For most buyers, safety is of paramount concern when purchasing a family SUV. If you regularly face rain or snow in your travels, all-wheel drive (AWD) becomes a key amenity for safer travels. This feature gives your vehicle the traction required to tackle roads that are blanketed in slush or slick with ice.  FOLLOW DAILY NEWS AUTOS ON FACEBOOK. 'LIKE' US HERE.  We've put together a list of 12 highly recommended family SUVs with AWD for the 2017 model year. To arrive at our selections, we singled out models providing impressive performance and sublime quality. Each of our picks also offers a deep clutch of safety amenities.  Our list includes each model's starting MSRP. Since manual transmissions aren't big sellers with car buyers, the price we've listed is that of the least expensive model equipped with an automatic or continuously variable transmission and AWD. Prices reflect delivery and destination charges, and incentives are not included.  We've presented our picks alphabetically in descending order.  The Toyota Highlander provides seating for up to eight passengers, and everyone inside enjoys a tranquil cabin environment and ride quality that graciously forgives bumps and potholes. All Highlanders come with a full suite of driver-assistive technology, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. Pricing for AWD models starts at $37,460.  With its high ground clearance and standard AWD, the Subaru Outback has the chops to tackle off-road escapades. It's equally at home taking on family duty in the suburbs, offering excellent visibility, a roomy cabin, and safety features such as forward collision warning and rear cross-traffic alert. Pricing starts at $26,520.  Nissan's Pathfinder is a three-row crossover that offers decent fuel economy, and it's capable of towing up to 6,000 pounds. The Pathfinder's list of available safety features includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and forward collision warning. All models come with a rearview camera. AWD models start at $32,880.  The Nissan Murano wins attention with its modern, bold exterior and high-quality cabin, and this midsize SUV is a good choice for those who want refinement at a relatively modest price point. Its rear seats offer lots of room, but keep in mind that cargo capacity is somewhat slim. A rearview camera is standard, and the list of available safety features includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning. An AWD Murano can be yours for a base price of $32,240.  The Sorento is proof Kia is a brand at the top of its game. This midsize SUV is offered in 5- and 7-passenger configurations, and it teams handsome sheet metal with an upscale cabin. On the safety front, adaptive headlights, lane departure warning, a rearview camera, a blind-spot monitor and rear-cross traffic alert are all available. Pricing for AWD models starts at $29,395.  The Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport offer capable engines and a generous array of standard features. The Santa Fe seats six or seven passengers, while the smaller Santa Fe Sport seats five. A rearview camera is standard on both models, and available safety features include blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert and lane-departure warning. AWD Santa Fe models start at $33,445, while pricing for AWD Santa Fe Sport crossovers starts at $27,995.  With three rows of passenger capacity, the Pilot provides a hearty serving of Honda-flavored competence. Its cabin is packed with neat storage solutions, and its rear seats easily accommodate long limbs. A rearview camera is standard, and the lineup of available amenities includes a blind-spot warning system, adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. AWD models start at $33,295.  The GMC Acadia bucks the bigger-is-better trend by slimming its dimensions with its 2017 redesign. Providing seating for five, six, or seven passengers, the Acadia impresses with attractive styling and a tranquil interior. Available safety features include a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, low-speed frontal collision mitigation and automatic high beams. You can purchase an AWD Acadia for a starting price of $35,375.  The Ford Flex has a boxy profile that sets it apart in today's sea of curvaceous crossovers. This three-row family hauler provides seating for six or seven passengers, and it serves up ample power and a spacious cabin. The list of standard safety features includes parking sensors, a rearview camera and Ford's MyKey, which contains features designed to help parents monitor teen drivers. Available features include adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert and a blind-spot monitoring system. Pricing for AWD models starts at $35,575.  If you've got a large family or massive hauling needs, you'll probably be best served by a full-sized SUV. The Ford Expedition is one of the most talented of the bunch, with prodigious power, seating for seven or eight passengers and spacious accommodations in all three rows. The Expedition tows up to 9,200 pounds. Standard safety features include rear parking sensors and a rearview camera, and blind-spot monitoring is offered as an option. AWD models start at $50,345.  The Ford Edge offers a spacious cabin packaged in a footprint that's small enough to make it a reasonably nimble companion. Offering comfortable seating for five, the Edge is motivated by engines that excel in both performance and efficiency, and this capable crossover provides ride quality that forgives rough road surfaces. A rearview camera is standard, and the list of available safety amenities includes inflatable outboard rear seat belts, blind-spot monitoring and a forward collision warning system. Pricing for Ford Edge models with AWD starts at $31,840.  The Buick Envision impresses with premium-grade amenities at a price that's more reasonable than that of comparable entry-level luxury models. This midsize-crossover seats five, and it boasts a quiet cabin with upscale design cues. All models feature a rearview camera, and the list of available amenities includes rear cross-traffic alert, a blind-spot monitor, frontal collision mitigation and lane-keeping assist. AWD Buick Envision crossovers start at $38,645.  Did you find this article helpful? 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Foster safer travels on wet or icy roads by choosing one of these 12 superb all-wheel-drive family SUVs.