Five-Point Inspection: 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350

4Matic All-Wheel Drive Conquers Snow, is Still Fun

Don’t skip the all-wheel drive model if you can help it. Car salesmen might like to slay you with slick talk, but this is no bull.

Even crawling up ice-covered roads, the GLK feels sure-footed and confident. Better still, the overall driving experience isn’t ruined.

Small SUVs have their spirits stolen all too often these days by watery, uninspired front-wheel drive layouts. Power is sent to the rears and then all four if things get hairy.