Top Ten 2011 All-Wheel Drive SUV Alternatives to Fit Any Budget

As the recent "Snowpocalypse" that crippled much of the country this winter has taught us, there is no substitute for owning a car with full time all-wheel drive. Because even though there is five feet of snow outside your house, you are eventually going to have to go to the grocery store sometime and no one wants to be spinning around in circles the entire way in a rear drive car.

The obvious choice, then, would be to buy an all-wheel drive family SUV but there are a few of us out there who actually enjoy driving no matter what the weather is like outside. SUVs, by their very nature, are less fun to drive thanks to a higher center of gravity and their less than sporty steering feel. What you need then, if you truly do take pleasure in driving, is an alternative to the usual all-wheel drive family SUV.

You would be surprised to learn how many vehicles offer all-wheel drive. Even luxury sedans like the BMW 3-Series, Infiniti G-sedan, Volvo S60 T6 AWD and Acura TL SH-AWD offer all-wheel drive but a trunk will never afford you the practical wonders of a good old fashioned SUV-like hatchback. But if you can live with a little less utility and want a luxury sedan those all make for excellent choices.

But you would be amazed at how many uniquely fun to drive, stylish, economical and affordable snow ready SUV alternatives there are on the market today. Here are the ten best.

2011 Subaru Outback

One of the originators of the species, this wagon version of Subaru's excellent Legacy sedan has a higher ride height (for snow bank clearance) and the benefit of Subaru's full-time all-wheel drive systems. The Outback is available with either an efficient 2.5 liter 170 horsepower "flat" 4-cylinder or a larger and more powerful 6-cylinder. Either way, if you live in snow country you can't go wrong with a Subaru. (Note: All Subaru models are IIHS "Top Safety Picks.")

2011 Audi A4 2.0T Quattro Avant

Easily the most stylish entrant on this list, the Audi A4 2.0T Quattro Avant gets a new 8-speed automatic for 2011 and as I recently tested it in an A4 sedan I can verify that this is one of the best gearboxes in the industry. Not only does it allow you fuel economy in the high 20's but it also keeps the standard 2.0 liter turbocharged the 211 horsepower/258 lb. feet of torque 4-cylinder generating optimum thrust at all times. This is one car that feels like it is going 55 when you are really going 100.

2011 Mistubishi Lancer Sportback Raliiart

Sure, it looks odd but the huge cargo bay holds a surprising amount of junk and makes the Lancer Sportback far more useful than the sedan variant. Bonuses include all-wheel drive settings for snow and gravel which optimize traction no matter what you are doing with the car. Again, thanks to the turbocharged "EVO-lite" 4-cylinder engine and a performance calibrated double clutch automatic this is a very difficult car to drive slowly.

2011 Subaru WRX STI 5-Door Hatchback

Mitsubishi doesn't build a hatchback version of the EVO but Subaru's fastest Impreza is this five door hatchback WRX STI which has a new, wider track this year to improve handling performance. This is a four seasons supercar if there ever was one.

2011 Audi A3 2.0T DSG Quattro

If you seek a little bit more luxury, style and refinement from your all-wheel drive turbo hatchback then look no further than the Audi A3. The 2.0 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder in the A3 is perfectly matched to the class leading DSG double clutch automatic that comes with all Quattro A3 2.0T models. I just road tested one last week and I miss it already.

2011 Honda Accord Crosstour EX-L AWD

All-wheel drive is only available on top of the line EX-L variants of the 2011 Honda Accord Crosstour and they sticker at a still acceptable $34,000. The only available option is Honda's excellent in-dash navigation system which ups the ante by a little over $2,000. Some may not care for the Crosstour's looks but the cabin is robustly built, roomy and offers 51.3 cubic feet of cargo room with the rear seats folded flat. Another bonus? It drives like a V6 Accord.

2011 Ford Flex AWD

What is the Ford Flex, exactly? Well, it's a box with the utility of a minivan but the handling characteristics of a family sedan. Add in an all-wheel drive option and you have a winner. The perfect vehicle for people who hate SUVs and minivans but need the space they provide.

2011 Saab 9-3X Sport Combi

A turbocharged engine, goof-ball Swedish exterior design, an ignition mounted between the two front seats and a proper hatchback. This is the most Saab-like vehicle that this Swedish company currently makes. Who knows? Someday it may be a collectible.

2011 Suzuki SX4 Crossover

This is the best budget buy on the market as this five door hatch comes with standard all-wheel drive for only $16,999. Prices max out a little over $19,000 if you opt for the optional CVT automatic and the top of the line option package. A fun little all-wheel drive runabout that deserves more recognition than it gets.

2011 Volvo XC70 T6 AWD

The XC70 T6 AWD wagon may not have been given all of the recent "naughty" updates that were afforded to the S60 sedan but there is still a lot to recommend here. The cargo area is huge and the 3.0 liter 300 horsepower turbocharged inline six is ferociously powerful. It also can be optioned up with more electronic safety gizmos than you can shake a stick at. This is a much safer buy than any SUV.

Source: Automotive.com

Audiusa.com

Volvousa.com

Fordusa.com

Subaru.com

Mitsubishicars.com