology work in conjunction to offer a superior driving experience in rough terrain.
Key Specifications:
Parameters | Details |
Engine | 2 litre |
Fuel type | Petrol/Diesel |
Power | 201.15 Bhp to 246.74 Bhp |
Torque | 365 Nm to 430 Nm |
Transmission | Automatic |
Seating capacity | 5 |
Boot space | 748 |
Fuel efficiency | 15.8 kmpl |
8. Audi Q8
Price: ₹1.17 Cr
The Audi Q8 is a luxury four-wheel drive SUV that comes with all-wheel drive technology. It features signature AUDI design elements on the exterior and a luxurious and feature-rich interior. The powerful engine and Audi’s intelligent all-wheel-drive system make the Q8 an excellent choice.
Key Specifications:
Parameters | Details |
Engine | 3 litre |
Fuel type | Petrol |
Power | 335.25 Bhp to 340 Bhp |
Torque | 500 Nm |
Transmission | Automatic |
Seating capacity | 5 |
Boot space | 605 litre |
Fuel efficiency | 9.8 kmpl |
9. Lexus LX
Price: ₹2.84 - 3.12 Cr
The LX is a full-size SUV, and it is the flagship offering from Lexus in India. The Lexus LX has a commendable road presence with its bulbous body proportions. The SUV gets advanced technology such as a multi-terrain select system, crawl control, active height control, etc.
Key Specifications:
Parameters | Details |
Engine | 5.7 litre |
Fuel type | Petrol |
Power | 362 Bhp |
Torque | 530 Nm |
Transmission | Automatic |
Seating capacity | 8 |
Boot space | 475 litres |
Fuel efficiency | 6.9 kmpl |
10. Bentley Bentayga
Price: ₹5 - 6.75 Cr
If you are looking for luxury on four wheels and excellent performance, the Bentley Bentayga is a worthy option. The combination of exquisite exterior design, uber-luxurious interior, and unmatched performance makes it a well-rounded package in this segment.
Key Specifications:
Parameters | Details |
Engine | 4 litre |
Fuel type | Petrol |
Power | 42 Bhp |
Torque | 770 Nm |
Transmission | Automatic |
Seating capacity | 4 |
Boot space | 484 litre |
Fuel efficiency | 4.61 kmpl |
Note: All prices are ex-showroom (Delhi), and the fuel efficiency figures are as of ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) rating.
Advantages of All-Wheel Drive
Below are the key advantages that all-wheel drive cars have over their conventional two-wheel drive counterparts:
- All wheel drive vehicles offer improved road grip and stability, especially in challenging conditions.
- Their advanced traction helps prevent skidding on wet, slushy, or snow-covered roads, ensuring a safer driving experience.
- With all the wheels receiving the power, it creates powerful traction that boosts the acceleration capability of an AWD vehicle.
- They can handle off-roading efficiently as the all-wheel drive transmits power to all four wheels.
- The components that distribute power to the wheels also distribute weight equally across the vehicle, boosting overall performance.
- Because they are feature-rich and utilitarian, they command higher resale value.
AWD vs 2WD vs 4WD: Comparison Table
It will be hard to choose between AWD, 2WD, and 4WD if you don't know how the systems work. Here is a brief comparison table to make you understand their basic differences in performance, cost, fuel efficiency, and optimum uses:
Feature | AWD (All-Wheel Drive) | 2WD (Two-Wheel Drive) | 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive) |
Power Distribution | Automatically to all four wheels | Only front or rear wheels | Manually or automatically to all wheels |
Traction | Excellent in wet/snowy/muddy conditions | Limited, poor on rough ground | Excellent off-road capability |
Fuel Efficiency | Moderate | Best | Lowest |
Complexity | High (more components) | Simple | High |
Cost | More than 2WD | Least expensive | More than 2WD; typically similar to AWD |
Ideal Use Case | Mixed ground, varying weather | City and highway driving | Heavy off-road usage, rocky terrains |
Driver Input Needed | None (automatic) | None | Often manual drive mode choice |
AWD Maintenance: What You Need to Know
While AWD vehicles are very capable, they require special attention in maintenance to provide longevity and performance:
- Regular Fluid Checkup: AWD vehicles have differentials and transfer cases that need regular fluid checkups and replacement, about every 30,000–60,000 km.
- Tyre Matching: All four tyres need even wear. Non-matching tyres put extra stress on the AWD system and can ruin it.
- Brake Monitoring: Since AWD vehicles are heavier, the brake components may wear out faster.
- Routine Checkup: AWD vehicles have extra parts (e.g. driveshafts, differentials). Get them inspected in routine maintenance.
- Increased Maintenance Costs: Be prepared to pay a small amount more than 2WD due to the drivetrain sophistication.
Frequently Asked Questions