12 Of The Best AWD Sedans, According To J.D. Power

For a long time, if you wanted the all-weather confidence of all-wheel drive (AWD), you were practically forced into a big, bulky SUV. It felt like trading fun for function, style for security. But those days are officially over, and frankly, it's about time. Today's AWD sedans are total game-changers. They give you traction and peace of mind without asking you to sacrifice comfort, style, or performance. Who says you can't have it all?

The only real challenge is picking the perfect AWD sedan for your needs, but don't worry, we're here to help. With J.D. Power's Best AWD Sedan rankings (September 2025) as the guide, we sifted through the contenders and pulled out 12 standouts. But we didn't just copy-paste the top 12. Nope! To make sure you see the full range, we're showcasing the single top-ranking AWD sedan from 12 different major brands on the list. Think of this less as a rigid "Top 12" and more like your personal, curated tour of the very best grippy, all-weather sedans money can buy.

The 2025 Subaru Impreza isn't here for the likes. It's here for the thank-yous. You can always count on this car to show up for rain, sleet, or questionable road conditions without any fuss. It won't shout about its capabilities from a mountaintop, either. But when you need it most, it'll simply whisper, "I've got you," and then do what it says. Because at the end of the day, Subaru doesn't play games. AWD isn't some fancy add-on hiding behind a paywall. Nope. The legendary Symmetrical AWD comes standard on every trim. No "pay extra" nonsense. It's just there, quietly gripping the road before you even realize things are getting sketchy.

Under the hood lies a boxer engine that's all about sensible smiles. It won't win drag races, but it will win your heart with up to 34 mpg highway and just enough pep to make backroad drives genuinely enjoyable. And if you're the kind of person who thinks a daily driver shouldn't mean a snooze fest, the Impreza RS has your name on it, with a bigger engine, sport-tuned suspension, and brakes that bite when you need 'em. The real kicker? This thing is practically bulletproof. Nearly 95% of Imprezas sold in the past ten years are still on the road. That legendary toughness keeps resale values impressively high, so your wallet wins twice.

The 2025 Toyota Camry isn't playing it safe anymore. It's out here serving confidence, comfort, and tech-savvy swagger all on one sleek, fuel-sipping platter. Efficient? Oh, you bet. Reliable? Duh. Actually fun to drive? Surprise! And guess what? Toyota just dropped a mic moment: It has finally hooked up AWD with its famously frugal hybrid system. That's right. No more choosing between "Bring on the blizzard" and "Hello, 50 mpg." This isn't just any AWD system. This is smart-grip-when-you-need-it AWD. It casually cruises in front-wheel mode, saving gas like your eco-conscious aunt, until the road gets slick. Then, ZAP, it sends power to the rear wheels faster than you can say, "Oh no, is that snow?!" 

But wait, there's more. Slide inside, and it's like the Camry went to a spa and a tech conference at the same time. You get comfy seats that heat or cool your tushie, a panoramic roof for stargazing, and a voice assistant designed to actually listen. Utter the words "Hey Toyota, find me coffee!" And it does. No 'tude. Safety? Pfft. It's got more eyes than a spider on espresso. Lane tracing, adaptive cruise, pre-collision braking — it's your very own guardian angel, minus the harp. So, whether you're rolling serenely in the plush XLE or looking sporty-sharp in the XSE, the 2025 Camry whispers, "Why choose?" while quietly being excellent at ... well, everything.

The 2025 MINI Countryman is what happens when you take a go-kart, give it a growth spurt, and send it to finishing school. It's still mischievous at heart, but now it's got room for your friends and all their baggage. The ALL4 AWD comes standard across every single trim, because apparently, even when MINI grows up, it still believes everyone deserves to have maximum fun regardless of weather conditions. The system is truly sophisticated, too. It intelligently splits power between front and rear wheels, delivering up to 50% to the back when grip starts getting questionable.

Under the hood, you get to pick your adventure. Want something zippy and efficient? The turbocharged base model is your jam. Prefer to turn things up a notch? The John Cooper Works edition packs 312 horsepower that'll pin you to your seat like a rollercoaster you can drive to work. Inside, it's all retro-futuristic cool. That iconic circular screen isn't just for show. It's your command center for navigation, music, and a voice assistant waiting for you to send commands its way. Toss in available goodies like a panoramic glass roof and customizable ambient lighting, and suddenly, even heavy traffic feels like a vibe.

While the other AWD sedans compete for attention, the 2025 Nissan Altima has casually perfected the art of being exactly what you need without any unnecessary theatrics. It's the kind of car that shows up looking effortlessly stylish, gets phenomenal fuel economy without even trying, and handles sketchy weather like it's no big deal, because, honestly, it's not. Under that sleek exterior lies an intelligent available AWD system that's basically always one step ahead of you ... and the weather. Rain, snow, or that suspiciously shiny patch of road up ahead? The Altima's got it covered, shifting power on the fly so you stay confidently planted mile after mile.

And let's talk about efficiency for a moment. With up to 39 mpg on the highway, this sedan treats gas stations like optional scenery. The available VC-Turbo engine doesn't just sip fuel. It shape-shifts its compression ratio like a tech wizard, balancing power and efficiency so smoothly you'll wonder if it's magic (it's not ... it's just Nissan being clever). Inside, the Altima pampers you with available goodies like ProPILOT Assist, which handles highway driving like your own personal co-pilot. And those Zero Gravity seats? Let's just say your back might send Nissan a thank-you note.

Okay, let's be real: While a Miata might be the answer for pure driving nirvana, what's the answer when you need that same thrill but also have to deal with things like ... passengers, luggage, and winter? For decades, that answer has been the BMW 3 Series. It's the sport sedan that all other sport sedans have posters of on their bedroom walls.

Now, you might think adding AWD to a legend like this would be like putting sensible shoes on a rock star. Heresy! But BMW's xDrive isn't some boring, fun-sucking system. It's a genius piece of engineering that keeps the car feeling like a playful, rear-wheel-drive machine right up until the second you need it. It's all the fun with none of the panic moments in a surprise storm.

And then there's the power. With 255 horsepower, the standard 330i is more than quick enough to make your commute the highlight of your day, but the real magic is the M340i's turbo inline-six engine. Rated at 386 ponies, it's so effortlessly powerful that it feels like it's rewriting the laws of physics every time you touch the throttle. The best part? You get to be at the center of all this glorious chaos in its luxury command center of a cockpit.

While some sports sedans whisper about performance, the 2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia writes it a love letter ... in fluent Italian. Just a car? It's more like a passion project with four doors, a turbocharged heart, and styling so seductive you might forget other sedans even exist. Let's start with the AWD system, because yes, the fun shouldn't end when the weather turns. Alfa's Q4 AWD system is tuned for performance, not just practicality. Normally, it sends 100% of power to the rear wheels to keep things spirited and rear-driven. But the moment things get slippery — ciao, traction! — it can shuffle up to 50% of power forward in an instant.

Under that sculpted aluminum hood lies a 2.0L turbocharged engine that delivers 280 horsepower, launching you from 0 to 60 in just 5.1 seconds. The available DNA Drive Mode Selector lets you tailor the personality from efficient "Advanced Efficiency" to race-ready Dynamic. And with near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution, a carbon fiber driveshaft, and Brembo brakes, the Giulia absolutely dances through corners. In true Alfa fashion, the interior blends racing soul with Italian luxury. A leather-wrapped, Ferrari-inspired steering wheel sits in your hands, while an 8.8-inch touchscreen keeps you connected with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. As if that's not enough, available heated seats and a Harman Kardon audio system mean you're cruising in comfort even when you're pushing limits.

With the 2025 Tesla Model 3, going electric doesn't mean giving up fun ... or grip. With dual-motor AWD, this EV plays it smart, sending torque where it's needed instantly. Launch off the line and you'll feel it: seamless, silent acceleration that turns "0 to 60" into less of a stat and more of a party trick you can't wait to show off. Range anxiety? Not here. The Long Range model stretches up to 357 miles on a charge, while the Performance trim turns things up to 510 horsepower and still gets you plenty of distance between charging stops. And when it's time to juice up, a quick 15-minute session at a Tesla Supercharger can add nearly 200 miles.

In the cabin, Tesla doubled down on its minimalist, futuristic vibe. Think customizable ambient lighting, 360-degree acoustic glass, and an all-glass roof to make every drive feel like first class. The center touchscreen still runs the show, featuring navigation, climate, games, you name it, but now it's backed by an even sleeker interface. Safety and tech go hand in hand here. Automatic emergency braking, collision avoidance, and Autopilot driver assists are all baked in, while the low-mounted battery pack gives the Model 3 supercar-like stability. Basically, it's part family car, part spaceship, and part snow-day hero.

The 2025 Porsche Taycan is pretty much what happens when a supercar gets struck by lightning and decides to run on electrons. Nearly every trim comes with AWD standard, so all that instant EV torque hits all four wheels at once, catapulting you forward like you've been slingshotted into the future. Think that's hyperbole? Check the receipts: The top-tier Turbo GT Weissach model serves up a face-melting 1,019 horsepower and launches from 0 to 60 mph in a mind-bending 2.1 seconds. Even the "base AWD" Taycan 4 brings a thrilling 402 horsepower, so you can boogie up to 60 in just 4.4 seconds. 

And thanks to Porsche's 800-volt architecture, you can add nearly 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes, barely long enough to catch your breath before the next launch. But here's the truly wild part: Despite its electric weight, the Taycan handles like it was born on the Nürburgring, not in a lab. How? Porsche's legendary engineering, that's how. Credit the low-mounted battery for its unshakable stance. This thing corners like it's glued to the asphalt. With rear-axle steering adding agility and adaptive suspension serving up either comfort or control, the Taycan doesn't just handle well for an EV ... it handles like a Porsche, period.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class makes you want to invent excuses to drive. Dentist appointment across town? Sure. Midnight taco run? Why not. Even errands feel like joyrides when you're behind the wheel of this polished performer. The base C 300 starts you off with a turbocharged four-cylinder, cleverly enhanced by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Rear-wheel drive comes standard, but if you want that extra security blanket, 4MATIC AWD is right there on the options list. Climb higher into the AMG family, though, and Mercedes makes the call for you. AWD comes standard, no ifs, ands, or buts. And thank goodness, because when the C 63 S E Performance throws down its 671 horsepower (yep, still hybrid), you'll want every wheel in the fight.

If you're used to AMGs being loud, proud, and unapologetically thirsty, the switch to a hybrid setup might sound like a buzzkill. But don't worry, this isn't your average science project. It's a Formula 1-inspired, mad-genius plug-in hybrid system that trades the old-school V8 roar for brutal, instant torque. The result? Launches so fierce they feel otherworldly, proving the future of performance can be quieter, smarter, and just as thrilling. And the commitment to excellence doesn't stop under the hood. Inside, the C-Class feels like a shrunken-down S-Class, complete with a massive waterfall-style touchscreen, customizable ambient lighting, and only the finest materials covering every surface.

The 2025 Mazda3 is the compact sedan (or hatchback, if you want extra flair) that refuses to play by the economy-car rules. It's an undercover luxury car, with an interior so upscale you might forget you're not driving something with a German badge. When it comes to performance, you do have to fork out cash for the good stuff, though. Only the Carbon Edition, Carbon Turbo, and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus trims come with i-Activ AWD standard. For other trims, it's not even available. Mazda's message is clear: If you want AWD, you're getting the full premium experience, not some watered-down version. The catch? If you're a die-hard manual fan, you'll have to pick your poison: three-pedal fun with front-wheel drive, or all-weather confidence with the automatic. No way to have both.

If you do go with one of the AWD trims, the Mazda3 doubles down on its premium alter ego. The cabin feels more boutique hotel than budget compact, with heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver's chair with memory, and even red leather in the Carbon Edition if you're feeling bold. On the tech side, you get Mazda's slick infotainment setup with either an 8.8- or 10.3-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Alexa built right in. It's all intuitive, polished, and modern without drowning you in screen overload.

Who says entry-level has to be basic? The 2025 Audi A3 definitely steals the spotlight despite being the smallest sibling in the family. Fresh styling tweaks, like a new grille, sharper lights, and a little extra glitter on the trim, make sure nobody mistakes it for a budget option. Pick your flavor: Premium or Premium Plus. Either way, you're rocking a 201-horsepower turbo-four with a mild-hybrid boost, a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and standard Quattro AWD. Translation? Rain, snow, or just your heavy right foot — the A3's ready to party.

Inside, it's all very "mini-A4" but with a youthful twist. The Premium trim already gives you leather seats, digital gauges, and a slick 10.1-inch touchscreen. Step up to Premium Plus and the car practically starts catering to your whims, offering adaptive cruise, memory settings, wireless charging, the works. Basically, it's Audi saying, "Fine, you're spoiled, but we love you anyway." Yes, the back seat's tight, and the trunk isn't winning any cargo wars. But let's be honest, the A3 isn't here to haul Costco runs. It's here to haul you around with style, sass, and better fuel economy than you'd expect from something wearing four rings on the grille.

The 2025 Genesis G80 does not do subtle. It rolls up with a massive, glittering G-Matrix Crest Grille and razor-sharp Micro Lens Array headlamps, looking like it just stepped off a Milan runway and is ready for its close-up. This is the car that makes the established German sedans nervously check their reflections in the mirror. It's an unapologetic statement piece, a four-door middle finger to the idea that you have to pay six figures to look like a million bucks.

And that "no-compromise" attitude extends right to the drivetrain. While other luxury brands love to play games by making you shell out thousands more for an AWD package, Genesis just gives it to you. Every G80, from the base model to the fully loaded V6, comes with standard AWD. And the drive? Think velvet hammer. The standard 300-hp engine is smooth and confident, but the 375-hp twin-turbo V6 kicks things up a notch. Inside, the car doubles down on the feeling that you're getting a luxury steal. The interior is a full-on sensory experience, dominated by a jaw-dropping 27-inch OLED screen front and center. Climb the trim ladder, and you're treated to real carbon fiber and buttery Nappa leather. Yum.