As of 2022, all-wheel-drive (AWD) is standard equipment for all Mazda SUVs. AWD is also standard on top-tier trims of the Mazda 3 and is an available option on all but the two of the base 3 models.

In 2021,

Mazda

made the exciting announcement that they would be expanding their lineup of vehicles that features AWD as either standard or optional equipment. But just because AWD is available, does that mean you need it?

To help you determine if AWD is right for you,

Jerry

, your

car insurance

expert and

trusted broker for life

, has assembled this guide to Mazda’s AWD vehicles. Read on to find out how Mazda’s iActiv AWD® system works, which models offer it, and how to determine if AWD is right for you.

How do Mazda AWD models work?

In theory, AWD works the same way on all vehicles, but in practice, each automaker researches and develops a unique AWD system to function optimally with its vehicles and their drivers. Mazda’s iActiv AWD® is engineered to be a precise predictor of upcoming conditions by monitoring 27 different sensors over 200 times per second.

iActiv AWD® tracks road conditions, monitors wheel-speed changes, and redirects torque using three integrated systems:

Active Sensors monitor you and your car by noting accelerator position, your steering angle, brake fluid pressure, and more to quickly respond to road conditions.

Torque Control Systems transfer up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels when needed in poor driving conditions or for increased performance at high speeds.

Front-Wheel Slip-Warning Detection Systems read minute changes in wheel speed to stabilize your vehicle before you even notice a slip has occurred.

Now that you know how Mazda’s iActiv AWD®works, let’s look at the variety of vehicles that offer it.

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Which Mazda models have AWD?

Mazda CX-3

Starting price: $21,965

Body style: Subcompact SUV

Engine type: 2.0 L 4-cylinder

The CX-3 featured front-wheel drive on all trims, but the all-weather capability of AWD could be added for $1,400. Mazda has discontinued the manufacturing of their smallest SUV as of the 2021 model year, but you might be able to find a used one.

Mazda CX-5

Starting price: $27,475

Body style: Compact SUV

Engine type: 2.5 L 4-cylinder, 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder

As of 2022, all Mazda CX-5 models come equipped with AWD. This combined with suspension improvements and a retuned transmission makes the CX-5 one of the smoothest-riding compact SUVs on the market.

Mazda CX-9

Starting price:$36,855

Body style:SUV

Engine type: 2.5 L turbocharged 4-cylinder

As of 2022, all Mazda CX-9 models are equipped with AWD. In addition, the CX-9 features a host of safety and driver-assistance features as standard equipment, helping it to earn a 5-star safety rating from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) for 2022.

Mazda CX-30

Starting price:$23,725

Body style:CompactSUV

Engine type: 2.5 L 4-cylinder, 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder

As of 2022, all Mazda CX-9 models come with AWD. Mazda has made several of its driver-assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warnings, standard on the CX-9. Other bells and whistles like blind-spot monitoring can be added as optional equipment.

Mazda 3

Starting price:$22,165

Body style:Sedan

Engine type: 2.0 L 4-cylinder, 2.5 L 4-cylinder, 2.5 L turbocharged 4-cylinder

AWD is available on the Select, Preferred, and Premium model Mazda 3s. The Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus both feature AWD as standard equipment. AWD is not available on the Base and 2.5 S Mazda 3 models.

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What are the benefits of having AWD?

AWD is about more than just bad weather—it’s about performance and handling in all road conditions. In other words, you may be just as thankful for it when driving on a dry, curvy road as you are negotiating a snowy straightaway.

That’s because AWD is tuned for optimal on-road performance, not just getting you through the bad stuff. That said, it’s especially useful for people who live in areas that often experience severe weather or find themselves driving on rough or unpaved roads on the regular.

When you’re battling snowfall in

South Dakota

, camping in the mountains of

California

, fighting flash flooding in

Florida

, or traversing tough terrain in

Texas

, AWD can help keep you moving safely down the road.

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Differences between AWD and 4WD

Even though four-wheel-drive (4WD) and AWD are often used interchangeably, they do not do the same things. That said, just because you occasionally have to drive in bad weather or deal with poorly maintained roads doesn’t necessarily mean you need AWD. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between the two.

AWD is optimized for on-road use. AWD works by directing torque to the tires as needed. By ensuring the tires with traction are the ones getting power, AWD keeps you moving on snowy or rain-slicked roads. Unlike 4WD, AWD also functions as a performance feature—allowing all four tires to rotate at their optimal speed when pulling away from a stop light or cornering at high speed.

4WD is solely a part-time feature to be initiated by the driver when needed. Once engaged, torque is divided equally between the front and rear axles with each tire rotating at the same speed. This way, no matter what terrain you’re on be it snow, sand, rocks, or mud, you will always have power sent to at least one front and one rear wheel.

It’s important to understand how 4WD works because if you use it incorrectly, you could cause severe and costly damage to your vehicle. The same can’t be said about AWD, which is largely a passive feature that engages and disengages without the driver’s input.

Key Takeaway AWD is a low-maintenance feature that keeps your vehicle secure through all conditions, while 4WD is engaged by the driver in dicey conditions.

Do I need AWD?

Most drivers don’t need AWD, but it can be a nice feature to have. If you spend most of your time driving on maintained roads in relatively mild weather conditions, then front- or even rear-wheel-drive will likely be just as beneficial for you as AWD.

If you find yourself regularly driving through snow, ice, or mud, or you need added stability on a high-powered performance vehicle, then you do need AWD. The same can be said if you spend a lot of time on dirt roads.

Just because you spend all your time on pavement, doesn’t mean you don’t need AWD. The purpose of AWD is to optimize your on-road driving experience even in less-than-optimal conditions.

How to save money on car insurance

As much as we all hate to admit it, accidents happen. We can take precautions to prevent them, but even the most careful of drivers with the best safety features may still find themselves in a bind. To prepare for the unexpected, it’s a good idea to find a solid car insurance policy.

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