If you need an AWD SUV for any reason, the options used to be fairly slim. These days, the best all-wheel drive SUVs come from major brands like Mazda, Porsche, and BMW. Blending on-road manners and powerful engines into one fine AWD SUV, these midsize luxury vehicles might add a little joy to the everyday commute.

What SUV has the best all-wheel drive system?

If the 2024 Mazda CX-90 isn’t on your list of the best all-wheel drive SUVs, it should be. Even though the CX-90 is brand new, Edmunds ranked it at the top of its list of midsize SUVs. As one of the best all-wheel drive SUVs, this Mazda definitely delivers on the luxury part. All trim levels get all-wheel drive, but there are many ways to configure it.

Inside the 2024 CX-90 is three rows of luxurious and comfortable space. Each seat is roomy, and the cabin is pretty quiet for all of the space. If you liked the CX-9, you will love the CX-90. It added more than seven inches of space to the wheelbase, which increased the room in the cargo area and cabin. The midsize SUV still has a pretty tight turn radius, so those extra inches don’t make it harder to live with.

We drove the 2024 CX-90 for a week and only had good things to report about it. Priced between $39,595 and $59,950, Mazda offers plenty of trim levels and engine choices to suit many shoppers.

Are all-wheel drive SUVs better for the snow?

Yes, all-wheel drive SUVs are usually better for the snow. A good set of snow tires can’t be overstated, especially on the 2023 Porsche Cayenne. The Porsche Cayenne goes a little heavy on the luxury, but all trim levels get all-wheel drive for 2023. Porsche also has many trim levels to choose from on the newest version of the Cayenne, including some powerful hybrid options.

Everyone knows Porsche makes some fine sports cars, but the SUVs don’t fall short just because there are five seats. The Cayenne is fun to drive and gets between 335 horsepower for the entry-level model or an incredible 670 horsepower on the fully loaded Turbo S E-Hybrid Cayenne. No matter which one you go with, all-wheel drive is standard, and the fun ride is guaranteed.

The 2023 Porsche Cayenne runs between $72,200 for the base model and $171,300 for the fully loaded Cayenne. There is no denying the grand nature of the Cayenne, but it doesn’t come cheap. For those who want an all-wheel drive luxury SUV for the family, this Porsche checks all the boxes.

What’s the best AWD SUV from BMW?

Next up is the best AWD SUV from BMW, the 2023 X5. The 2023 BMW X5 really does everything in a neat and luxurious package. With room for five passengers and plenty of space in the cargo area, the X5 makes a great family vehicle that is still fun to drive. BMW offers a six-cylinder engine that gets the job done or an updated V8. Both of these add a little joy to the everyday drive.

The base model sDrive40i has 335 horsepower, while the fully loaded m50i X5 with the V8 gets 523 horsepower. BMW has some of the better infotainment systems in the game, and the interiors are top-notch across the board. Don’t mistake this luxury SUV for any other vehicle in the parking lot, as it does a great job of setting itself apart from the competition. It is worth noting that the base X5 does not come with all-wheel drive, you’ll have to add it on or go up a trim level to the sDrive40i for standard AWD.

Priced between $61,600 and $85,400, the 2023 BMW X5 might be on the high end of some budgets. If you can swing it, the X5 remains one of the all-wheel drive SUVs for 2023.