2018 Audi A3 Quattro
Audi has always been known as a premium carmaker with extremely strong AWD systems. The 2018 Audi A3 Quattro is built on that premise. It’s Audi’s entry-level sedan, but it’s definitely not basic. To make the most of a $40,000 budget, choose the 2018 Audi A3 Quattro Premium Plus trim, which includes the S-line exterior appearance package, front and rear parking sensors, Audi advanced key and the Audi smartphone interface. Oh yeah, and all-wheel drive.
The 2.0-liter TFSI engine makes 186 horsepower, so it’s not the fastest car on the list by any means. However, the Quattro AWD system and a dual-clutch six-speed S-tronic automatic tranny give the A3 sedan a surprising pep in its step. At $38,200 for the Premium Plus trim, it’s one of the better values here.
2018 BMW 320i xDrive
Always on the best AWD cars list, the BMW 3 Series won’t be passed over. But compared to a few of the other models, it’s starting to lose its luster. It comes standard with 17-inch wheels and all-season tires, LED fog lights, and a rear-view camera, but it doesn’t come standard with a heated steering wheel, heated seats, or even power front seats for that matter.
The 2.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder makes just 180 horsepower, but with xDrive AWD it still accelerates to 60mph in 7.1 seconds. It rings in at $36,900. If you can spare an extra $10,000, step up to the 330i and add on a few packages to make the BMW 3 Series truly shine.
2018 Buick Regal
The Buick Regal gets three different iterations in 2018: a sportback, a wagon and a sports-oriented sedan – the Regal GS. The Regal GS squeaks in just under the $40,000 mark.
The Regal GS comes with an all-new 3.6-liter V6 paired with a standard nine-speed automatic transmission and intelligent all-wheel drive. It’s capable of 310 horsepower. If you want to save a few thousand bucks, the Sportback also comes with AWD.
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