Best All-Wheel-Drive Sedans of 2022

Characteristics of the Best AWD Sedans

There are various reasons one might want a four-wheel-drive sedan, each stemming from the inherent qualities of the drivetrain. These do differ somewhat from mainstream sedans to luxury execs to sports cars, but there are some similarities you can expect when shopping in this segment. These include:

• Powertrain: Not just any engine will do for a 4WD sedan. While there are a few run-of-the-mill four-pots paired with this setup, the majority prefer to utilize a V6 or V8, or at least turbocharge the four-cylinder. You simply need more power when you’re dividing it by four, plus you have to take into account the extra weight of the drivetrain. It simply takes more to get these cars moving and to ensure that every wheel has enough power to overcome any difficult road conditions.
• Versatility: While a sedan will never be an off-road warrior like a high-riding SUV, all-wheel drive does unlock the potential to go where other sedans can’t. However, it is the ability to drive on slick or muddy roads that really matters, and it means that you can own a traditional 4-door sedan even if you live in areas prone to inhospitable weather.
• Price: Whenever you deviate from the norm when shopping for a new car, you can expect to pay extra. A sedan with AWD will always cost more than the same model with 2WD. Similarly, the added weight of an all-wheel-drive setup impacts fuel economy, so such cars won’t be as cheap to run over the long haul.

What to Consider When Buying a 4WD Sedan

Even the best all-wheel-drive sedan has its drawbacks. These may outweigh the benefits for some shoppers, while others may not really need the advantages. To help you decide if this is the type of car you need, here are some of the pros and cons:

Pros

• The ability to deal with just about any type of road conditions
• A stronger engine is usually employed in AWD vehicles
• Improved traction grants sports cars unparalleled handling
• Faster acceleration for traditionally FWD cars
• Cost benefits of the lightweight sedan body

Cons

• It costs more to install an all-wheel drivetrain
• AWD adds quite a bit of weight, increasing fuel consumption
• Increased weight can also negatively impact handling in less agile vehicles

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