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Perhaps you live in an area where snow days are commonplace. Or, maybe you’re after a vehicle that’s capable of taking on uneven terrain and unpaved roads. Whatever the case may be, if you’re in the market for an all-wheel drive (AWD) SUV, you’ve got plenty of options to consider. But when it comes to choosing the best AWD SUV? These new SUVs make up the three best AWD SUVs of 2021, reports TrueCar.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander is among the best AWD SUVs of 2021

A silver 2021 Toyota Highlander driving through green trees
2021 Toyota Highlander | Toyota

The 2021 Toyota Highlander is a midsize crossover SUV available with both a V6 engine and a hybrid powertrain. And if you’re after a new SUV with all-wheel drive? TrueCar recommends opting for the Toyota Highlander XLE AWD, which starts at $42,900 and comes standard with AWD. Though, that’s not the only reason the new Toyota Highlander found itself among the best AWD SUVs of 2021.

In fact, TrueCar reports that when it comes to this AWD SUV, it offers up a “hard-to-beat mix of practicality and comfort.” TrueCar isn’t the only one to think so either. Consumer Reports awarded the new Highlander a five out of five owner satisfaction rating and predicts that buyers of this AWD SUV will be most pleased with how comfortable it is.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime is an all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid SUV

A blue 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime parked, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime is one of the best AWD SUVs of 2021
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime | Toyota

Perhaps you would prefer a plug-in hybrid SUV. If that’s the case, consider the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime, one of the best AWD SUVs of 2021. This new Toyota SUV comes standard with all-wheel drive and is extremely fuel-efficient. In fact, the EPA reports that this SUV delivers an EPA-estimated 600 miles of total range. All in all, the EPA says that opting for this all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid SUV could save you up to $4,500 in fuel costs over five years.

There are downsides to be had, however. The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime is only available in two trim levels. The good news is that both trims come stocked with features. The Prime SE is standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, a 7-inch digital multi-information display, and an 8-inch touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Meanwhile, the Prime XSE benefits from features like upgraded upholstery, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and a 9-inch touchscreen display.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson is the best AWD SUV of 2021, says Truecar

A red 2022 Hyundai Tucson driving down a tree lined street, the redesigned Hyundai Tucson is an all-wheel drive SUV
2022 Hyundai Tucson | Hyundai

The best AWD SUV of 2021 is the 2022 Hyundai Tucson. The Hyundai Tucson recently underwent a complete redesign and, according to TrueCar, is a “modern crossover with enough style and comfort to meet most active families’ needs.” For an all-wheel drive Hyundai Tucson, TrueCar recommends opting for the SEL AWD, which starts at $29,185.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson SEL AWD comes stock full of features too. Settle into the AWD SUV’s 8-way power driver’s seat and enjoy features like Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, a rearview monitor with dynamic parking guidelines, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and an 8-inch color touchscreen audio system.

Which AWD SUV is right for you?

If you’re in the market for an AWD SUV, TrueCar’s picks for the best AWD SUVs of 2021 have plenty to offer. To find out which new SUV is the right fit for you, we recommend hitting the road for a few test drives.

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