Subaru is getting stronger with every car it sells, and it is clear with this list including three of their makes. Check out the competition for the vehicles meant to overcome difficult terrain and still be easy on your wallet.
The concept of an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is very common in the world of racing and sports cars. It’s relatively advanced technology that has helped people drive across rough terrains, through snowy regions, and other places where standard 2WD vehicles cannot go.
Most trucks and military vehicles are AWD. It relates to the engine controlling all the axles, no matter how many sets of wheels the vehicle has. However, if the matter is non-technical, the term AWD can be generally used for cars and SUVs as well.
Since AWD cars have a significant amount of power, the mileage is expected to be low. But there are some cars that do give power as well as good mileage, i.e., which is above 20 MPG on city roads and highways.
Audi TT
mpg : 22 City / 31 HWY
Price : $38,650 – $41,650
Transmission : 6-spd auto-shift man w/OD
Engine : 2.0L I-4
Power : 211 @ 4,300 rpm
The TT tops style as it has been doing since the concept car was released in 1995. What the AWD car lacks is driving comfort. All in all, this one is for the Audi lovers; most competitors will trump the TT in regards of price, driving comfort and fuel efficiency.
BMW 528i xDrive
mpg : 22 City / 33 HWY
Price : $45,265 – $49,800
Transmission : 8-spd w/OD
Engine : 2.0L I-4
Power : 240 @ 5,000 rpm
It looks pretty much the same as the 2011 model, with a few changes in the interior. The engine feels very responsive yet noisy. The new 2.0L engine is more of a successful experiment than a tried and tested approach.
Lexus RX450h
mpg : 32 City / 28 HWY
Price : $46,310 – $47,710
Transmission : 2-spd CVT w/OD
Engine : 3.5L V-6
Power : 245 @ 6,000 rpm
The car gives maximum advantage as far as cargo and seating adjustment is concerned. The 2013 model boasts of new interiors and paint options. The hybrid is more expensive than the conventional version, but promises a much higher fuel efficiency.
Mazda CX-5
mpg : 26 City / 35 HWY
Price : $20,995 – $28,595
Transmission : 6-spd man w/OD
Engine : 2.0L I-4
Power : 155 @ 6,000 rpm
The CX-5 employs Mazda’s Kodo design. Safety and fuel efficiency are the top points in its favor.
MINI Cooper S Countryman All4
mpg : 25 City / 31 HWY
Price : $24,050 – $27,050
Transmission : 6-spd man w/OD
Engine : 1.6L I-4
Power : 181 @ 5,500 rpm
The car is ironically the largest car in the MINI series. The AWD offers an impressive control in all weathers. The high-performance John Cooper Works model is a worthy competitor in its category.
Nissan Juke
mpg : 27 City / 32 HWY
Price : $20,280 – $26,940
Transmission : 2-spd CVT w/OD
Engine : 1.6L I-4
Power : 188 @ 5,600 rpm
The car offers a very comfortable drive, but scores negative points in cargo storage and rear seat space. Nissan has drawn a stark line between its fans with the Juke’s looks, with many people calling it excessively attention-grabbing.
Subaru Impreza
mpg : 25 City / 34 HWY
Price : $17,895 – $22,995
Transmission : 5-spd man w/OD
Engine : 2.0L H-4
Power : 148 @ 6,200 rpm
This is the most efficient car in the list (which is already dominated by Subaru). The pros include highly-responsive handling apart from the mpg, while the only con I can find is the annoying road noise. Its style isn’t too flashy, just good enough to be worth a gaze.
Subaru Legacy
mpg : 21 City / 28 HWY
Price: $20,295 – $28,895
Transmission : 6-spd man w/OD
Engine : 2.5L H-4
Power : 173 @ 5,600 rpm
The Legacy is one of the few cars in the midsize family category that has standard all-wheel drive, which makes it an excellent choice for the working citizens living in vehicle-hating terrains.
Subaru XV Crosstrek
mpg : 23 City / 30 HWY
Price: $21,995 – $24,495
Transmission: 5-spd man w/OD
Engine: 2.0L H-4
Power: 148 @ 6,200 rpm
This is Subaru’s third (and successful) addition to this category, with a small catch. The engine is quick to accelerate and responsive at high speeds, but gives some problems at mid-range speeds. The crossover is mostly about control than anything else.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
mpg: 28 City / 28 HWY
Price: $40,170 – $46,370
Transmission: 2-spd CVT w/OD
Engine: 3.5L V-6
Power: 231 @ 5,800 rpm
It’s one of the few SUVs that takes reasonable fuel consumption. Spacious interiors, easy on the eyes, and 28 city mpg make the Highlander Hybrid a great option for a large, environment-friendly family.
Constant improvements in technology allow the world’s finest car-makers to bring us better models every year. Whether they choose to stick to their old looks or try something daring, the parts under the hood are always changing. And with the pressure of maintaining a green lifestyle, we all need to watch out how much our cars will consume.
