“Sedan” is a word that usually gets a bad rap these days. Many people associate them with the mundane and vanilla four-door, front-wheel drive, boring daily commuter that’s functional for transportation, but not so much for fun or sticky situations. However, there are many reasons why we love sedans. We love them in the summer when we’re taking road trips with the family, or in the springtime when we can drive with all four windows down. The anomaly is the moment we’re in our sedan, spinning the front or rear wheels in the two inches of ice that fell while we were at work. As awful as that sounds, there is hope, and it plays to the tune of all-wheel drive.
For a long time, AWD sedans were limited to luxury brands and performance models. If you wanted traction and confidence on the road, you were herded toward SUVs or expensive badges. Fortunately, times have changed. Today, several manufacturers offer sedans with AWD options, broadening the horizons for buyers who want stability without upgrading to a larger vehicle or shelling out the cash for a premium badge.
Which sedans give us the benefits of AWD without requiring that we jump up a tax bracket? Here are a few that stand out for their balance of affordability, practicality, and capability.
Not Just for SUVs
Before we start naming names, it’s worth asking why we consider AWD in a sedan. SUVs have largely taken over the AWD conversation, but sedans carry a very specific set of perks. They have a lower center of gravity, get better fuel economy, and generally provide a more engaging driving experience. Adding AWD to that mix means you’re not sacrificing stability in bad weather.
AWD isn’t just about snow and ice, although it shines like a diamond there. It’s about peace of mind when the road is saturated with heavy rain, or when you’re taking a winding road at night and can’t afford to second-guess your grip. It also makes sedans more versatile for drivers who want a single vehicle that can handle a daily commute, but also shine on a surprise trip through mountain roads or colder climates.
Standout AWD Sedans
Now that we know why it matters, let’s take a closer look at a few specific models that stood out to me. They aren’t too flashy, but that’s on purpose. Each of these is meant to be an average car for your average Joe, but they all carry the benefits of AWD in their own special way.
Toyota Camry (2026)
The Camry has been a household name for decades, but what surprised us about the latest generation is how much it’s evolved. The 2026 model comes exclusively as a hybrid, and Electronic On-Demand AWD is an option offered across the lineup. In the world of sedans, that’s a big deal. You get a sedan that can handle slick pavement while also pumping out impressive fuel economy numbers, up to 51 MPG combined according to the EPA rating.
The Camry is a sweet spot for someone looking for efficiency but not wanting to sacrifice traction. It isn’t too flashy, but that’s kind of the point. The Camry just works. It has for decades, but now it works even better when driving conditions get tough.
Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 sticks out because it punches well above its weight class when it comes to the driving experience. It’s available as both a sedan and a hatchback, and the AWD option has been on the table since 2019. If you like the idea of a car that’s a little more connected to the road, the Mazda 3 is an awesome pick.
When it’s rainy, or even slushy, the way the Mazda 3 stays planted in sharp corners should fill you with confidence. Plus, Mazda interiors typically feel more upscale than their price would suggest. The AWD option adds another layer of practicality to an already well-rounded package.
Subaru Impreza
Subaru is basically AWD royalty. They’ve essentially built their entire reputation on the AWD platform, so the Impreza was an obvious choice for this list. For decades, the Impreza has been a go-to choice for snowy states and rally stages, and continues proving itself there.
We like the Impreza because it’s approachable. You don’t have to do any math, double-check any option boxes, or jump any trim levels. All Imprezas come standard with AWD. The latest iteration only comes in a hatchback, but I feel like it still checks the “sedan alternative” box for drivers seeking something compact, affordable, and more than capable in dicey weather. If you absolutely require a sedan, the WRX is a fun alternative.
Subaru Legacy
If you’re looking for something bigger than the Impreza, you may find it in the Legacy, Subaru’s faithful midsize sedan. Just like the Impreza, AWD is standard regardless of trim level. The Legacy gets overlooked too often, but that makes it feel sort of like an underdog. It has a roomy cabin, solid safety ratings, and a calm, comfortable ride.
The Legacy is a no-nonsense family sedan that won’t leave you stranded in the snow. It may not be on the cutting edge of fancy, but it will get the job done with quiet confidence every single time. However, if you want a new one, you’d better act soon, as Subaru ended production with the 2025 model year.
Nissan Altima
Nissan was probably our most unexpected addition to this list. Aside from the GT-R, their name doesn’t often appear in AWD circles. In 2019, however, they introduced an AWD option to their most common sedan, the tried-and-true Altima. The Altima has been a midsize staple for decades, but the addition of an AWD option made it stand out in a crowded field. You’ll have to get a trim package above the basic S, but it’s still one of the best ways to get AWD in a mainstream sedan.
When it comes to the driving experience, there isn’t a whole lot of difference in the feel of the FWD and AWD models until the road gets slippery. That’s when the added stability really shines. Anybody looking for AWD but still wanting a familiar and well-established platform would feel at home in the Altima.
Toyota Crown
The Crown is a bit of a wild card. It was Toyota’s replacement for the Avalon, and it sits somewhere between a sedan and a fastback. While it feels slightly more premium than your typical midsize car, it’s still under Toyota’s umbrella, rather than Lexus. Hybrid powertrains paired with AWD systems are standard across the board. The styling is slightly different, but the Crown feels like Toyota is experimenting with some cool stuff. Anybody looking for a spacious AWD headturner would be remiss in passing this one up.
Hyundai IONIQ 6
Electric sedans are becoming increasingly common, and the Hyundai IONIQ 6 is a prime example. It’s sleek and futuristic, and certain trim packages offer AWD. However, this AWD sedan is a little different. The IONIQ 6 blends cutting-edge EV technology with the tried-and-true security of AWD, with one electric motor in the front and a second powering the rear wheels. Buyers looking to step into the world of EVs, but not wanting to give up the benefits of AWD, will find the IONIQ 6 strikes a great balance.
Practical Picks
Here’s how these sedans stack up in some practical categories:
- Gas Saver: Hybrid Toyota Camry
- Bang For Buck: Subaru Impreza
- Most Spacious: Subaru Legacy or Toyota Crown
- Driving Experience: Mazda 3
- EV Option: Hyundai IONIQ 6
- Familiar Face: Nissan Altima
Each takes a slightly different approach, so which one is best for you depends on what you’re looking for in a sedan.
Confidence Comes Standard
AWD sedans don’t have to be expensive or exclusive anymore. Whether it’s a spacious Subaru Legacy, an exhilarating Mazda 3, or an efficient Toyota Camry Hybrid, there’s an AWD option that fits most anyone’s budget. The appeal of a sedan boils down to balance. Their low profile, fuel efficiency, and generally smoother ride make them a great alternative to SUVs. The addition of AWD means you get to have your cake and eat it, too. It adds an extra layer of security and stability to the already awesome benefits of driving a sedan.
If AWD makes you think of high-end badges or bulky crossovers, think again. Mainstream manufacturers are stepping up to the plate, and the result is a group of sedans that can handle winter mornings, rainy highways, and winding backroads, all while keeping things practical and approachable.
