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When I last wrote this article, there were only a few pickup trucks were on the market with an AWD system (not to be mistaken for 4WD). An AWD system doesn’t do well off-roading, and are better suited for on-road, hazardous driving instead, so manufacturers have opted for the 4WD system, as they are seen as the better option for working trucks.
However, as lifestyle electric pickup trucks have grown in popularity over the past year, they are much more likely to use AWD, as they have motors at each wheel instead of solid axles, and the buyers of these vehicles tend to be more willing to option an all-wheel-drive system instead.
So, if you are looking for an all-wheel-drive pickup truck, you are in luck, as there are quite a few now, and here they are!
1. Ford F-150 Lightning
I had the chance to drive one of these trucks and was genuinely impressed. It really is incredible how fast these electric trucks are. The Ford Lightning offers an AWD system utilizing a dual motor setup (one for the front and one for the rear).
The Ford Lightning’s system pushes out 426 horsepower (and 775 lb.-ft. of torque) on the standard range battery, and on the long-range battery, it hits you with 563 horsepower (and the same 775 lb.-ft. of torque).
2. Hummer EV Pickup
Learn MoreIf you are tired of those boring everyday pickup trucks and want something completely different than anything else on the market, consider getting a Hummer EV. This massively heavy pickup (over 10,000 pounds GVWR). This is a 1,000-horsepower pickup that gets that power to the pavement (or dirt) by utilizing 3 individual electric motors, bringing it to 60mph in just 3 seconds.
This truck not only has plenty of power, but it is also extremely luxurious and capable. With plenty of technology, heated and ventilated seats, and even crab-walk by turning all four wheels in one direction.
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3. Hyundai Santa Cruz
Shop Now: Santa CruzWhile compact pickup trucks died out a while ago, they are returning! Santa Cruz-included pickups generally utilize a car platform, meaning they inherently use an AWD system. The Santa Crus is one of those trucks. The Santa Crus is a gas pickup based on the Santa Fe SUV.
Its all-wheel-drive system is a more standard design (unlike the electric vehicles above), does a fantastic job putting down its 281 horsepower on the road, and should keep you on the street in the snow and rain.
4. Ford Maverick
I am a massive fan of the Ford Maverick, which conveniently offers a compact pickup truck. You can get a car’s compact sizing, truck bed’s utility, and hybrid SUV’s gas mileage. While you need to upgrade the truck during your purchase process to get an AWD drivetrain in this unibody pickup, it is well worth it.
With this being one of the least expensive vehicles on this list, this could be the best-value AWD pickup on the market today. While the Santa Cruz above may have unique styling, Ford has taken its years of experience n the truck market with truck people to see what works for non-truck people. These come with a QR code for 3D printing accessories to enhance the truck even more after purchase.
If you are looking for a highly well-rounded AWD pickup, the Rivian R1T electric pickup stands out as one of the best. It offers a sports car-like experience (3.1 second 0-60), fantastic off-road prowess (up to 14.9″ inches of ground clearance with its air suspension), and it has smaller dimensions, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a more compact rig.
The Rivian R1T has up to 835 horsepower that is put down to the road via a choice of a Dual-Motor, Performance Dual-Motor, and Quad-Motor (a motor on each wheel) setup. It’s also luxurious, high quality, and reasonably priced compared to the Hummer EV, its main competitor.
6. Honda Ridgeline
Shop Now: Honda RidgelineThe Ridgeline used to be the king of AWD pickup trucks, as it was the only option on the market; however, as other trucks have become available, it is starting to show its age.
That said, Honda is exceptionally well known for its reliability and ability to keep its value, meaning you can’t go wrong with this unibody pickup. Sure, you may not get all of the features of the expensive trucks above, but you will get plenty of experience in reliability otherwise.
Is AWD or 4WD better in the snow?
4WD and AWD are similar but different in a big way. 4WD gives power to all four wheels all the time, whereas AWD is mainly 2WD but then sends power to the other axle whenever needed, and even then, just to the specific wheel that needs it.
With this in mind, is AWD or 4WD better in the snow? This depends on the circumstances. If you want to get through deep snow in a driveway or back roads, 4WD so that all four wheels have power at once.
However, if you are looking for better traction at highway speeds when it is snowing out, AWD is a much better solution, as it is much more intelligent and can help you keep going forward rather than spinning out.
Conclusion
So there you have it! Those are all pickup trucks that offer AWD as an option; this list will likely continue to grow as manufacturers build lifestyle pickups in their electric division, so we will need to continuously update this article.
