Which sedans come with all-wheel drive

All-wheel drive is now standard or available on sedans across every price range, from economy to luxury. The list includes the Subaru Legacy and Outback, Audi A4 and A6, BMW 3 Series and 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and E-Class, Volvo S60 and S90, Lexus IS and ES, Acura TLX, Infiniti Q50, Genesis G70 and G80, and the Mazda6. Toyota added AWD to the Camry in 2020. Honda offers it on the Accord. Hyundai and Kia put it on the Sonata and Optima. Even some compact sedans like the Subaru Impreza and Mazda3 come with AWD as standard or an option.

Availability varies by model year and trim level. Some manufacturers make AWD standard across all trims; others offer it only on higher trims or as a paid option. A few sedans, particularly sport-focused models, offer AWD only on certain engine or transmission combinations. Check the window sticker or the manufacturer's website for your specific year and trim to confirm whether AWD is included or what it costs to add.

Key Takeaways

  • AWD sedans are now made by nearly every major manufacturer, including Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Subaru, and all luxury brands.
  • AWD availability depends on the model year and trim level—it may be standard on some trims and cost extra on others, or not be offered at all on the base model.
  • Subaru makes AWD standard on nearly all its sedans, while most other brands offer it as an option that adds $1,500 to $3,000 to the purchase price.
  • AWD sedans typically get 1 to 3 miles per gallon less fuel economy than their front-wheel-drive equivalents because of the extra weight and mechanical complexity.
  • Maintenance costs for AWD sedans are higher than FWD because the all-wheel-drive system requires regular servicing and replacement parts are more expensive.

Sedans where AWD is standard, not optional

Subaru is the only mainstream manufacturer that makes AWD standard on nearly every sedan it sells. The Legacy and Impreza come with AWD as the only drivetrain choice. This is Subaru's core selling point—you cannot buy a new Subaru sedan with front-wheel drive.

Some luxury brands make AWD standard on their entire sedan lineup or on specific model lines. Audi, for instance, makes AWD (called Quattro) standard on most A4 and A6 models, though a few entry-level trims may offer front-wheel drive. BMW makes AWD (xDrive) standard on many 3 Series and 5 Series variants, but not all. Check the specific model year and trim because these policies change.

Genesis, Hyundai's luxury division, makes AWD standard on most of its G70 and G80 sedans. Volvo makes AWD standard on higher trims of the S60 and S90. If you are shopping for a luxury sedan, assume AWD is standard unless the window sticker or dealer tells you otherwise.

Sedans where AWD is an optional add-on

Most mainstream sedans—Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Mazda6, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima—offer AWD as a paid option on certain trims. The cost to add AWD typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,000, depending on the manufacturer and model year. Some brands charge a flat fee; others bundle AWD with a higher trim level, meaning you pay for additional features you may not want.

Lexus, Infiniti, and Acura offer AWD on most of their sedan models, but it is usually limited to mid-range and higher trims. The base model may not have AWD as an option at all. Infiniti's Q50, for example, offers AWD on most trims but not on the entry-level version.

When shopping, ask the dealer whether AWD is available on the specific trim and model year you are considering. Some model years discontinue AWD on certain trims, and some years add it to trims that previously did not have it. The window sticker will show whether AWD is included in the price or was added as an option.

How much fuel economy you lose with AWD

An AWD sedan typically gets 1 to 3 miles per gallon less fuel economy than the same model with front-wheel drive. The difference depends on the engine size, transmission type, and how the AWD system is designed. Smaller, lighter AWD systems lose less fuel economy than heavier ones.

A Toyota Camry with a four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive might get 28 to 32 miles per gallon on the highway. The same Camry with AWD typically gets 26 to 30 miles per gallon. A Subaru Legacy with AWD gets roughly 1 to 2 miles per gallon less than a comparable front-wheel-drive sedan from another brand, but Subaru does not offer a front-wheel-drive version to compare directly.

If you drive mostly on highways and rarely encounter snow or ice, the fuel economy penalty may outweigh the benefit of AWD. If you live in a region with winter weather or unpaved roads, the trade-off is usually worth it. Calculate your annual fuel cost difference by multiplying the miles you drive per year by the fuel economy loss, then divide by your local gas price. That number tells you what AWD costs you in fuel each year.

Maintenance and repair costs for AWD sedans

AWD sedans cost more to maintain than front-wheel-drive sedans because the all-wheel-drive system has additional components: a transfer case, a rear differential, and extra driveshafts and bearings. When these parts wear out or fail, repair costs are higher than on a front-wheel-drive car.

Tire replacement is one of the most common extra costs. On many AWD sedans, all four tires must be replaced at the same time and must be the same size and tread depth. If you replace only two tires on an AWD sedan, the difference in tire diameter between the new and old tires can damage the transfer case or differential. A full set of four tires costs more than two, and the labor to replace all four is more than replacing two.

Fluid changes are also more frequent and more expensive. AWD sedans require transfer case fluid and rear differential fluid in addition to engine oil and transmission fluid. Some manufacturers recommend changing these fluids every 30,000 to 60,000 miles; others say they are lifetime fill. Check your owner's manual or ask the dealer what the service schedule is for your specific model.

When AWD makes sense for a sedan

AWD is most useful if you live in a region with regular snow, ice, or heavy rain, or if you drive on unpaved roads. It improves traction when starting from a stop on slippery surfaces and helps the car maintain control during cornering in wet conditions. In dry conditions on paved roads, the difference in handling is minimal for most drivers.

If you drive in a warm, dry climate and rarely encounter bad weather, front-wheel drive is usually the better choice. You will save money on the purchase price, fuel costs, and maintenance. If you live somewhere with occasional winter weather but do not drive much during storms, winter tires on a front-wheel-drive sedan may be a cheaper and more effective solution than buying an AWD car.

Consider also how long you plan to keep the car. If you trade it in or sell it after three to five years, the extra maintenance costs may be small. If you plan to keep it for ten years or more, the cumulative cost of AWD maintenance and fuel economy loss becomes significant.

How to check if a specific sedan has AWD

The easiest way to find out whether a sedan comes with AWD is to look at the window sticker (Monroney label) on the car at the dealership. The sticker lists every option and its cost. If AWD is listed, it shows the price. If it is not listed, that model does not have AWD.

Online, visit the manufacturer's website and use the build-and-price tool. Select the model, year, and trim, then look at the available options. The tool will show you whether AWD is standard, optional, or not available for that combination. Some manufacturers also publish a specifications sheet for each model year that lists which drivetrains are available on which trims.

If you are shopping used, the title and registration will show the drivetrain code. On most cars, the VIN (vehicle identification number) also encodes the drivetrain, though you need a VIN decoder to read it. A dealer or mechanic can tell you the drivetrain by looking at the car—AWD sedans have a slightly higher ride height and wider wheel wells than front-wheel-drive versions of the same model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Subaru the only sedan brand that makes AWD standard?

Subaru is the only mainstream brand that makes AWD standard on nearly all its sedans. Luxury brands like Audi, BMW, and Genesis make AWD standard on most or all of their sedan models, but not all trims. Most other brands offer AWD only as a paid option on certain trims.

Can I add AWD to a sedan that did not come with it?

No. AWD is a drivetrain that must be built into the car at the factory. You cannot retrofit AWD onto a front-wheel-drive sedan after purchase. If you want AWD, you must buy a model that was manufactured with it.

Do all four tires need to be replaced at the same time on an AWD sedan?

On most AWD sedans, yes. If the tires have different tread depths or diameters, the transfer case and differential can be damaged. Check your owner's manual for the specific requirement, as some manufacturers allow a small difference in tread depth.

How much does it cost to add AWD to a sedan?

The cost varies by manufacturer and model year, typically ranging from $1,500 to $3,000. Some brands charge a flat fee for the AWD option; others bundle it with a higher trim level. Check the window sticker or the manufacturer's website for the exact price on the model you are considering.

Will an AWD sedan handle better in snow than a front-wheel-drive sedan with winter tires?

A front-wheel-drive sedan with winter tires usually performs better in snow than an AWD sedan with all-season tires. Winter tires matter more than drivetrain for snow traction. If you live in a snowy region, winter tires are the first priority regardless of whether you choose AWD or front-wheel drive.