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Does Subaru make the best all-wheel-drive vehicles? A CarMax report says the Subaru brand is the best and has the most cars and SUVs on the new 10 Best AWD Cars for 2020 list. CarMax, which sells previously owned vehicles, SUVs, and pickups, compiled a list of the ten best all-wheel-drive cars for 2020 shoppers, based on its vehicle data from November 1, 2019, through April 30, 2020.

The 2021 Subaru Outback wagon is ranked number one, Subaru Impreza compact sedan and hatchback number two, Subaru Legacy sedan is number three, and Subaru Crosstrek scores number five best all-wheel-drive cars.

The Ford Fusion is number four on the list. Lincoln MKZ (6th), followed by the Dodge Charger (7th), Mini Cooper Clubman (8th), Ford Taurus (9th), and Hyundai Genesis (10th).

Why are Subaru models ranked high in all-wheel-drive capability?

If you live in a cold-weather climate, you want a capable all-wheel-drive car to get you safely through snow and icy conditions on your commute. Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system is considered one of the best among automakers.

Subaru was the first and is still the only automaker to offer all-wheel-drive standard equipment on all its cars and SUVs. The 2021 Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, Ascent, Impreza, Legacy, WRX, WRX STI all come standard with its all-wheel-drive system. The BRZ sports coupe is the only model with two-wheel rear-drive.

It's not a one type fits all AWD system

Subaru offers four different all-wheel-drive systems in its current stable of vehicles. Subaru doesn't have a "one type fits all" approach with its multi-purpose vehicles. The 2021 Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, and other models get a "tailored" version to fit a particular powertrain or model.

The four all-wheel-drive versions are what sets Subaru all-wheel-drive system apart from most other automakers that offer all-wheel-drive adapted to its two-wheel-drive models. You can read our detailed explanation of all four here.

What Consumer Reports says about Subaru AWD

The Consumer Reports Annual Auto Survey (by subscription) revealed Subaru scored four vehicles in the top-ten models who were rated best all-wheel-drive SUVs in the snow. Here are the Top-10 models starting from number one. Subaru Ascent, Audi Q5, Subaru Outback, BMW X5, Volvo XC60, Audi Q7, Subaru Forester, Jeep Cherokee, Subaru Crosstrek, and Cadillac XT5.

Subaru created the small SUV segment with all-wheel-drive. The 2021 Subaru Outback, Crosstrek, Impreza, and Legacy are ranked 10-Best AWD Cars for shoppers this winter.

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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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