Top 4 Wheel Drive Electric Cars
Icy, wet roads with standing water on the surface – it’s a nightmare and a piece of bad news for many (even most experienced) drivers.
Grip and traction are the two most essential parts for driving your car safely.
Also, the tires are a big part of the equation, but today I will elaborate on something everybody knows: the 4-wheel drive system.
Numerous electric cars use four-wheel drive (4WD), a changeover from the standard for gas-powered engine vehicles.
Without complicated and expensive parts needed to make an engine drive all four wheels, Ev’s advantage is massive, less complex, and cheaper by placing electric motors on each axle.
Efficient and straightforward recipe for a 4WD vehicle.
Below you’ll find the Top 4 Wheel Drive Electric Cars available on the US market in 2022 and upcoming 2023 models.
Table of Contents
Top 4 Wheel Drive Electric Cars
2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge
The Volvo XC40 Recharge delivers all the style and safety features the Swedish automaker is known for in a completely electric package.
Its 402-hp powertrain provides excellent acceleration, up to 223 miles of driving range, and all-wheel drive is standard for all XC40s.
The XC40 Recharge incorporates a Swedish minimalist configuration with high-end materials and state-of-the-art safety features.
Sitting comfortably five passengers – Volvo XC40 Recharge is available in 3 trim levels.
Starting price at $51,700 for the lowest trim, P8 Twin. The P8 Pure Electric Ultimate AWD is fully loaded, which starts at $58,150 and comes with an electric engine and all-wheel drive.
With an estimated 92 MPGe in the city and 79 MPGe on the highway.
2022 Jaguar I-PACE
In 2019, the Jaguar I-Pace was launched, becoming the British brand’s first all-electric vehicle. It’s also one of the few fully electric luxury SUVs.
It could be an attractive alternative for those who don’t want a Tesla Y. Despite its size and powertrain, With an estimated range of 234 miles on a fully charged battery.
The five-seater SUV produces 394 horsepower using a 90kWh battery pack and a pair of electric motors driving all four wheels as a standard. I-Pace is a true Jaguar.
Despite its size and weight of 4,784lbs. Inside, the I-Pace is quiet ( like all the EVs today), comfy, roomy, and equipped with the latest tech and safety features.
Estimated 80 MPGe in the city and 72 MPGe on the highway. The most popular trim is the HSE AWD, which starts at $69,900.
2022 Audi e-Tron GT
Luxury cars maintained their looks in the last few years without any significant changes to their appearance, but the Audi e-Tron GT wishes to startle something up.
A full-size all-electric, 5-passenger sedan, the e-Tron GT delivers cutting-edge technology with new and refreshed designs to luxury sedans to help provide new levels of comfort and performance.
Audi is quick, with agile handling and 469 horsepower at its disposal. Audi e-Tron GT can travel up to 238 miles fully charged.
The most favored trim is the Prestige, which starts at $102,400 and comes with an electric engine and all-wheel drive.
2022 Audi RS e-Tron GT
The Audi RS e-Tron GT is a close competitor to the Porsche Taycan. Sharing 800V electrical architecture, two-speed automatic transmission, air springs, a rear axle, and front and rear electric motors.
The range of 232 miles, fully charged Audi’s powertrain delivers 590 horsepower and 612 lb-ft. Which is an actual “hell on wheels.” MSRP starts at $142,400.
2022 BMW iX
BMW iX is the first fully electric luxury SUV on the US market from BMW, with the previous I3s and plug-in X5 hybrids
Close competitors are the other luxury EVs like Jaguar i-Pace, Tesla Model X, or the upcoming 2023 Cadilac Lyriq.
MSRP for the iX starts at $83,200. It provides 324 miles of range with a power of 516 horsepower, which is almost the power output of the BMW X5 M50i.
2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5
The IONIQ 5 is Hyundai’s first car on a dedicated EV platform. The IONIQ 5 has a 77.4 kWh battery pack with an 800V architecture.
Unlike the Kia Kona Electric, which is built on the combustion Kona. The IONIQ 5 is built from the ground up with a quirky pixelated design to the interior and exterior that is hardly reminiscent of any other Hyundai.
The IONIQ 5 range is up to 303 miles fully charged, with an estimated MPGe of 132 in the city and 82 MPGe on the highway.
MSRP starts at $43,650 for the SE, $45,900 for SEL, and $50,600 for the fully loaded Limited trim.
2022 Polestar 2
The Polestar is Volvo’s brand created as a spin-off brand – electric-only—an immediate rival to the Tesla Model 3 and the KIA EV6.
Polestar 2 has a 75kWh battery pack powering single or dual electric motors, one for each axle.
Long Range Single Motor MSRP starts at $45,900, delivering 231 horsepower and 270 miles of range. 0 – 60 in 7 seconds.
Long-Range Dual Motor setup deliveries 402 horsepower and 249 miles of range. 0 – 60 in 4.5 seconds.
Charging time is very promising, 10-80% in less than half an hour (from a 150kW DC charger).
2022 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo
The Taycan Cross Turismo is a more practical “station wagon,” like a variation of a Porsche Taycan.
Besides the apparent body shape, the main difference is a 4-wheel drive, but it uses the same drivetrain as a regular Taycan.
Porsche Tycan Cross Turismo comes in 4 different configurations. Starting with Tycan 4 Cross Turismo with an estimated range of 215 miles, 469 horsepower, 0-60 with Lunch Control in 4.8 sec. MSRP starts at $93,700.
The following configuration is Tycan 4S Cross Turismo with a range of 215 miles, 562 horsepower, 0-60 with Lunch Control in 3.9 sec. MSRP starts at $110,300.
For wealthier and more demanding customers, there is also the Tycan Turbo Cross Turismo with a range of 204 miles, 670 horsepower, 0-60 with Lunch Control in 3.1 sec. MSRP starts at $153,500.
And then there is the last and most powerful version, the Tycan Turbo S Cross Turismo, with an estimated range of 202 miles, 750 horsepower, 0-60 with Lunch Control in an insane 2.7 sec. MSRP for that bad boy starts at $187,600.
Despite the Taycan Cross Turismo’s sporty image in standard form, a new configuration for the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system allows some off-road ability on gravel tracks.
2022 Tesla Model Y
The well-known and recognizable Tesla Model Y – with excellent performance and handling, is well-built ( especially the one made by Giga-Press ).
Available in two options: Long Range Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive with the estimated range of 330 miles, 0-60 in 4.8 sec with MSRP starting at $54,690.
The second option is Model Y Performance with an estimated range of 303 miles, Dual Motor All Wheel Drive, 0-60 in 3.5 sec, with MSRP starting at $59,690.
The lack of a tax credit for Tesla cars makes them more expensive than comparable Ford Mach-e and VW ID.4
2022 Volkswagen ID.4
Perhaps one of Volkswagen’s most enthusiastic vehicles yet, the ID.4 is America’s first VW sold established on the MEB platform, which essentially means an elongated wheelbase and short overhangs.
Despite being 6 inches shorter than Ford Mach-e ID4., it provides more interior space than Mach-e.
On the downsides, it’s not highly futuristic ( which is subjective – you either like it or not), has no front trunk – “frunk” and no one-pedal driving option.
On the upside, it comes in AWD, which is good since the close rivals Kona Electric and Niro EV don’t even offer AWD as an option.
Two options are available; single motor and dual motor (AWD).
Equipped with an 82kW battery pack, 201 horsepower, and up to 295 miles of range. MSRP is starting at $40.760… minus potential tax credit. Lol
2022 Audi Q4 e-Tron
I could say it’s an entry-level EV from the luxury Audi family since it is the cheapest, priced around $21,000 less than Audi e-Tron.
It’s built on the same MEB platform as the VW ID.4, with elongated underpinnings with short overhangs.
Thanks to that, it’s spacious inside despite being a relatively small vehicle measuring 180.6 inches. Audi offers two different Q4 e-Trons.
Q4 40 e-Tron is a single motor RWD with 201 horsepower, 0-60 in 7.9 seconds. MSRP $43,900.
If that’s not enough horsepower, there is also the Q4 50 e-Tron with dual motor AWD (which Audi calls Quattro) with 295 horsepower, 0-60 min 5.8 sec. MSRP starts at $49,900.
The range for both configurations is TBD when writing this article.
2023 Audi Q6 e-Tron
A German automaker is developing its newest electric SUV in full swing. Little is known about it, but the spy shots reveal its existence.
A complete camouflage prototype caught in Sweeden suggests having split-set headlights and taillights. Similar to the upcoming 2023 BMW X7
Pricing is probably below e-Tron, around 300 miles or more, and a powertrain produces about 600 horsepower. That’s all speculation, so don’t take my word for it.
2022 Bollinger B1
It’s an exciting EV. From the design standpoint, let’s say the least; it looks like a Land Rover Defender or Toyota Land Cruiser from the ’70s or ’80s cruising down the Sahara Desert.
It’s a boxy, rugged vehicle with a massive 140kWh battery packThe B1 is a robust, practical SUV with a gigantic 142kWh pack. Due to its weight and shape, the range is only 200 miles.
The powertrain combines front and rear axle electric motors are around 614 horsepower. Other than that, it’s an efficient workhorse.
It will be plenty for most customers with 15 inches ground clearance, 7500 lbs towing capacity, and 5200 lbs payload capacity.
The interior is the same simple, minimalistic design as the exterior, with removable doors and windows.
Bollinger B1 will be built alongside the pickup version of Bollinger 2.
2022 Byton M-Byte
Bayton is an international startup company established in Hong Kong 2017 by former Nissan and BMW executives.
The Byton M-Byte is manufactured in China, engineered in California, and designed in Germany. I think the size of an Audi e-Tron is very similar to the VW ID.4.
Full of new and futuristic innovations like touch and gesture controls with driver face recognition, four single seats with rotating front seats for easy interactions, powerful internet antenna that allows up to 300Mbit/s.
But the most innovative is a massive 48-inch 4K display and a 7-inch display on the steering wheel.
One option is a smaller 72kWh RWD battery pack with around 270 horsepower, a range of 267 miles, and 0-60 in 7.5 sec.
Also, there is a bigger AWD 95kWh battery pack with approximately 400 horsepower, around 341 miles fully charged, and 0-60 min 5.5 sec.
Unfortunately, at the moment, Byton M-Byte is not yet available for sale.
2022 Cadillac Lyriq
Cadillac – a GM-owned brand since 1909, is not new to EVs; they created a two-door coupe, the ELR, based on the Volt architecture in 2014.
In my opinion, it was a disaster; 40 miles range? Come on, guys. Next was a plug-in hybrid called Chevy Volt.
Now it’s a new era for Cadillacs EVs, with an upcoming Lyriq, Symbolic, Celestiq, Escalade EV, and smaller, compact electric SUVs.
Let’s focus on the Lyriq, which should be available in the next few months, 2022.
With a starting price of around $60,000, you’ll get a 33″ diagonal 4K display across the dashboard, SuperCruise, an entire glass roof, 22″ rims, one-pedal driving, etc.
Large 100.4 kWh battery pack, RWD motor with 340hp (currently the only option available ), Cadillac estimated range of 300 miles+. 4WD Lyriq could be available in 2023.
Who remembers iconic Fisker Karma? Our guy is back; former designer and CEO of Fisker Automotive, Henrik Fisker, is back in business.
The brand new company Fisker Inc. and a brand new affordable electric vehicle.
2022 Fisker Ocean
Fisker Ocean is a new project under Herik Fisker’s name—a small crossover with many futuristic innovations and exciting designs.
Starting with the coolest, in my opinion, “California mode” will let you simultaneously open all the windows, including the rear liftgate window plus the glass “solar sunroof.”
You can’t get more “California” than that. LOL
Speaking of the roof, that’s another futuristic innovation. Fisker predicts that the sun hitting those solar panels will produce between 1500-2000+ miles per year from pure sunshine.
Living in the Florida sunshine state would be a great choice. LOL
Semi-autonomous driving and automatic parking assistant will park your Fisker Ocean autonomously. Those are just a few features included with the car.
Fisker will offer four different trim levels. Starting with the most affordable Fisker Ocean Sport begins at around $38,000.
With a single motor producing 275hp and a range of approximately 250 miles.
The next trim level is Ultra, Extreme, and finally, the most expensive and potent AWD Fisker Ocean One producing around 550hp, with the estimated 0-60 in 3.6sec and 350 miles.
The price tag will be around $69,000.
Production should start around 2023.
2022 Kia EV6
Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6 are close relatives sharing platforms and their new 800 volts architecture. Design is a subjective matter; it’s a personal choice.
Let’s focus on a Kia EV6 here.
The striking design and attractive cabin stand out, in my opinion.
Kia says, “More driving, less charging.” They stand behind these statements with their charging time of 18 min providing up to 217 miles of range.
Kia EV6 is available in various trim levels and power outputs (RWD and AWDs).
Starting price is around $40,900 before potential federal tax credit for a single motor RWD Light trim equipped with a 58 kWh battery and an estimated range of 232 miles on a single charge.
The second and third trim is called Wind. The difference between the two is either RWD (MSRP $47,000) or dual-motor AWD (MSRP $50,900), as well as power (225hp RWD, 320hp AWD), and a range of 310 miles RWD, 274 miles AWD.
And a last two top trims are GT-Line RWD (MSRP $51,200) and GT-Line AWD (MSRP $55,900 using the same motors configurations and Wind trims.
All Kia’s comes with 12.3 inches beautiful dual screens.
Depending on the trim level, an augmented reality heads-up display, an automatic parking assistant called Virtual Valet, a powerful sound system, and a blind-spot view monitor display the live feed in the instrument cluster from the right or left camera.
2022 Nissan Ariya
A decade-long two generations of Nissan Leaf production is ending.
Nissan Ariya will join the outdated Leaf (the cheapest electric car in the US). Unlike a Leaf, the Ariya will feature a liquid-cooled pack and an optional two-wheel or AWD configuration.
Also, two different battery sizes will be available. Standard 63kWh battery pack and larger and optional 87kWh range up to 300 miles.
All Ariyas with 87 kWh batteries will come with 22kW AC fast charging and up to 130kW DC rapid charging — all with the CCS charging rather than the CHAdeMO port used on the Nissan Leaf.
MSRP will range from $47,125 for a base front-wheel-drive Ariya Venture Plus to $60,000 for a Platinum Plus trim with a dual-motor AWD.
2023 Polestar 3
Little is known yet about the upcoming Polestar 3.
Polestar keeps quiet about their new SUV, save for a few sneak peek shots under covers and camouflage.
The production will begin this year alongside Volvo XC90 and suppose to release date around the first quarter of 2023.
It’s a luxury electric SUV expected to compete with high-end SUVs like the e-Tron and i-Pace.
It should have around 300+ miles of range from a single motor or dual AWD configuration. Nothing has been confirmed yet, so we just got to wait and see.
2023 Porsche Macan Electric
Luxury compact crossover from Porsche – their best-selling vehicle since 2016 will have an all-electric twin brother, Porsche Macan EV.
There is still very little known about it. Most like Macan EV and the new Audi A6 e-Tron will share a new electric platform.
As far as the trims go, Macan EV would most likely mirror configurations with Macan ICE. With a starting price of around $80,000. The possible range and powertrains are unknown at the moment.
2022 Rivian R1S
California-based startup Rivian is expanding its offer of a new 7-seater SUV, Rivian R1S. They are intended for on-road comfort and off-road capability. It has few direct competitors, but the Tesla Model X is obvious.
Unlike the Model X’s coupe-like form, the R1S has a more classic design language, likely providing the third-row passengers more headroom.
AWD configuration with a front axle is a 415 horsepower unit with 413 ft-lbs of torque. A higher torque derivative delivers 420 horsepower and 495 ft-lbs in the rear.
Together, they provide a total of 835 horsepower and 908 ft-lbs. Of torque for a 0–60 time as quick as 3 seconds while delivering exceptional efficiency and instant adjustability for any condition.
Two battery pack options will be available smaller 260+ miles with a dual motor only and a bigger 316+ miles with. a quad motor drive system.
Final words
Top 4-Wheel Drive Electric Cars
That was a rundown of existing and future AWD EVs. Electric cars are the future of automobiles. Also, the AWD system is a great idea to keep you on the road.
Do you currently own an AWD EV? If so, what are your thoughts? Comment below or shoot me an email.