• Around 41% of weather-related car accidents in the U.S. are caused by snow, sleet, ice, or slush. While AWD won’t make your car invincible in winter conditions, the extra grip it provides can make a noticeable difference in slippery situations.
• Chevrolet remains one of America’s top-selling car brands, adapting to modern trends with a lineup dominated by SUVs and crossovers. This shift highlights the growing demand for versatile, family-friendly vehicles in today’s market.

What Exactly is All-Wheel Drive? And How is AWD different from 4WD?

All-wheel drive (AWD) is a smart system that powers all four wheels of your vehicle but does so on its own terms. Most AWD setups automatically adjust, engaging all four wheels only when necessary. This balance ensures you get the traction you need while keeping fuel consumption in check—no extra thought is required. It’s a perfect match for everyday driving and light off-road trips, offering better efficiency than four-wheel drive (4WD), which isn’t as versatile on regular roads.

In contrast, 4WD, commonly found in rugged SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe or heavy-duty pickups like the Chevrolet Silverado, mechanically links the front and rear wheels, splitting power evenly between them.  While it’s perfect for tough terrains and heavy-duty tasks, 4WD is less versatile on paved roads, where these vehicles typically rely on rear-wheel drive.

AWD Chevy Cars: Full List

1. Chevrolet Trailblazer

• Offers a 1.3-liter engine delivering 155 horsepower, paired seamlessly with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
• All-wheel drive is available as an upgrade.
• Front-wheel-drive models with the 1.3-liter engine achieve an impressive EPA-rated 31 mpg combined.
• 11-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration comes as standard 
• Available Wi-Fi hotspot
• Includes advanced driver-assistance features as part of the standard package
• Activ trim gives it an adventurous aesthetic, while the RS trim offers a sportier design
• Foldable front passenger seat accommodates items as long as 8.5 feet 
• 7.5-inches of ground clearance

Starting at an attractive $23,100, the 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer offers a budget-friendly way to experience all-wheel drive in a compact SUV.

Chevrolet has infused the Trailblazer with Camaro-inspired styling and smart design to shake up the subcompact SUV market. Positioned above the Trax, it offers optional AWD and a more powerful engine to boost its appeal.

But the Trailblazer isn’t just about good looks. Its standard features are impressive, headlined by an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen paired with a sleek 8-inch digital gauge cluster.

For drivers craving versatility, the Trailblazer’s advanced AWD system delivers. Available across all trims, it offers three driving modes—Normal, Snow, and Sport—to match varying road conditions. It also enhances fuel efficiency by disconnecting the rear axle when AWD isn’t needed, ensuring you’re ready for both everyday commutes and weekend adventures.

With its affordable pricing, stylish design, and feature-packed interior, the Trailblazer is a smart pick—perfect for those seeking practicality without sacrificing flair.

Thinking about a pre-owned option? Check out our guide to the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer for a closer look.

2. Chevrolet Equinox

• Fourth generation begins with the 2025 model year
• Available all-wheel drive 
• Compact enough for easy maneuvering through crowded streets, yet spacious enough for the needs of expanding families
• All-wheel drive models are rated at 24 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
• Standard 11.3-inch infotainment display featuring Chevy’s latest Google-based system, along with an 11.0-inch digital gauge cluster.
• Suite of standard driver-assistance technologies, including advanced features like adaptive cruise control.

The Chevrolet Equinox slots perfectly in Chevy’s lineup, positioned above the subcompact Trailblazer and below the mid-size Blazer and Traverse. In the competitive compact SUV segment, the Equinox gets a fresh makeover for 2025, enhancing its appeal.

Already celebrated for its family-friendly design and long-distance capability, the 2025 Equinox raises the bar with cutting-edge tech and added appeal. The highlight? A pair of sleek digital displays—a 11.0-inch gauge cluster behind the steering wheel and an 11.3-inch Google-powered infotainment touchscreen.

If you’re in an area with harsh winters, the Equinox’s optional all-wheel drive provides the confidence you need for better traction on snowy roads.

Under the hood of AWD models, you’ll find a refined turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission—an upgrade from the CVT found on front-wheel-drive variants.

Interested in a pre-owned option? Don’t miss our in-depth guide on the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox.

3. Chevrolet Equinox EV

• EPA-estimated driving range of up to 319 miles
• Available eAWD models can achieve up to 285 miles on a single charge and deliver up to 288 horsepower
• With eAWD, it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds, according to GM estimates
• Class-leading 17.7-inch diagonal touchscreen
• Capable of towing up to 1,500 pounds
• With 150 kW DC fast charging, the range can increase by 70 miles in just 10 minutes
• Includes standard Chevy Safety Assist for added protection.
• Optional Super Cruise allows hands-free driving on select highways
• Comes with an 8-year/100,000-mile limited battery warranty
• Eligible purchasers may receive a federal tax credit or GM’s Ultium Promise Bonus Cash, up to $7,500
• Regen on Demand and One Pedal Driving technologies enhance driving efficiency and optimize range

The Chevrolet Equinox EV is set to play a pivotal role in Chevy’s goal to make electric vehicles more accessible. With a price tag well below the average cost of current electric vehicles, the Equinox EV offers an affordable way into the world of electric driving.

Even more impressive, the Equinox EV doesn’t start with a low-range base model. The entry-level 1LT trim, in front-wheel drive, boasts an impressive claimed range of up to 319 miles on a single charge. For those who need extra traction, all-wheel drive is available starting from the base model, with Chevy stating that AWD trims can go up to 285 miles on one charge while delivering up to 288 horsepower.

This impressive performance and range are made possible by GM’s state-of-the-art Ultium platform, which powers the Equinox EV. This means the Equinox EV is built from the ground up as an electric car, not just a clumsy gas-powered model converted to electric

Charging is quick and easy, thanks to its DC fast-charging capability of up to 150kW. With just 10 minutes of charging, you can add 70 miles of range to your Equinox EV, making it convenient for even the busiest schedules.

4. Chevrolet Blazer

• The ‘Blazer’ name was reintroduced in 2019 as a sporty, 5-seat SUV
• Bold, aggressive design that makes it impossible to ignore on the road
• Available 308-hp 3.6-liter V6 engine
• All-wheel drive is available, and the RS trim comes with a sophisticated twin-clutch AWD system for enhanced performance
• Capable of towing up to 4,500 pounds when equipped with the V6 engine and optional trailering package
• Standard 10.0-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
• Standard active safety technologies to keep you protected
• Maximum cargo capacity of 64.2 cubic feet for ample storage space

With its bold, Camaro-inspired front end and streamlined body, the Chevy Blazer stands out in a crowded field of competitors. Its athletic design is complemented by lively driving dynamics and an available 308-hp V-6 engine.

The Blazer offers precise steering, stable handling, a smooth ride, and reliable brakes, making it one of the top driving contenders in the crossover segment

All models offer the option of all-wheel drive (AWD), and the AWD Blazer comes with five driving modes to tailor your experience: All-Wheel Drive, Sport, Off-Road, Snow/Ice, and Tow/Haul.

The RS trim takes it a step further, featuring a unique torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. With special steering and suspension setups, the RS delivers an even more responsive and exhilarating drive, especially on winding roads.

Inside, the Blazer offers ample backseat room and generous cargo space, plus a solid suite of tech and safety features. When properly equipped, it can also tow up to 4,500 pounds, making it the perfect companion for weekend getaways, whether you’re hauling a camper or gear.

Interested in a used Chevrolet Trailblazer? Refer to our detailed guide – 2019 Blazer, 2020 Blazer, and 2022 Blazer.

5. Chevrolet Blazer EV

• Motor Trend SUV of the year for 2024
• Offers a range of options with three drivetrain choices: all-wheel drive, performance all-wheel drive, and rear-wheel drive.
• Standard 17.7-inch diagonal display with built-in Google compatibility, paired with an 11-inch driver information screen.
• Impressive 8-year/100,000-mile limited battery warranty
• RWD RS trim offers an EPA-estimated all-electric range of up to 324 miles
• Blazer EV SS delivers a thrilling 557 horsepower, achieving 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds
• SS variant is equipped with performance all-wheel drive and has an estimated range of 294 miles
• LT and RS AWD models offer 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque
• Can gain approximately 78 miles of range in just 10 minutes with DC fast charging
• Eligible buyers may qualify for incentives, such as up to a $7,500 Clean Vehicle Federal Tax Credit or GM’s Ultium Promise EV Bonus Cash
• Features cutting-edge EV technologies like Regen on Demand and One Pedal Driving
• Optional Super Cruise driver assistance for a hands-free driving experience on certain highways

The Blazer EV marks the debut of Chevy’s all-electric Blazer, and aside from the name, it shares little with its internal combustion engine (ICE) sibling. Built on GM’s innovative Ultium Platform, the Blazer EV is a ground-up design, much like the Equinox EV.

One of the key highlights of the Ultium Platform is its adaptability. It enables Chevy to offer a range of choices in terms of performance, driving range, and propulsion systems. Whether you’re after all-wheel drive, performance all-wheel drive, or rear-wheel drive, the Blazer EV has something for everyone, catering to various priorities like power, range, or cost-efficiency.

If maximizing range is your top priority, the RS trim with rear-wheel drive offers an estimated 324 miles on a single charge. Meanwhile, the RS and LT AWD models deliver 288 horsepower and can go up to 279 miles per charge.

But if performance is your top priority, the Blazer EV SS trim won’t disappoint, boasting a thrilling 557 horsepower and an impressive 0-60 mph time of under four seconds.

6. Chevrolet Traverse

• Sporty RS trim with a near-race-ready feel
• The new Z71 trim is designed with off-road capability in mind.
• Expect cutting-edge technology, of course.
• Enjoy an extensive list of standard features that deliver exceptional value.
• Seats up to 8 passengers comfortably.
• Features the most spacious second and third-row seats in its class.
• The 2018-2023 models come with a 305-hp 3.6L V6, while the new model boasts a 315-hp 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.
• All-wheel drive is available for added versatility.
• Offers a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.
• Spacious on the inside, yet surprisingly easy to maneuver behind the wheel.
• Maximum cargo capacity exceeds 97 cubic feet for all your storage needs.
• The 2024 model introduces a large 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 11.0-inch digital gauge display as standard, with the option for GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving.
• The Z71 trim is also available on the new 2024 Traverse.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse brings all the comfort you need for family trips, with the bonus of offering plenty of space and practicality—without the minivan stigma. As one of the roomiest options in its class, the Traverse easily surpasses competitors in cargo space and third-row comfort.

This latest iteration builds on the Traverse’s family-friendly reputation while adding a fresh, bold edge. The revamped exterior features sharper lines, and the interior impresses with a 17.7-inch infotainment display, a massive upgrade now standard across the range. Under the hood, you’ll find a new 2.5L engine delivering 315 horsepower, ensuring plenty of power for every journey.

Chevy’s redesign doesn’t stop with aesthetics. The 2024 Traverse also introduces the off-road-ready Z71 trim, which takes capability to the next level. With a 1.2-inch factory suspension lift, standard twin-clutch all-wheel drive, and a host of off-road upgrades, this model is built to tackle tough terrain without breaking a sweat. The Z71 offers more off-road enhancements than some of Chevy’s larger Z71 models, ensuring you’re ready for any adventure, even in the snow or on rugged trails.