Living in Quebec means that several days a year, getting around will be difficult due to winter. And since snow covers our roads from November to March, sometimes even April, having a vehicle equipped with all-wheel drive is a logical choice.
At Groupe Beaucage, few of our customers are able to do without all-wheel drive once they've experienced it. Obviously, since this type of car is popular, our inventory is full of over 600 used or pre-owned all-wheel drive vehicles. To help you navigate through them, here is a ranking of the best used all-wheel drive vehicles according to our experience.
1. Subaru Impreza
While most people associate all-wheel drive with SUVs, they probably forget about the existence of the Subaru Impreza. Fortunately, we're here to remind you that this compact all-wheel drive sedan has everything to please driving enthusiasts. Thanks to its lightweight construction and its all-wheel drive system with constant traction to all four wheels, the Subaru Impreza is one of the most efficient and enjoyable vehicles to tackle a snowstorm. Available in sedan, hatchback, as well as WRX and even WRX STI versions, the Impreza caters to all budgets. Whether you're looking for power or an affordable AWD vehicle, it should definitely be on your list!
2. Mitsubishi Outlander
If Subaru made a name for itself with its rally results, the same goes for Mitsubishi. With 12 victories at the famous Paris-Dakar rally, this Japanese manufacturer has managed to develop over time what is considered the best all-wheel drive system, the Super-All-Wheel-Control (S-AWC). Equipped with this system, the Mitsubishi Outlander is probably one of the most capable all-wheel drive vehicles to tackle Quebec winters. Spacious, stylish, comfortable, and above all, very reliable, the Outlander has everything to please!
3. Mercedes-Benz Classe-C
Significantly more luxurious than the Impreza, the Mercedes C-Class offers the same type of exhilarating driving experience while exuding a higher level of maturity. Equipped with the excellent 4Matic all-wheel drive system, this car will allow you to travel with class whether it's to the beach in summer or to the mountains for skiing in winter. Moreover, with three or four years of age, it's not uncommon for this type of vehicle to resell on the used market for half of its original retail price. A Mercedes C-Class with all-wheel drive at half price, you'd have to be crazy not to at least give it a try!
4. Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 is a clever blend of the first three vehicles on this list. Like the Impreza, it offers breathtaking driving pleasure, even though it's an SUV; its reliability and i-Activ all-wheel drive system are practically on par with the Outlander, and its build quality and refinement are close to what you find with the C-Class. It's undoubtedly thanks to these factors that it maintains excellent resale value on the used markets. If your budget allows you to acquire an all-wheel drive SUV for around $25,000, a 2019-2020 CX-5 will be the most reliable, elegant, and above all, winter-ready tool!
5. Nissan Rogue
We challenge you - the next time you're stopped at a red light, look around and try not to find a Rogue. It's practically impossible! Quebecers love the Nissan Rogue, largely because it offers all-wheel drive. Additionally, being an SUV, it also offers plenty of cargo space, and its elevated ground clearance instills confidence behind the wheel, even in the worst weather conditions. By purchasing a used Nissan Rogue with all-wheel drive, you can also benefit from the Nissan Safety Shield 360 system, which provides a plethora of intelligent safety systems to protect you from other vehicles on the road, especially in stormy conditions.