12 Amazing AWD Sports Cars You Need to Know About in 2023

If you are looking for a sports car that can deliver exhilarating performance, superior handling, and all-weather capability, you might want to consider an AWD sports car. AWD stands for all-wheel drive, which means that the power from the engine is distributed to all four wheels of the vehicle, instead of just two. This gives the car more traction, stability, and control on different road conditions, especially on slippery or uneven surfaces. AWD sports cars are also known for their impressive acceleration, braking, and cornering abilities, making them fun and exciting to drive. In this article, we will introduce you to 12 amazing AWD sports cars that you need to know about in 2023. These are some of the top-rated models in terms of performance, design, features, and reviews. Whether you are looking for a luxury, affordable, or hybrid AWD sports car, you will find something that suits your taste and budget in this list. Read on to discover the best AWD sports cars for 2023.
If you love driving fast and furious, but also want to stay safe and stable on slippery roads, you might be interested in getting an all-wheel-drive (AWD) sports car. AWD systems can improve traction, handling, and performance by sending power to all four wheels, instead of just the front or rear ones. This can give you an edge over other drivers, especially in challenging weather conditions.
But which AWD sports cars are the best ones to buy in 2023? There are many options to choose from, ranging from affordable hatchbacks to luxurious coupes. To help you narrow down your search, we have compiled a list of the top 12 AWD sports cars in 2023, based on their U.S. News overall scores, which take into account factors like performance, cabin quality, reliability, and safety. We have also included some key features, pros and cons, and prices for each model.
Here are the top 12 AWD sports cars in 2023:
12. Lexus RC 300 AWD
The Lexus RC 300 AWD is a sleek and stylish coupe that offers a smooth ride and a refined interior. It comes with a 260-horsepower V6 engine that delivers decent acceleration and a standard eight-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly. It also has a long list of standard features, including a 10.3-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a sunroof, leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking.
However, the RC 300 AWD also has some drawbacks. It has a small trunk with only 10.4 cubic feet of space, and its rear seats are cramped and uncomfortable. It also has a low fuel economy rating of 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. And it is not very agile or engaging to drive compared to some rivals.
The Lexus RC 300 AWD has a starting price of $46,390.
Pros
- Smooth ride
- Refined interior
- Long list of standard features
Cons
- Small trunk
- Cramped rear seats
- Low fuel economy
- Not very agile or engaging
11. Audi TT Quattro
The Audi TT Quattro is a sporty and fun-to-drive coupe that offers a turbocharged 228-horsepower four-cylinder engine that provides quick acceleration and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that shifts rapidly. It also has a standard all-wheel-drive system that enhances its grip and handling on the road. It has a high-quality interior with leather seats, heated front seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, an 8.8-inch digital gauge cluster with navigation and smartphone integration, a nine-speaker sound system, a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and automatic headlights.
However, the TT Quattro also has some limitations. It has a tiny trunk with only 7.5 cubic feet of space, and its rear seats are practically unusable for adults. It also has a stiff ride quality that can be uncomfortable on rough roads. And it lacks some advanced safety features that are common in other luxury cars.
The Audi TT Quattro has a starting price of $49,800.
Pros
- Quick acceleration
- Rapid shifts
- Enhanced grip and handling
- High-quality interior
Cons
- Tiny trunk
- Practically unusable rear seats
- Stiff ride quality
- Lacks some advanced safety features
10. BMW 4 Series xDrive
The BMW 4 Series xDrive is an elegant and powerful coupe that offers a turbocharged 255-horsepower four-cylinder engine that delivers strong performance and an eight-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly. It also has an optional xDrive all-wheel-drive system that improves its traction and stability on slippery roads. It has a spacious and upscale interior with leatherette upholstery, power-adjustable front seats with memory settings, dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8.8-inch touch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a moonroof, a rearview camera, frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and rear parking sensors.
However, the 4 Series xDrive also has some flaws. It has a small trunk with only 12 cubic feet of space, and its rear seats are tight for taller passengers. It also has a controversial grille design that some may find unattractive. And it is more expensive than some competitors.
The BMW 4 Series xDrive has a starting price of $47,600.
Pros
- Strong performance
- Smooth shifts
- Improved traction and stability
- Spacious and upscale interior
Cons
- Small trunk
- Tight rear seats
- Controversial grille design
- More expensive than some competitors
9. Dodge Challenger AWD
The Dodge Challenger AWD is a muscular and retro-styled coupe that offers a 305-horsepower V6 engine that provides ample power and an eight-speed automatic transmission that shifts responsively. It also has an available all-wheel-drive system that enhances its performance and handling in adverse weather conditions. It has a roomy and comfortable interior with cloth upholstery, a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 7-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a six-speaker sound system, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, and keyless entry and ignition.
However, the Challenger AWD also has some drawbacks. It has a hefty curb weight that affects its agility and fuel efficiency. It also has a low reliability rating and a poor safety score. And it lacks some advanced safety features that are standard in other cars.
The Dodge Challenger AWD has a starting price of $34,995.
Pros
- Ample power
- Responsive shifts
- Enhanced performance and handling
- Roomy and comfortable interior
Cons
- Hefty curb weight
- Low reliability rating
- Poor safety score
- Lacks some advanced safety features
8. Nissan GT-R
The Nissan GT-R is a legendary and exhilarating coupe that offers a twin-turbocharged 565-horsepower V6 engine that delivers blistering acceleration and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that shifts seamlessly. It also has a standard all-wheel-drive system that improves its grip and cornering on the road. It has a sporty and well-equipped interior with leather and synthetic suede upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch touch screen with navigation and Apple CarPlay compatibility, an 11-speaker Bose sound system, a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.
However, the GT-R also has some limitations. It has a tiny trunk with only 8.8 cubic feet of space, and its rear seats are cramped and uncomfortable. It also has a harsh ride quality that can be jarring on rough roads. And it is very expensive compared to some rivals.
The Nissan GT-R has a starting price of $113,540.
Pros
- Blistering acceleration
- Seamless shifts
- Improved grip and cornering
- Sporty and well-equipped interior
Cons
- Tiny trunk
- Cramped and uncomfortable rear seats
- Harsh ride quality
- Very expensive compared to some rivals
7. Porsche 911 -4
The Porsche 911 -4 is an iconic and thrilling coupe that offers a turbocharged 379-horsepower six-cylinder engine that provides exhilarating performance and an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that shifts flawlessly. It also has an optional -4 all-wheel-drive system that enhances its traction and handling on the road. It has a luxurious and modern interior with leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats with memory settings, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 10.9-inch touch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.
However, the 911 -4 also has some drawbacks. It has a small trunk with only 4.6 cubic feet of space, and its rear seats are tiny and impractical. It also has a stiff ride quality that can be uncomfortable on rough roads. And it is very expensive compared to some competitors.
The Porsche 911 -4 has a starting price of $104,150.
Pros
- Exhilarating performance
- Flawless shifts
- Enhanced traction and handling
- Luxurious and modern interior
Cons
- Small trunk
- Tiny and impractical rear seats
- Stiff ride quality
- Very expensive compared to some competitors