Best AWD Sedans | 2026 All-Wheel-Drive Sedans Rated | CarBuzzIf you need the security of all-wheel drive but don’t like the idea of an overweight SUV, the AWD sedan could be the perfect car for you. There are many cars in this category, including affordable smaller sedans and high-end EVs. These cars will suit people staying in cold-weather states, but a lot of them are simply so powerful that AWD traction is essential, even in dry conditions. Let’s take a closer look at the best AWD sedans you can buy for 2026, including luxury models and sports sedans.Vehicles are assigned a BuzzScore in relation to their direct segment competitors, and as such, vehicles in this list, while similarly scored, do not necessarily compete directly against one another. Find out more about how the BuzzScore ratings work here. These lists are continuously updated with the latest BuzzScores and vehicles as they become available. BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe xDrive Starting our list of the best sedans with AWD is the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe. Technically, we can break down this model into three categories: the 840i models, the M850i models, and the M8 Competition. We'll exclude the M8 for the sake of simplicity this time around. That said, the 840i xDrive is the 8 Series Gran Coupe's least-expensive way to get all-wheel drive. It starts at $97,500, and gets power from a 3.0-liter turbo I6 that makes 335 horsepower. Your other option for AWD is the M850i xDrive for $110,500 before destination. This variant has a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 that makes 523 hp. Lucid Air Sapphire One of the best all-wheel-drive sedans happens to be the quickest sedan on the market: the Lucid Air Sapphire. This model is everything you could expect and more from the brand, reaching levels of luxury previously reserved for Maybach and the like. When you consider the Sapphire trim's starting price of $249,000, that's to be expected. This really is one of the greatest all-wheel-drive sedans on sale today. It's powered by three motors (two in the rear and one in the front) that make a combined 1,234 horsepower, it can drive 427 miles on a single charge, and sprints to 60 mph in just 1.89 seconds — beating the Tesla Model S Plaid that we'll talk about later. Porsche Panamera 4 and Porsche Taycan 4 The gas-powered Porsche Panamera and all-electric Porsche Taycan are tied for third place in terms of their BuzzScores at 8.6 out of 10. They're both exceptional, sporty AWD sedans with plenty of luxury and comfort features in any trim. Since there's not much room here to talk about every trim with AWD from both models, we'll focus on the base models. We'll start with the Panamera 4, its least-expensive AWD variant; this model starts at $120,400, and gets powered by a 2.9-liter turbo V6 that makes 348 hp. The Taycan 4 is also this model's cheapest AWD version, which starts at $109,900. It's a dual-motor EV that makes 402 hp combined. We would choose the Panamera, though, since the Taycan has gnarly depreciation. Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan The best-rated AWD sedan from Mercedes-Benz is, unsurprisingly, the S-Class sedan. As the brand's flagship model, we can expect nothing but the best from every trim. Buyers can choose among three trims, including the S 500 4Matic, the hybrid S 580e 4Matic, and the S 580 4Matic, and all three have standard all-wheel drive. Powertrains vary by trim, but could be a 3.0-liter turbo I6 mild hybrid, a PHEV version of the same engine, or a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 mild hybrid. The cheapest possible option is the S 500 4Matic, which starts at $119,500. However, a new S-Class sedan is available later this year, which may be worth waiting for. Mazda 3 Sedan A good AWD sedan for those on a budget is the Mazda 3 Sedan. This affordable option offers the upscale interior and smooth driving experience of a Mazda, while maintaining a reasonably powerful, and reliable, engine. While there are technically five trims, only the two most expensive versions have all-wheel drive. The 2.5 S Carbon Edition starts at $30,210, and gets powered by a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated inline-4 that makes a reasonable 186 horsepower. For those who want a little more power in their daily driver, the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus adds a turbocharger to increase its output to 250 hp. It has a starting price of $36,740, though. Toyota Camry There might not be any true "4-wheel-drive sedans," but the Toyota Camry is a great all-wheel-drive option. We go into the difference between 4WD and AWD in another article here. Nevertheless, the Camry has been a quintessential model for reliability and practicality. Its 2026 model year features five distinct trims — all of which come with standard front-wheel-drive, and can be upgraded with all-wheel drive. The base model LE starts at $29,100, while the top-of-the-line XSE has a base price of $35,500. Powering them all is a 2.5-liter inline-4 that makes a combined 225 hp with FWD, and 232 hp with AWD."Handling is great with a minimal amount of roll. Even quick highway lane changes and twisting back roads are easy and fun in the Camry. It also has excellent braking that keeps you confidently in control. The ride itself is smooth with a minimal amount of road and wind noise. The plush seats make it easy to relax without being so soft that longer rides prove uncomfortable. Whether you're driving the Camry or simply along for the ride, it’s a fantastic sedan."- Nicole Wakelin, CarBuzz Genesis G80 and G90 Both the Genesis G80 and G90 have identical 8.5 out of 10 BuzzScores, so they're tied here like the Porsche models we talked about earlier. That said, they're both incredibly nice AWD sedans. Both models have a variety of trims to choose from, but the best part is that every available trim has standard all-wheel drive. Since there's too much to talk about for two cars in one paragraph, we'll stick to the base models. The most basic G80 you can buy is the 2.5T AWD for $58,450. It comes with a 2.5-liter turbo I4 that makes 300 hp. The G90's base model, on the other hand, is the 3.5T AWD, which is equipped with a standard 3.5-liter turbo V6 that makes 375 hp and starts at $92,700. The quote below is from our road test of the G90."Again, the list of standard features for the interior is long, suited to the luxurious feel created by the sheer amount of room. A couple of linebackers in full gear would be perfectly comfortable in the back - which applies to families or the respected executive, too. Headroom and legroom is generous - on par with the S-Class for headroom, and slightly more impressive in terms of front legroom."- Ian Wright, Senior Road Tester, CarBuzz Tesla Model S Another all-electric model on this list of the best AWD sedans is the Tesla Model S. We were shocked to hear about the brand's decision to discontinue both this model and the Model X in favor of building robots that may or may not ever actually exist — and may or may not be controlled by offshore human beings. Nevertheless, the Model S is still around for a moment, and features two trim levels. The standard variant has a dual-motor setup that produces 670 hp, while the Model S Plaid has three motors that make 1,020 hp. They start at $94,990 and $109,990, respectively. BMW M5 Sedan The BMW 5 Series is a fantastically balanced sedan that has a place in many garages. However, it doesn't get much better than the M5 Sedan itself. We know people still like to complain about its weight, but the fact of the matter is that the model's plug-in hybrid system provides more than enough power to offset its weight, and it still handles great in most situations. There's only a single trim for the M5 Sedan, and it starts at $123,300 before destination. All-wheel-drive is standard, as is its 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 PHEV system that makes 717 horsepower."That’s a lot of heft to be carrying around, especially when you have to accelerate frequently. The e-motor does its job in giving a huge extra shunt when you put your foot down, and it is all immediately there. But on our race track experience, we were only allowed one and a half hot laps before cool down was necessary. Ostensibly to save the tires and brakes, but also to allow for a bit of battery regeneration. Because as long as you have all the battery's power available, the fun is immense"- Marnus Hattingh, CarBuzz Audi A6 E-Tron One all-wheel-drive sedan that isn't available for the 2026 model year, but will be on sale near the end of this calendar year is the Audi A6 E-Tron Sportback. Even though it's technically a 2027 model year, we're highlighting it here because you'll have a chance to order one this year. That said, the A6 E-Tron is a well-rounded experience with a host of luxury, comfort, and driver assist features. Audi's website already shows the 2027 model; the Quattro AWD variant starts at $68,700. It has 456 horsepower, which is enough for a 4.3-second 0-60 mph sprint. 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. Here's what to note when buying such a car: 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 utilize a V6 or V8, or at least a turbocharged four-cylinder. AWD vehicles are generally heavier, so a bit more power is desirable. 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 Enhanced grip and handling in the dry Better dynamics than FWD alternatives Cost benefits of the lightweight sedan body Cons It costs more to install AWD AWD adds weight, increasing fuel consumption Increased weight can also negatively impact handling in less agile vehicles Is AWD safer than other drivetrains? In general, traction from all four wheels improves overall handling and grip when accelerating hard. These sedans are also more secure in slippery conditions than 2WD sedans, so in that sense, they're safer. But in terms of crash-test results, there is no difference. Is all-wheel drive really worth the uptick in price? The added price is only worth it if you live in an area that sees a lot of snow or rain. If this doesn't apply, a front- or rear-wheel-drive car should suffice. It will also be marginally lighter on fuel. What is the most reliable all-wheel-drive sedan? AWD alone doesn't impact the reliability of any vehicle. Rather, one should gravitate towards brands with generally high reliability ratings, including the likes of Lexus, Toyota, and Honda.Sources: BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Genesis, Audi, Toyota, Porsche, Tesla, Mazda, Lucid
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