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Top Ten All-Wheel-Drive Cars of 2010

Some of us love the rains while a few others love to stay indoors. Like it or not, it has begun pouring cats and dogs. There's a lot of slipping and sliding on the roads and there's no tiny space where the water can escape, thanks to the poor (or utterly missing) rain water harvest systems we have. However, drives do make a difference, and a car with all-wheel drive can do much to keep your ride firm. Having four wheels turning instead of two is simply better for gripping the road when nature is working against you. We thought it the best time of the year to pick out the best all-wheel-drive cars of the 2010 model year from across the globe. Here's our pick. Do let us know if you agree.

Audi Q5

This compact SUV comes with the gusto of a sports sedan. It is astoundingly versatile and flaunts lavish interiors packed with a universe of convenience features. The 3.0 TDI diesel variant comes strapped with a 236 bhp 3.0L turbocharged V6 while the 2.0 TFSi petrol comes with a 208 bhp 2.0L turbocharged I4 engine. A 7-speed S tronic Transmission comes standard. Given the company's history with all-wheel drive, it really shouldn't be any surprise that Audi makes an appearance in our list. The Audi Q5 gets its footing from the quattro all-wheel drive, which makes it a favourite in the sun, rain and snow.

BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon

Whatever be the road conditions, BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system tackles it with ease. The BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon offers extra levels of functionality as compared to the short-roof version. It has better looks too. Throw in a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine with 230 horses and plenty of torque and you can be sure that this wagon won't get left behind when the lights go green. The 3 Series wagon does an excellent job juggling the duties of both sporty and comfortable driving. This BMW car quells bumps and holes with ease. Pushing the wagon through turns, the chassis remains quite neutral, avoiding serious oversteer with the help of the all-wheel drive system.

Chevrolet Equinox

Sharp new styling inside and out with 182 bhp expelled by the ECOTEC 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine adds a lot of life to the Chevy Equinox. One can expect to derive the best-in-class mileage from this monster. A superb 6-speed automatic transmission permits gear shifts with ease and accuracy. The Equinox comes with class leading luxury and safety amenities. Dozens of thoughtful features like the Multi-Flex rear seat with ample legroom, power programmable liftgate and much more make the all-wheel-drive Chevrolet Equinox even more lovable.

Ford Flex

Surprised to see Ford's à la mode new seven-seater people mover on the list? Don't be. This vehicle's 3.5-liter V6 motor is more than capable and spews out 262 bhp and 336 Nm of torque. This motor, coupled with a flawless 6-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, gets you to your destination without a grievance. You never know, buying this car might be the sharpest way of getting to any place even under tough, slippery road conditions. The Flex also sports an option of a new twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 with 355 bhp.

Subaru Outback

The spacious, tough, thoroughly modern and exceedingly capable Outback is always there for those who think trucks are too big and some cars are too small. Nothing can offer as much excitement as travelling in the Outback while performing mundane everyday tasks. Its well-executed full-time all-wheel-drive system makes efficient use of the power from either a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder or a strapping 3.6-liter 265-bhp 6-cylinder engine. The large wheel arches and leaning headlights give the wagon some serious personality.

Suzuki SX4 Crossover

One of the most affordable all-wheel-drive vehicles of 2010, the SX4 Crossover is more than capable to get you through the worst weather. It may not be as sexy as Jennifer Lopez, but it's surely gonna help you net the title of the smartest one on your block. The 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine gives out 143 bhp and 184 Nm of torque and the tiny crossover with its light weight can move along anywhere without breaking a sweat. However, the lofty roof makes for lots of cargo space.

Volvo V50 T5 AWD

If anyone knows about playing on the wet slippery roads, it's Volvo. Even before any car maker thought of crash safety, Volvo was ready with safe, all-weather-capable cars and wagons. The 2010 Volvo V50 T5 AWD is just picture-perfect when it comes to style and performance. The turbocharged 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine under the car's hood has 227 bhp on tap and comes with of the option of a 6-speed manual transmission. Just the performance one would expect from an all-wheel-drive wagon, right?

Lexus IS 250 AWD

Lexus is household name when it comes to stylish all-wheel-drive sedans. The smallest of the Japanese company's fleet is the IS 250 AWD. The car is powered by a 2.5-liter V6 engine with 204 bhp and 250 Nm of torque. That may not sound like a lot, but with power going to all four wheels via the 6-speed automatic transmission, the IS 250 AWD scoots along effortlessly. Even as the weather turns sour, the IS 250 AWD's occupants get ferried about in fine leather and warm wood accents.

Mercedes-Benz GLK350 4Matic

Packed in Mercedes-Benz's all-new 2010 GLK350 4Matic is plenty of lavishness and power, thanks to its 3.5-liter V6 engine. With 268 bhp and 350 Nm of torque, this crossover utility vehicle has no problem threading mountain passes. The 7-speed automatic gear box and the very proficient 4Matic all-wheel-drive system work just right, not minding even the slippery roads. In spite of the 108.5-inch relatively short wheelbase, there's plenty of space inside for people and their cargo.

Infiniti G37x AWD

With an extremely powerful 328-bhp 3.7-liter V6 motor, the Infiniti is a great deal quicker than most contenders in the competition. The cosy cabin offers occupants warm seats sheathed in excellent leather. The car also comes equipped with one of the best navigation systems. A smooth 7-speed automatic transmission makes the most of fuel economy, helping the all-wheel-drive car deliver 7.2 kmpl in the city/10.6 kmpl on the highway. You can conquer even slippery roads with the least effort when you're in an Infiniti G37x AWD.