FAQs Is it safer than other drivetrains? In general, four-wheel tractions gives the car better grip, which has obvious advantages in adverse weather conditions.
Is this drivetrain really worth the additional cash outlay? If neither of those apply to you, a rear-driven option will be lighter on fuel and more affordable to purchase.
What is the most reliable all-wheel-drive sedan car? Models from Volvo and BMW have excellent reliability ratings, but affordable options from Kia also strike high on the reliability meter. Why a 4WD sedan? Order by Rank Order by Category. Lucid Air. Volvo S60 Recharge. Drivers tend to judge winter traction based on how easily a car's wheels spin when they push the throttle. Does the car wiggle, fishtail, or feel unstable? If it does, you naturally slow down. But because AWD greatly reduces wheelspin when accelerating, it's easy to overestimate how much traction there is and drive too fast for the conditions.
Do that and you might find yourself sailing off the outside of a corner or through an intersection when trying to stop for a red light. In many cases, AWD is offered as an option, and it can raise a vehicle's price by thousands of dollars. However, some automakers offer this feature as standard equipment—though the extra cost of AWD components at least one extra differential, various clutches, a driveshaft, software, and more is baked into the sticker price.
Also, the complexity of an AWD system can increase service and repair costs down the road. Audi and Subaru are known for offering models that come standard with AWD. Here's the AWD conundrum: An AWD sedan on all-season tires has significantly less traction for turning or braking on snowy roads than a front- or rear-wheel-drive sedan does on a set of four winter snow tires.
We proved as much in a Car and Driver winter-tire test that we conducted several years ago, where we showed that winter tires are superior in those two key driving situations. What about in a head-to-head acceleration test?
Would the AWD car pull ahead? We have not tested how well an all-wheel-drive sedan on all-season tires can accelerate on snow versus a two-wheel-drive car fitted with winter tires, so we consulted the experts at Tire Rack, who conduct extensive snow testing. In a drag race on snow, says Woody Rogers, Tire Rack's director of testing information, "I can make the outcome go either way depending on which all-season tires I fit to the AWD car. But in terms of cornering and braking traction, Tire Rack agrees with the results of our own testing: AWD offers no improvement.
Then there's the matter of cost: fitting a two-wheel-drive sedan with a set of winter tires and extra wheels is in many cases less expensive than the extra cost of an AWD system. And running a set of winter tires also extends the life of your summer tires. Here at Car and Driver , we fit a set of winter tires to all our long-term test cars for winter driving, even if they're AWD models. As we have seen firsthand, an AWD sedan with a set of winter tires is a killer winter ride.
Because an AWD system adds weight and creates parasitic driveline losses, in most cases it will diminish its fuel economy—though the fuel-economy penalty may be so small it doesn't even show on the EPA combined figures. For example, according to EPA estimates, the Chrysler 3.
The Audi A6 is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 3 trim levels. The most popular style is the Prestige 3. Audi offers an extensive lineup of high-end luxury sedans. With a choice of robust powertrains and standard all-wheel drive, the Audi A6 feels capable and in control. The car delivers good fuel economy, too, but it doesn't have the sporty edge of some of its competitors.
One area where the A6 does shine is the cabin, where quality materials make it look and feel expensive. Audi's standard equipment also provides a big helping of modern electronics. Unfortunately, shoppers have plenty of options in the midsize luxury sedan segment. The Genesis G80 2. See owner reviews for Audi A6. Some drivers want a little extra kick to their luxury sedan, and the Audi S4 delivers on both fronts. The Audi S4 is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 3 trim levels.
See owner reviews for Audi S4. The Audi S6 is a midsize sports sedan packed with the German automaker's sophistication and technology, capable of outrunning the average sports car on straightaways and twisty roads. While it looks like a luxury sedan from the outside, looks can be deceiving. Audi integrates a hp mild-hybrid engine, adaptive air suspension, and other cutting-edge components to give the S6 driving performance to match its comfort and all-weather practicality.
The Audi S6 is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 2 trim levels. See owner reviews for Audi S6. The only sedan in Jaguar's current model lineup, the XF is a car of many talents, balancing the luxury and comfort of a large four-door sedan with agile handling and a sports car's soul. Under the alluring exterior lies a quick and economical powertrain, inspiring confidence on the road or when making a big entrance.
The XF comes with great standard features for the price, rounding out one of the better values in its class. The Jaguar XF is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 3 trim levels. See owner reviews for Jaguar XF. The A-Class is the smallest and least expensive car in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, so it's no surprise that it's short on passenger space and less luxurious than its pricier siblings. What it does offer is strong performance, an attractive cabin, and a stylish exterior that looks nothing like a mainstream sedan.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 1 trim levels. Priced to compete with mainstream sedans, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class attracts attention with dynamic styling, quick reflexes, and a cabin that few would mistake for a Honda.
There is a trade-off, however, as this luxury-brand sedan is smaller than the average midsize sedan and doesn't come with nearly as many standard features. A strong four-cylinder engine is standard on the base A-Class, and a more powerful version of the same engine is offered in the performance-oriented AMG Both A-Class models are fun to drive, with responsive handling, brisk acceleration, and quick steering.
Passenger room is tight in the back seats and there's not much room in the trunk either, so the A-Class is best suited for those who rarely travel with company. Then again, there are plenty of comparatively priced mainstream sedans that provide more room and features. But none have the cachet that comes with owning a Mercedes-Benz. See owner reviews for Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Best All Wheel Drive Sedans We sifted through the data to select the best cars and trucks in every category.
Learn More. Overview The Audi A3 is one of the most appealing small luxury cars on the market. Configure a new car. Pros Sophisticated design Excellent ride-handling combination Impressive powertrain Cons Limited trunk space Many safety features are optional Overall Assessment First offered as a hatchback, the Audi A3 switched its emphasis to the sedan body style with the redesign.
Starting MSRP. Starting Mkt Market Avg. Feature Highlights Wireless Charging. Overview Volvo has announced it will be moving all of its cars and SUVs to hybrid and electric platforms in the coming years, and the S60 Recharge is at the core of this mission. Pros Cabin materials and craftsmanship Quick acceleration Standard all-wheel drive Great fuel economy Cons Average electric range Pricey with options added Not as spry as German rivals Overall Assessment It may not have the most extended electric range in its class, but the Volvo S60 Recharge is one of the most attractive entrants in the hybrid universe.
All-wheel drive comes standard, as does a suite of safety features. But if safety, speed, and style are all of importance to you, the S60 Recharge could be worth the time.
Feature Highlights Pedestrian Detection. Overview The Subaru Legacy has a comfortable interior and a wide range of standard safety and tech features that make it a great choice for families. Pros Standard all-wheel drive Affordable starting price Remarkably smooth ride Cons Unimpressive fuel economy Bland exterior styling Overall Assessment The Subaru Legacy is a midsize sedan that offers a wide range of trims, a choice of two engines, and a long list of standard features.
Overview The Nissan Altima remains a stalwart in the midsize-sedan segment for its affordable mix of comfort and performance. Pros Comfortable and spacious cabin Fuel-efficient engines Available all-wheel drive Cons Less powerful and less athletic than rivals No hybrid option Overall Assessment The Nissan Altima is a well-rounded midsize sedan with a refined ride and comfortable interior.
As Nissan's best-selling sedan, the Altima slots in the Japanese brand's lineup between the Nissan Sentra compact car and the Nissan Maxima flagship sedan. Now in its sixth generation, the Altima competes against longtime segment leaders, such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. It's similar to those sedans in terms of size and features. But the Altima lacks some of the polish that makes the Camry feel more expensive or the Accord feel sporty. Available all-wheel drive is one feather in its cap, as is its turbocharged engine that uses a unique design to deliver strong performance and high fuel efficiency.
Overview The Kia K5 brings exciting styling to the otherwise conservative midsize-sedan segment. Pros Contemporary style Fun-to-drive performance model Available all-wheel drive Cons No hybrid model Performance model doesn't offer all-wheel drive Overall Assessment Formerly known as the [Kia Optima], the newly rebranded Kia K5 competes against popular sedans, such as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.
Overview The Mazda3 stands out from the pack with its impressive interior finishes and responsive engine. Pros Top-quality interior More fun to drive than most cars in its class Cons More expensive on the top end than rivals Infotainment controls aren't very intuitive Overall Assessment The Mazda Mazda3 is one of the most engaging compacts on the market. Overview The Polestar 2 is a powerful, tech-laden, five-seat hatchback electric vehicle with all-wheel drive and subtle good looks.
Pros Powerful Well-mannered Quiet and comfortable Cons Range is subpar for the segment Tight backseat Lack of interior storage space Overall Assessment Polestar, once Volvo's in-house performance arm, is now a stand-alone electric car company within the Volvo Car Group, which in turn is owned by China's Geely Auto.
It also comes with the most powerful engine in the Fusion lineup and the most powerful engine in its class , a turbocharged 2. More cool items of equipment include an adjustable suspension, quad exhaust system, and inch alloy wheels. Even the basic Fusion has an excellent chassis, bringing high levels of comfort and control. The V6 Sport takes these attributes to a higher level.
As a mainstream midsize sedan with spice, the Fusion V6 Sport makes a compelling case for itself. They share a lot of resources.
An all-wheel drive system is among the many options. But the LS is about far more than sending drive to all four wheels. The automatic transmission in the regular version, meanwhile, has no less than 10 forward gears.
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