Is Ryobi’s New All-Wheel-Drive Lawn Mower Worth $850? I Tested It To Find Out

Wondering if the new Ryobi 40V HP AWD Self-Propelled Lawn Mower is worth buying? I’m here to help.

Ryobi claims it produces mowing power equivalent to a 196cc gas-powered lawn mower and that it’s the only all-wheel-drive walk-behind lawn mower in the industry. I’ve tried out scores of battery-powered mowers from Ego Power+, Toro, Husqvarna, Stihl, Echo, and Greenworks, as well as Ryobi, so I was eager to see whether Ryobi’s latest entry was truly revolutionary. Ultimately, I think it’s an excellent option for certain lawn types. Ahead, I’ll share my observations to help you make the best decision for your yard.

Testing the Ryobi 40V HP AWD 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

The Ryobi AWD lawn mower is equipped with a 21-inch composite deck and a “Cross Cut” multi-blade cutting system driven by a 40-volt brushless motor. For 3-in-1 grass-clipping management, the deck features an integrated switch-operated mulch plug, and the kit also comes with a rear bagger and discharge chute. It also features a single-point height adjustment system and a fold-flat handle. Also included in the kit are a pair of 40-volt 6-amp-hour batteries that power up to 75 minutes of mowing per charge, and a rapid charger capable of topping up both batteries in about 120 minutes. This model is recommended for yards up to .75 acre, including those with slopes.

The drive system may be the most unique feature. It has a unique speed adjustment system that allows you to set a top end speed up to 4 miles per hour, and pressure-sensitive thumb paddles that adjust in real time as you mow. It also offers on-demand all-wheel-drive (AWD). To conserve battery, the default is rear-wheel drive. When conditions require added traction, you simply toggle a switch on the handle to shift into AWD. That high level of adjustability earned the mower a spot in BobVila.com’s guide to the best battery-powered lawn mowers.

The testing period ran for a month, so I was able to mow four times. The yard was gently sloping to steep, with about a half acre of grass. I mowed the grass when it was wet, dry, and extra long for different perspectives. Although my notes covered battery performance, user interface, and the various convenience features, my priority focus areas were mowing power and maneuverability with the all-wheel-drive system.

Maneuverability 

The four-wheel-drive functionality really made a difference on the slopes, especially when the grass was wet. The mower didn’t slip, and I didn’t struggle to keep it on track. Instead, it climbed up and down with ease. AWD also helped when I was working around ruts and exposed tree roots that sometimes act like a wheel chock. When I flipped the switch, the mower pulled out of those situations without hesitation.

As for the adjustable pressure-sensitive self-propulsion system, it gave the mower a noticeably gentler start from a standstill than many of the other models I’ve tested, which was refreshing.  It never felt as though it was pulling away, even on the higher speed settings.

Mowing Power 

Ryobi claims that this mower packs mowing power equal to a 196cc gas lawn mower, and that seems accurate. Whether the grass was wet with dew or extra long from a couple of weeks without mowing, the cutting and drive systems performed well. It drove up steep slopes with ease, even while hauling a bag full of wet grass clippings. All the while, it left the grass with a nice, even cut.

At one point, I used this mower instead of a brush cutter to cut down the prior year’s growth in a large perennial garden. At the start, there was a mixture of 50 percent old brown stems and the remainder tender broadleaf foliage. It was about 12 inches high. I raised the deck to its highest setting and mulch-mowed at a slow pace. Not once did the mower struggle or get stuck. It left the bed neatly trimmed, with a layer of evenly mulched clippings to protect the ground while the perennials grew back.

Controls 

The control center faces the operator at the top of the handle. It appears somewhat overcomplicated, but it worked well. At the top of the panel, an LCD screen prominently displays the remaining battery charge and approximate blade replacement status. Below the screen, a row of 3 buttons controls the mowing mode (turbo/normal), drive mode (AWD off/on), and headlights (off/on). The main power button and speed selector are located at the bottom of the panel, with the drive paddles below.

I didn’t love having to choose a top-end speed and control how firmly I pressed the paddles just to control speed. Other mowers combine those functions into a single control method, so hopefully Ryobi will roll out something like that in the future. The on/off controllers for turbo, AWD, and lights were all easy to reach while mowing.

Convenience Features

The integrated mulch plug, single-point height-of-cut adjustment, pass-through bag removal, high-wheel design, and headlights were all super helpful. The mulch plug switch and height adjustment lever both worked smoothly and felt sturdy enough to withstand years of use. The position of the bagger made it easy to unload without spilling clippings and reattach easily. The high-wheel design helped smooth out bumpy terrain, and complemented the AWD system nicely. The LED headlights made it easy to move in and out of my dimly lit storage area, and could help with mowing in the evening.

Product Comparisons

Why I Think the New Ryobi 40V HD All-Wheel-Drive Lawn Mower Is Worth Every Penny

The Ryobi 40V HD AWD Self-Propelled Lawn Mower currently sells for $859 at The Home Depot. In today’s market, that’s a mid-level price point among residential battery-powered lawn mowers, which is a fair starting point for the conversation. The mower itself is a workhorse that packs loads of cutting power and excellent run time per charge, and it delivers a really good cut quality to boost the value. All-wheel-drive mobility is icing on the cake. Given all the performance and convenience features, this mower is worth every penny.

So, is the Ryobi 40V HP AWD 21-Inch Lawn Mower right for You?

The new Ryobi AWD self-propelled lawn mower is a strong option for midsize yards with slopes and areas with rough terrain. It’s easy to operate, handles rough ground easily, and cuts well regardless of the grass conditions. Expect to see faster battery drain when cutting overgrown grass. The best use case is for routine lawn maintenance, even if the lawn occasionally gets an extra week’s growth between cuttings. I do not recommend this machine for rough mowing on a regular basis, even though it can do the job occasionally if needed. 

Meet the Tester

Mark Wolfe is a multimedia reporter and landscape and nursery industry veteran. After decades of mowing, edging, planting, pruning, irrigating, and renovating landscapes, he now tests and writes reviews about the latest hand tools, plant care products, outdoor power equipment, and other outdoor living goods.

 

All You Need to Care for Your Lawn & Garden

Keeping your grass green and your plants thriving doesn’t just take a green thumb—it starts with the right tools and supplies.

SEE OUR FAVORITES