Back to GuidesWho says that crossovers and SUVs have to be the only all-wheel-drive vehicles on the road? To compete better against the increased demand for crossovers in recent years, automakers have started offering some of their most popular cars with all-wheel-drive as well.
Most buyers will purchase AWD vehicles for the added capability they provide in tough weather conditions rather than to use them for the off-road adventures most people do not normally take. This puts all-wheel-drive cars in a perfect position since they often provide better fuel economy and more affordability over their crossover counterparts.
All-wheel-drive does not just help in poor weather, though. Sports cars can use AWD to gain grip off the line and while cornering. Whether you prefer a hatchback, sedan, or coupe, there is likely an all-wheel drive car out there that will easily suit your needs.
1. 2024 Subaru Impreza
2. 2024 Genesis G80
3. 2024 Mazda Mazda3
4. 2024 Audi A4
5. 2025 Toyota Camry
6. 2024 Toyota GR Corolla
7. 2024 Subaru Legacy
8. 2024 Tesla Model 3
9. 2024 Porsche 911
10. 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQS
11. 2024 BMW i4
12. 2024 Audi A6
13. 2024 Kia K5
14. 2024 Acura TLX
15. 2024 Genesis G90
1. 2024 Subaru Impreza
Not only is the Subaru Impreza one of the most recognizable all-wheel drive cars on the market, but it is also one of the most affordable. Even base model Imprezas come standard with Subaru’s Symmetrical full-time AWD system. A complete redesign for the 2024 model year has left the sedan body style by the wayside, keeping only the hatchback with 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space around for buyers to enjoy.
With the death of the sedan body style also comes the death of the previously standard manual transmission. In its place is a continuously variable transmission connected to a 152-horsepower four-cylinder boxer engine or a 182-horsepower unit if you step up to the sportier RS trim level. Even though that is not much power, the Impreza fits into the compact car segment nicely and still produces much more power than most vehicles in the smaller subcompact class.
Earning fuel economy estimates of 27 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway will not send the Impreza to the top of the class, but its numbers are fairly good for an AWD vehicle. And, with a starting MSRP of less than $23,000 as well as a comprehensive standard features list that includes dual 7-inch touchscreens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, and dual-zone climate control, its value will only sweeten the deal.
Browse 2024 Subaru Impreza listings here.
2. 2024 Genesis G80
Many people thought Hyundai was crazy when they wanted in on the luxury vehicle game and introduced the Genesis brand to the world. Fewer people think that way anymore, especially considering that Genesis’ midsize G80, in particular, punches well above its weight. It offers impressive luxury features at a starting MSRP of less than $55,000. That price includes standard all-wheel-drive.
Highlights for the 2024 model year include the addition of a standard Wi-Fi hotspot and a new lane-centering system that works with the standard adaptive cruise control. You cannot go wrong with your powertrain of choice. A 300-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder serves as the base powerplant while a 375 twin-turbocharged V6 engine is optional.
In addition to its luxurious exterior design and excellent, high-end interior, luxury seekers can opt for features like a panoramic sunroof, a 21-speaker Lexicon audio system, tri-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats, 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and a surround-view monitor. These pair nicely with the standard 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system and the best-in-class list of standard safety features.
Browse 2024 Genesis G80 listings here.
3. 2024 Mazda3
The Mazda3 is one of the premier non-luxury new cars you can buy today, even before you get to the all-wheel drive models. This is in large part due to its exciting driving characteristics, upscale interior, bold design, and packed standard features list. Unfortunately, although the Mazda3 comes with a manual transmission option, it comes exclusively on front-wheel-drive models.
To get all-wheel-drive, you will have to step up to the 2.5 S Carbon Edition, 2.5 Carbon Turbo, or 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus in either the hatchback or sedan models. You will want to go with the hatchback model to get the most cargo space with 20.1 cubic feet, besting the sedan with only 13.2 cubic feet.
A 191-horsepower four-cylinder engine will come on S Carbon Edition cars, whereas a turbocharged version of the engine will pump out up to 250 horsepower if you feed it premium fuel and 227 horsepower if you stick with the regular stuff.
Every Mazda3 comes with features like push-button start, adaptive headlights, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. All-wheel-drive models will throw in niceties like leather seating, a 10.3-inch infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and wireless device charging.
Browse 2024 Mazda Mazda3 listings here.
4. 2024 Audi A4
The A4 is Audi’s flagship luxury sedan, and it is the underdog car of the German Automakers. It has much more reserved styling than its German competitors, and it feels unassuming. Still, there is plenty to let you know that it means business. Courtesy of 2024, the A4 now comes standard with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, a parking assist system, and a heated steering wheel. All-wheel-drive comes one each model, too.
Its base powertrain is a 2.0-liter engine that works with a 12-volt mild hybrid to produce 201 horsepower. Buyers can opt for a 261-horsepower version if they choose. The A4 treads a near-perfect line between agility and comfort, and its power is more than enough to propel it forward with gusto due to its size. Buyers can even expect increased fuel efficiency from last year’s model: up to 35 MPG on the highway.
While driving down the road, the driver and passengers will enjoy the A4’s 10.1-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and stately interior design. All of this goes for a starting MSRP of $35,400. If you want more, and you do not mind paying for it, you can get upgrades like a Wi-Fi hotspot, a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, and Audi’s well-known virtual cockpit.
Browse 2024 Audi A4 listings here.
5. 2025 Toyota Camry
Nobody can get away from the Toyota Camry. It is always there, popular, and ready to meet just about any need that you could ever have. That is not a bad thing, and it is what keeps it on lists like ours. We are going to skip right over the 2024 model year and go straight to 2025, though. The Camry is getting a refresh, and it will focus on fuel efficiency with an all-hybrid lineup.
All-wheel-drive models will feature a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and three electric motors for a total combined output of 232 horsepower. It will be sent to the pavement through a continuously variable automatic transmission. We are hoping that fuel economy will exceed 50 MPG in both the city and highway as it does with the current hybrid model. Even if it does not, it should not be far behind.
In addition to its new powertrains, its exterior and interior will be refreshed as well. It will be up to you if you like it, but everything remains Camry-esque for the Toyota faithful who know that there is not much wrong with the current car. It will still seat most people comfortably, it will still come packed with all the tech necessary to keep your family occupied, and it will still be affordable.
We do expect the price to go up slightly because of the hybrid technology, but it will still include features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and Toyota’s latest infotainment system.
Browse 2025 Toyota Camry listings here.
6. 2024 Toyota GR Corolla
Another Toyota makes our list, but this time, it is a very different animal. The Toyota GR Corolla sits on the opposite side of the room as the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, scowling at it and sporting a 300-horsepower turbocharged three-cylinder engine, a six-speed manual transmission, tuned suspension, and Toyota’s GR-Four all-wheel-drive system.
It is one of a shrinking number of hot hatchbacks on the market, and it rivals competitors like the Honda Civic Type-R and Golf GTI for road and track supremacy. A 4.9-second 0-60 MPH time, fender flairs, triple exhaust tips, and optional front and rear limited-slip differentials make the GR Corolla a far cry from what people think they know about Toyota cars.
Even though fuel efficiency is not in the GR Corolla’s vocabulary, you might be pleasantly surprised to know that it gets 21 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. Standard features like an 8-inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot help bring you back down to earth and let you know that it still has a bit of everyday practicality to go with its pluck.
Despite its position as a “go-fast and have fun first” hot hatch, it has earned its stripes as one of the best all-wheel-drive cars on our list for being both different and usable at the same time.
Browse 2024 Toyota GR Corolla listings here.
7. 2024 Subaru Legacy
The Subaru Legacy is the alternative to the Impreza if you have a little more cash to spend. It is the more spacious and refined of the two, even if it is only available as a sedan. Like its smaller sibling, it features the same standard AWD drivetrain. It also comes with a heftier 182-horsepower flat-four engine or an even zippier flat-six with 260 horsepower, both of which mate to a continuously variable transmission.
Its sub-$25,000 starting MSRP is higher than that of the Impreza’s, but it is on the low side compared to rivals like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Nissan Altima. 15 cubic feet of cargo space is available in the trunk, and rear seat passengers should feel quite comfortable in the roomy cabin while you are busy seeing up to 35 MPG on the highway.
Adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, adaptive headlights, and a rear-seat alert system come on each model. Dual 7-inch touchscreens, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are all included on the base trim level with upgrades like an 11.6-inch infotainment system touchscreen, wireless smartphone connectivity, and dual-zone climate control available as you climb the trim level ladder.
Browse 2024 Subaru Legacy listings here.
8. 2024 Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 is the only American car on our list, but it is one of the most popular EVs in the world. A long-awaited refresh will grace the Model 3 for the 2024 model year. It will now look a bit sharper, feature better interior materials than before, and receive a rear-seat 8.0-inch infotainment display.
Model 3s are quite affordable, but the most affordable models are only available in rear-wheel drive. All-wheel-drive models will require more cash, but they also come with a dual electric motor setup that allows for 333 miles of range. The Performance version cuts the 0-60 time from 4.1 seconds to 3.5 seconds but also cuts the driving range down to 315 miles.
Most other Model 3 items will feel similar to buyers, despite the tweaks made to it for its refresh. A large 15-inch touchscreen will remain the focal point of the cabin. Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless device charging, and a park assist system all come standard. The Model 3’s affordability, coupled with its range and updates keep it firmly near the top of the EV pyramid and our all-wheel-drive car rankings.
Browse 2024 Tesla Model 3 listings here.
9. 2024 Porsche 911
There is a car out there for everyone and the Porsche 911 proves it. It has a legitimate supercar pedigree, but it is one of the most practical performance cars one can buy today. On top of that, it comes in a bevy of different trim levels, all of which utilize a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine that makes different power figures depending on the configuration of your choice.
Coupe, Targa, and Cabriolet body styles are all available for your choosing. Coupe and Targa models offer all-wheel-drive as optional, but Targa models come standard with it. An eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission serves as the fastest way to 60 miles per hour, but a seven-speed manual transmission is offered as an alternative on certain models.
Each 911 comes with a healthy dose of handling prowess despite covering a wide powerband. Base models come with 379 horsepower while a top-end Turbo S model produces 640 horsepower. There is even an off-road-ready Dakar model introduced for the 2024 model year as a tribute to racers past. It is fully outfitted to carve up the sand dunes in the desert, but it carries a hefty MSRP of over $223,000.
Browse 2024 Porsche 911 listings here.
10. 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQS
The Mercedes-Benz EQS Sedan is the German automaker’s EV answer to the Tesla Model S. It offers a much more upscale feel at a starting price that exceeds $100,000. From the outside, the EQS Sedan – not to be confused with the EQS SUV – provides buyers with a “love-it-or-leave-it” host of design cues that make it look a bit plump. Inside is where the magic happens.
Its interior is plush and the materials are befitting of the EQS’ high price tag. A 56-inch hyperscreen highlights the entire cabin. It is actually three separate screens encased into a single class pane that makes up the dashboard, but it runs on Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system. It features wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, cabin climate preconditioning, augmented video navigation, and a Burmester 3D audio system.
To get the dual-motor all-wheel-drive model, you will have to skip over the base rear-wheel-drive car. A total of 335 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque will be at your disposal after doing that, but there is still a 516-horsepower option still beyond that. Impressive features like rear-wheel steering, adaptive air suspension, adaptive cruise control, and a panoramic roof all come standard.
The EQS Sedan is not just all tech and bling, though. Its 207.3-inch length and hatchback allow for excellent passenger space and cargo space as well. Ride comfort is cushy, perhaps to a fault. Still, we almost expect that given the car’s other luxury features.
Browse 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQS listings here.
11. 2024 BMW i4
BMW cannot be left out of the EV game while Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Volkswagen present their own starters. The i4 is just one of several EVs from BMW, but it is the one we like the best. We have to forgo the least expensive base model with rear-wheel drive to get to the AWD i4 xDrive e40. It features two electric motors that combine forces to produce 396 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque.
The even more performance-oriented i4 M50 model produces 536 horsepower and 586 lb-ft of torque. Regardless of your AWD model of choice, they both produce sharp handling and quick acceleration. 307 miles of electric range is on tap if you choose the less powerful option with smaller wheels. That range drops if you equip 19-inch wheels, and it drops even further to 245 miles if you need the M50 model.
With a starting MSRP of $61,600, there is not as much going on as with the Mercedes-Benz EQS, but there is still plenty to gloat over. BMW's iDrive 8 infotainment system is displayed on a 14.9-inch touchscreen with an accompanying 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot come standard, but unfortunately, adaptive cruise control requires some extra cash.
Browse 2024 BMW i4 listings here.
12. 2024 Audi A6
Although it shares many similar design features as the smaller A4, the Audi A6 is the slightly bolder, more refined, and more substantial choice between the two. It also comes standard with all-wheel-drive but it starts at $57,300. It falls somewhere between the BMW i4 and Mercedes-Benz EQS Sedan on the fun-to-drive scale without venturing into the electric car territory.
Base models are powered by a 261-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder. Buyers can opt for a larger turbocharged V6 unit that makes 335 horsepower or a twin-turbo V6 that makes 444 horsepower in the sporty S6 model. Regardless, the A6 sports one of the most refined and businesslike interiors in the segment.
In its base form, the A6 will achieve a relatively healthy 32 MPG on the highway. That will drop by 3 MPG on cars equipped with the V6 turbo.
Audi’s Virtual Cockpit highlights the car’s many standard tech features. Piggybacking on that are a 10.1-inch infotainment display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 10-speaker audio system.
Browse 2024 Audi A6 listings here.
13. 2024 Kia K5
With competitors like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord not prepared to play nice, the Kia K5 has to pull out its party tricks to get buyers to look at it. It is the underdog of the non-luxury midsize sedan segment, and it certainly packs a subtle punch. Its 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, a plethora of standard safety and tech equipment, and attractive styling should award it more attention than it gets.
The all-wheel-drive model sits mid-pack in the form of the GT-Line trim. It features a $28,490 starting MSRP, LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless device charging, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit warning system. Adaptive cruise control can be equipped, but it costs more.
Fuel economy comes in at 25 MPG in the city and 33 MPG per gallon on the highway, courtesy of the K5’s 180-horsepower turbocharged engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. It will not blow your socks off, but it feels peppy. Balance is the key to the K5’s ride quality. It feels neither too rough nor too wobbly through corners, and each passenger should enjoy his or her ride in both the front and rear seats.
Browse 2024 Kia K5 listings here.
14. 2024 Acura TLX
Just as the Kia K5 is the underdog of the non-luxury midsize segment, the Acura TLX is the underdog of the midsize entry-level luxury car segment. It is often overshadowed by the likes of the Lexus ES and Volvo S90, but it packs a punch with its affordable price, exciting styling, and excellent available SH-AWD system.
To unlock all-wheel-drive, you have to migrate to the A-Spec model, or better yet, the Type S. A-Spec models are equipped with a 272-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Type S models feature a 355-horsepower turbocharged V6 engine with some sporty styling touches to make sure that people know what you are operating. Both models feature a ten-speed automatic transmission.
Even though the A-Spec is fun enough to drive, it also combines things like wireless smartphone connectivity, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and premium cabin materials to remind you that it can be used as a high-end grocery-getter too. The Type S ramps things up a bit with a tuned suspension, summer tires, and Brembo brakes.
Browse 2024 Acura TLX listings here.
15. 2024 Genesis G90
The Genesis G90 is designed to compete against the heaviest hitters in the car world but at a more affordable price point than the likes of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7-Series, and Audi A8. It does just that with a starting MSRP of just over $89,000. Its most striking feature is its unique exterior styling, but the G90’s substance goes beyond its skin.
Interior materials and design are top-notch and able to compete with the best that the German automakers have to offer. All-wheel-drive is standard on each model. Base G90s are powered by a 375-horsepower twin-turbo V6 engine. A 409-horsepower version of the same engine gets there by way of a supercharger and 48-volt mild hybrid system. An eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to the pavement.
Standard Nappa leather, ventilated front seats, heated front seats, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 12.3-inch infotainment display, a 12.3-inch gauge cluster, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, power sunshades, and even a fragrance diffuser highlight just a few of the many luxury touches that you get for less than you might expect.
