All-wheel-drive cars are generally associated with either sports cars or SUVs, which enhance driving dynamics for spirited handling or control on the beaten path, respectively. However, AWD sedans are often overlooked because they are less popular than other segments. Sedans are inherently engaging vehicles due to their low-slung design, which helps with a lower center of gravity.
Furthermore, the three-box design helps make it more spacious and provides elevated levels of privacy for the passengers. And the best part is that for under $50,000, there are a variety of sedans that cater to all walks of drivers. From sporty options to frugal ones, and even models with SUV-ish cues like rugged lower claddings and a slightly higher ground clearance, there are a lot of cool mainstream sedans out there. We focus on five AWD sedans that are light on the pocket while still offering a fairly engaging driving experience, in almost all road conditions.
This list is organized in decreasing order of pricing, from the most expensive to the most affordable AWD sedans that can do it all. It is to be noted that we have focused on the most affordable AWD trim level of each of the cars mentioned in this list.
The 10 Best Compact All-Wheel-Drive Cars, According to iSeeCars
Discover the compact cars that offer the perfect blend of agility, efficiency, and all-weather traction. The results may surprise you!
2026 Toyota Crown XLE
Price: $41,440
This is one of the few mainstream sedans offered with a standard all-wheel-drive system across the lineup. The Toyota Crown is powered by a standard 2.5-liter hybrid four-cylinder engine that delivers a combined 236 horsepower. Power is sent to all four wheels via a CVT gearbox.
Elevating this Toyota’s engagement levels on various terrains are its drive modes (Eco, Normal, and Sport) and robust underpinnings. Suspension duties are taken care of by an independent MacPherson strut with a stabilizer bar at the front. The rear gets a multi-link rear suspension with a stabilizer bar. Braking duties are also solid with power-assisted ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes.
Features such as Active Cornering Assist help keep the Crown at bay, even on challenging surfaces. While it’s ambitious to think this plush Toyota sedan can go off-road, the Crown offers 5.8 inches of ground clearance, which should translate to leisure-grade, easy trail runs of the easy kind. Furthermore, if money is no bar, then the top-spec $54,990 Platinum trim level offers more engagement with a more powerful 332-horsepower hybrid powerplant coupled to a sportier 6-speed automatic transmission. It even features Dynamic Rear Steering and Adaptive Variable Suspension.
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2026 Mazda 3 Sedan 2.5 S Carbon Edition
Price: $30,210
This is one of the coolest-looking mainstream sedans today. The Mazda 3 sedan balanced plush appeal, sharpness, and affordability well. While the standard trim levels are offered with a front-wheel-drive system, the top two trims include all-wheel drive as standard.
The affordable one of the duo is the 2.5 S Carbon Edition. Powering the Carbon Edition is a peppy 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that produces 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. It sends power to all four wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission. Aiding this Mazda sedan’s versatility are features such as all-season tires on 18-inch wheels, an engaging power steering system, an independent front MacPherson strut suspension, and a torsion beam axle at the rear.
Its curb weight of 3,283 pounds is well-balanced for sportier driving dynamics. The AWD system offers enough brawn for this sleek Mazda to take on a variety of surfaces. Now, if you are not hesitant to shell out about $36,740 for the top-spec 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus trim, then there’s more in store!
It packs a more powerful 2.5-liter turbo four engine that produces up to 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. The 6-speed automatic transmission is also tuned differently to support its more powerful powertrain. Both AWD trim levels of the Mazda 3 sedan come with the in-house Vehicle Dynamics system, including G-Vectoring Control Plus, for enhanced handling.
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10 Affordable AWD Cars That Are Perfect For Snowy Regions
If you live in a snowy region, these all-wheel-drive cars can get you through the inclement weather with ease.
2026 Kia K5 GT-Line
Price: $29,990
This is one of the most visually appealing mainstream cars on the market today. The Kia K5 carries off its bold, sharp design well. Its engaging and versatile underpinnings further complement this. The most affordable AWD GT-Line trim level features a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Defying convention, a dedicated Snow drive mode provides better traction in cold, snowy conditions. The clever AWD system on this Kia actively distributes torque between the front and rear axles, offering dynamic traction control over a variety of driving surfaces. The suspension setup is tuned to be spirited, with the front getting MacPherson struts with a stabilizer bar and the rear flaunting an independent multi-link system.
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2025 Nissan Altima SV
Price: $28,930
This forgotten mainstream sedan is well behind the competition in terms of performance and technology. But it does take the spotlight for being one of the most affordable sedans with an AWD layout. The most affordable SV trim costs under $29,000 and is a well-rounded one that can take on a lot of duties. The Altima is equipped with a versatile 2.6-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via a CVT gearbox.
Making the drive versatile and engaging is a standard limited-slip differential and lightweight 17-inch aluminum wheels wrapped with all-season tires. Suspension duties are taken care of by an independent strut with coil springs over shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar at the front. The rear gets an independent multi-link with coil springs over shock absorbers with a stabilizer bar. Furthermore, features such as the traction control system and vehicle dynamic control help the Nissan Altima maintain its composure on slippery surfaces.
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10 Reliable AWD Cars Perfect For First-Time Buyers
These cars won’t disappoint with their combination of all-weather traction, affordable pricing, and predictive handling – the perfect first ride.
2025 Subaru Legacy Base
Price: $26,810
It is a bummer that Subaru is discontinuing the Legacy mid-size sedan. This is the most affordable AWD sedan you can buy today, and it offers a mature blend of fun, reliability, and engaging driving appeal. Thanks to Subaru’s standard practice of equipping all models with an AWD system, a $26,810 Subaru sedan with AWD isn’t surprising. Aiding in extracting most of the Legacy sedan’s engaging appeal is a peppy 2.5-liter boxer-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. It is coupled to a CVT gearbox that sends power to all four wheels.
Furthermore, features such as Vehicle Dynamics Control, Traction Control System, and Active Torque Vectoring help keep the Legacy stable across various terrains. This Subaru features four-wheel independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, and electrically power-assisted steering to enhance its driving dynamics further. Couple all of this with the low-slung and low CG nature of this sleek sedan, and the Subaru Legacy is one affordable car that can surprisingly do it all.
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