Why AWD and 4WD Make Sense for Seattle-Area Drivers
Living in the Seattle and Puget Sound area means driving through a little bit of everything. One day you're navigating wet roads through Burien, Seattle or Tacoma. The next, you might be heading toward the Cascades for skiing, hiking or a weekend getaway. Winter trips can mean rain at sea level and snow and ice once you reach higher elevations.Choosing the right drivetrain can become an important consideration. For 2026, Chevrolet offers a broad selection of vehicles with available all-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD). The lineup includes SUVs, pickups, EVs and even the Corvette.
2026 Chevrolet AWD and 4WD Models
Chevrolet's 2026 lineup includes 12 vehicles available with AWD or 4WD. Here's a look at the options, organized by the manufacturer's lowest MSRP at which each model can be equipped with all- or four-wheel drive.2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer AWD
Starting at $27,095 for the 2026 Trailblazer LS AWD, the Trailblazer is Chevrolet's most affordable all-wheel-drive model. AWD is available on the LS, LT, RS and Activ trims. AWD Trailblazers use a turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.For Seattle-area shoppers looking for a smaller SUV that's easy to maneuver around town while offering available AWD for weekend trips beyond the city, the Trailblazer is worth a look.
2026 Chevrolet Equinox AWD
The Chevrolet Equinox is another particularly relevant option for Puget Sound families and commuters. The 2026 Equinox LT AWD starts at $32,795, with AWD available on the LT, ACTIV and RS trims. Chevrolet says the Equinox combines bold styling with cargo space, while the AWD versions use a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission.Whether your daily drive takes you from Burien to Seattle or you're loading up for a weekend on the Olympic Peninsula, the Equinox provides a practical middle ground between a compact crossover and a larger SUV.
2026 Chevrolet Colorado 4WD
Need a pickup instead?The 2026 Chevrolet Colorado offers available four-wheel drive and starts at $37,795 for the AWD/4WD-capable WT configuration listed by Chevrolet. Four-wheel drive is available on the WT, Custom and LT trims, while the Trail Boss, Z71 and ZR2 come standard with four-wheel drive. The ZR2 takes the off-road focus even further with a factory-installed three-inch lift, Multimatic DSSV suspension dampers and other off-road equipment.
For Puget Sound truck shoppers who want a vehicle capable of handling everything from daily commuting to camping, towing and off-pavement adventures, the Colorado gives you several configurations to consider.
2026 Chevrolet Blazer AWD
The 2026 Chevrolet Blazer brings available AWD to Chevy's midsize sporty SUV. AWD is available across the 2LT, 3LT and RS trims. The Blazer's available AWD configurations pair with Chevrolet's turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, with additional engine choices available depending on configuration.This is a great option for Seattle drivers who want something sportier than a traditional family crossover while still having the practicality of an SUV.
2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV AWD
If you're considering making the switch to an electric vehicle, Chevrolet also offers AWD in the Equinox EV.The 2026 Equinox EV LT 1 AWD starts at $42,095. AWD adds a second electric motor to the rear axle, while EPA-estimated range changes from 319 miles to 307 miles with the AWD configuration. Actual range can vary depending on factors such as weather, terrain, vehicle loading and driving habits.
2026 Chevrolet Silverado 4WD
For drivers who need a full-size pickup, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offers a wide variety of configurations, including available four-wheel drive.Four-wheel drive is available on many Silverado trims, while some configurations, including the ZR2, are four-wheel-drive-only. Depending on the trim, Chevrolet says selecting 4WD adds between $3,300 and $4,600 to the MSRP on LT, RST and LTZ configurations.
2026 Chevrolet Traverse AWD
Need three rows?The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse offers three-row seating with available AWD. The LT, High Country and RS trims offer AWD, while the off-road-oriented Z71 comes standard with AWD. This makes the Traverse an option worth considering for Seattle-area families who need room for passengers and cargo but still want additional traction capability for Northwest travel.
2026 Chevrolet Blazer EV AWD
The electric Blazer also offers an AWD configuration. The 2026 Chevrolet Blazer EV LT AWD starts at $49,495. Its AWD system adds a second electric motor, with EPA-estimated range changing from 312 miles to 283 miles compared with the corresponding rear-wheel-drive configuration.For drivers around Seattle, Bellevue, Renton, Tacoma and the broader Puget Sound region who want an electric SUV with available AWD, the Blazer EV provides another option.
2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV 4WD
The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV takes electric pickup capability into the AWD/4WD conversation as well.Every Silverado EV comes standard with four-wheel drive, according to Chevrolet, with configurations ranging from the Custom to the off-road-focused Trail Boss. For an EV shopper who still needs the capability and utility of a full-size truck, this is one of the most distinctive options in the Chevrolet lineup.
2026 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD
For larger families, the 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe combines three-row seating with available four-wheel drive.The Tahoe's available 4WD system can be added to the LS, LT, RST, Premier and High Country trims, while the Z71 comes with 4WD. The Z71 also includes equipment such as skid plates, tow hooks and all-terrain tires. That makes the Tahoe a great option for families who regularly transition between city driving and outdoor adventures.
2026 Chevrolet Suburban 4WD
Need even more space? The Chevrolet Suburban is the largest SUV in Chevrolet's lineup and offers available four-wheel drive. The 2026 Suburban LS 4WD starts at $69,495, with 4WD available on several trims. The Z71 comes standard with 4WD and adds off-road-focused equipment.For large families, road-trip enthusiasts or drivers who need substantial passenger and cargo capacity, the Suburban provides a particularly spacious option.
2026 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray AWD
And then there's the unexpected member of Chevrolet's AWD lineup: the Corvette E-Ray. The 2026 Corvette E-Ray uses a front-mounted electric motor to drive the front wheels and a mid-mounted 6.2-liter V8 to power the rear wheels. Combined output is 655 horsepower. The result is a very different application of AWD—one focused on performance rather than mountain roads or family hauling.2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X AWD
The most extreme example is the 2026 Corvette ZR1X, which Chevrolet describes as its most powerful Corvette ever. The ZR1X combines a twin-turbocharged V8 driving the rear wheels with a hybrid system powering the front wheels, creating an all-wheel-drive performance car designed for the road and racetrack.So yes—even the Corvette has joined Chevrolet's AWD lineup.
AWD vs. 4WD: What's the Difference?
While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, AWD and 4WD are not identical systems.All-wheel drive (AWD) generally describes a system designed to automatically or continuously distribute power between the front and rear wheels as needed. It's commonly found in crossovers, SUVs and some performance vehicles.
Four-wheel drive (4WD) is traditionally associated with trucks and SUVs designed with greater emphasis on off-road capability and challenging terrain. The best choice depends on what you're planning to do with your vehicle.
For a Seattle commuter who occasionally heads to the mountains, an AWD crossover may make sense. For someone towing equipment, exploring off-road trails or needing more specialized capability, a 4WD truck or SUV may be the better fit.
And remember: AWD or 4WD isn't a substitute for appropriate tires and careful driving, particularly in snow and ice.
Which Chevrolet AWD or 4WD Vehicle Is Right for Seattle?
Consider what you actually need from your vehicle:Mostly commuting around Seattle and Burien?
The Trailblazer, Equinox or Blazer may be worth considering.
Need a family SUV?
Look at the Equinox, Traverse, Tahoe or Suburban.
Want an EV?
The Equinox EV, Blazer EV and Silverado EV offer electric options with AWD or 4WD capability.
Need a truck?
The Colorado and Silverado provide different sizes and capability levels.
Want something performance-oriented?
The Corvette E-Ray and ZR1X demonstrate that AWD isn't limited to SUVs and pickups.
Shop Chevrolet AWD and 4WD Vehicles Near Seattle at Burien Chevrolet
If you're shopping for a new AWD or 4WD vehicle in the Seattle area, Burien Chevrolet is conveniently located at 14400 1st Ave S in Burien, just one mile west of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.As a family-owned Chevrolet dealership serving Burien, Seattle and the greater Puget Sound region, Burien Chevrolet offers new Chevrolet cars, trucks and SUVs along with used vehicles and professional service.
Our location makes us convenient for drivers from Seattle, Burien, West Seattle, Renton, Kent, Federal Way, Des Moines, Normandy Park, Tacoma and communities throughout the Puget Sound area.
If you're trying to decide whether AWD or 4WD makes sense for your driving needs, visit Burien Chevrolet and compare your options.