The popularity of crossovers and SUVs means that the availability of cars, in general, is slowly diminishing and options are getting thin. If you want something that sits less than eight inches off the ground like, say, a sedan, that also has AWD, your options are even thinner. That doesn’t mean there aren’t some decent AWD cars still available in 2023, though, and believe it or not, there are enough to choose from, that you don’t even need to spend a fortune. Whether your budget is in the $30,000 range or if you’re willing to spend closer to six figures, there’s a number of options to choose from.
With that said, the AWD cars on this list are the best you can get your hands on in 2023, and the best part is that they are all attractive. Each and every AWD car on this list offers decent performance, and there’s even an EV or two to pick from if you feel the time is right to dive into the electric car market. The following all-wheel-drive cars are ranked by their MSRP with AWD, and some of the final entries just might surprise you.
1 2023 Toyota Camry – MSRP: $27,620
The Toyota Camry has been a mainstay on the U.S. market since its arrival, and it’s only grown better over time. While the current generation has been on the market since 2017, it’s still a worthy family car that looks sporty, has predictable handling, and plenty of room for cargo (for a sedan, anyway). The best thing is that the Camry can be had with AWD, though, all good things come with a cost, and in this case, that’s your limitation to sticking with the base, four-cylinder engine. The AWD Camry is good for 201 horsepower, which isn’t bad, and with a price point that’s shy of $28,000, it’s hard to beat the value you get for the money spent.
2 2023 Kia K5 – MSRP: $28,190
As long as you’re not looking for something that’s impressively quick and don’t mind an eight-speed automatic transmission, you really can’t go wrong with the all-wheel drive Kia K5. The only real downsides to this particular sedan is that you have to buy at least the GT-Line trim to get the AWD system, and it’s only available with the 180-horsepower, base four-cylinder engine. So, while you won’t be winning any dad races on the way to school, you will have great mobility in less-than-favorable road conditions and the AWD configuration is great for daily commutes or even weekend getaways. Car & Driver even claims the K5 brings value that the whole family can appreciate.
3 2023 Mazda 3 – MSRP: $29,400
Mazda’s cars have always had a certain sporty feel to them, and the Mazda 3 has generally taken that to the next level. The latest generation of the Mazda 3 is, arguably, the best generation yet, and it is also one of the cheapest all-wheel-drive cars available on the market today. The AWD system will push you well above the 3’s entry point, though, with it being available as an option on the Carbon Edition and S Premium trims, and standard on the 2.5 turbo and Turbo Premium Plus trims, that latter of which will also land you with 250 horsepower. The cheapest entry point to an AWD Mazda 3 is the Carbon Edition, which starts out at $28,200 with AWD coming at a $1,400 premium.
4 2023 Kia Stinger – MSRP: $40,065
The Kia Stinger will go down in history as the car that shined a bright but quickly diminishing light, being discontinued just five years after its launch in 2018. As such, 2023 is your last chance to buy a brand-new Kia Stinger. The good news is that you can still get your hands on one of the sportiest sedans to ever wear a Kia badge, and you don’t have to break the bank. The entry-level Stinger GT-Line can be equipped with AWD (a $2,200 option), which raises your entry price to $40,065. At this price, you get a 2.5-liter turbo-four with 300 horsepower, an impressive cabin, and decent cargo space too. If you want a little more power, you can also opt for the 368-horsepower V-6.
5 2023 Audi A4 – MSRP: $44,300
If you want something that’s luxurious but small on driveway space and easy on the wallet, then the AWD Audi A4 might just be what you’re looking for. The Audi A4 will set you back at least $40,300 in base form, but the good news is that AWD is standard across the lineup, so there’s no need to move up a trim level or spend extra money to option it. The base model A4 Premium 40 TFSI will give you the 201-horsepower, turbocharged, inline-four, though you can spend an extra $2,100 for the Premium 45 TSFI if you want that power bumped up to 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Pricing increases by about $5,000 across trim levels, with the range-topping model coming in at $51,300.
6 2023 Volkswagen Arteon – MSRP: $47,180
The Volkswagen Arteon is kind of like what the Touareg was before it was pulled from the U.S. Market – it’s a Volkswagen that carries the price of a luxury vehicle. Where it really fits in is a discussion for another time, but what you can be sure of is that its seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and AWD system will handle just about any feasible weather condition with ease. You will have to go with the mid-range SEL R-Line trim to get AWD, but it’s more stylish and the 300-horsepower four-cylinder engine provides decent performance. Make no mistake, the Arteon does feel a little out of place for a Volkswagen, but it’s a good way to get Audi-levels of comfort and performance without spending quite so much.
7 2023 Polestar 2 – MSRP: $51,900
The Polestar 2 is one of only two electric cars on this list of the best AWD cars, and while it’s a relatively new entry to the luxury EV market, it offers unbeatable value for its $52,000 entry price. Its electric range comes in at around 260 miles for the long-range dual motor configuration, but that’s not too bad considering you have 476 horsepower and your disposal and can sprint from 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds. Between the AWD system, the stylish looks, and the ample performance, the Polestar 2 would be a great way to dive into the world of all-electric cars in style.
8 2023 Genesis G80 – MSRP: $53,150
The current Genesis G80 was launched in 2021 as strong yet affordable competitor to cars like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class, among others. Unfortunately, AWD isn’t available across the whole lineup, however, if you go for the next level up, the 2.5T AWD, you’ll get the same efficient 300-horsepower four-cylinder engine and Genesis’ awesome all-wheel-drive system. Pricing for this trim starts at around $53,000, which makes it a great value for the money. If you want something more, there is a twin-turbo V-6 available, though, it’s far from necessary. Overall, the G80 AWD is praised for its good looks, impressive tech, and features at this price point.
9 2023 Volvo S90 – MSRP: $58,295
The 2023 Volvo S90 is one of those cars that just hits the mark right out of the gate. In its standard configuration, it is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (supercharged and turbocharged) that is paired with a mild-hybrid system and all-wheel drive. Along with the guaranteed reliability and safety, the Volvo S90 is also quick off the line with a 0-60 mph sprint of 6.4 seconds, features plenty of modern technology, and sits on the higher end of affordable midsize luxury cars with an MSRP of $58,295.
10 2023 Porsche Taycan – MSRP: $97,900
The Porsche Taycan is a bit of a wildcard on this list as it’s not only the most expensive option here, but also the most luxurious. You won’t be able to enjoy the dual-motor AWD system with the base-model Taycan, however, one step up to the Taycan 4 Cross Turismo will set you up with an attractive AWD car that’s luxurious, includes standard adaptive suspension, and can put down 469 horsepower with ease. For 2023, the Taycan is good for around 235 miles per charge, so you will probably have to charge more frequently than with other electric cars, but it does deliver everything you’d expect from a Porsche and then some.