Subaru tops best 2012 all-wheel drive cars

Inclement weather isn't often good for cars or vehicle occupants. Which is one main reason all-wheel drive cars – Hyundai to Subaru, Ford to Mazda — are increasingly popular.

As the winter season approaches, Kiplinger.com has compiled a list of 10-top recommended all-wheel drive cars that offer "a shoveful of value" as well as vehicles that rank well in resale value, fuel economy and safety.

Subaru, the only manufacturer whose entire lineup has all-wheel drive, has two cars on the all-wheel drive list including the top choice, the 2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Premium hatchback.

Here's what Kiplinger's wrote in part about the Imprezza:

"The Impreza is one of the least expensive all-wheel-drive vehicles on the market. Redesigned for 2012 to be edgier inside and out, it gets 30 percent better fuel economy — and it's an IIHS Top Safety Pick."

"The Impreza employs two versions of Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive: Manual-transmission models get "Continuous AWD" that initially splits power 50-50 between front and rear wheels, and automatics (which cost an extra $1,000) get "Active AWD," which sends power to the wheels based on acceleration, deceleration and available traction."

Here's the top-10 list:

1. Subaru Impreza 2.0i Premium hatchback; 2. Hyundai Tucson GLS AWD; 3. Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited; 4. Mazda CX-9 Sport AWD; 5. Ford Explorer XLT 4WD; 6. Volvo S60 T6; 7. Acura MDX; 8. Cadillac CTS 3.6L Performance AWD; 9. Lexus RX 450h AWD; 10. BMW 535i xDrive

To read the complete article, visit: Kiplinger's/All-Wheel Drive