Not long ago, all-wheel drive was both a pricey option and limited to select vehicles that sacrificed fuel economy for extra grip on the road. With the growing popularity of SUVs and crossovers, however, having all-wheel drive is becoming increasingly popular. It’s no wonder that car companies are making it available on mainstream sedans - and at more manageable prices.

Smarter and lighter all-wheel drive systems are less expensive and more fuel efficient than ever before, too. We’ve taken a careful look across a wide range of car budgets and vehicle segments to find the very best sedans available with all-wheel drive. The standard 152-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine offers adequate power and solid fuel economy, though primarily because the modest power output doesn’t inspire aggressive driving. Cargo room is impressive, and the seats are spacious and comfortable.

Having all-wheel drive as a no-cost feature makes the Impreza a great value in the compact car segment, if having extra grip ranks highest on your list of priorities. The Impreza faces tough competition, however, including popular (though only front-wheel drive) rivals like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. High performance and fun-to-drive characteristics are hallmarks of the Subaru WRX.

This all-weather sport sedan comes standard with all-wheel drive and offers buyers a choice of two turbocharged four-cylinder engines, with outputs of 268 horsepower in the base model and 305 horsepower in the range-topping WRX STI. Still, when it comes to blending the feel of a sports car with a small all-wheel-drive sedan footprint, the WRX remains in a class of one.

A comfortable ride and finely balanced handling make the Ford Fusion a strong entry in the midsize sedan segment. Adding all-wheel drive, which is optional, means you’ll get the 245-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. If you want more power, you can opt for the 325-horsepower 2.7-liter V6 in the Ford Fusion Sport.

A key attribute of the Legacy is its standard all-wheel drive - most rival midsize sedans charge thousands of dollars more for all-wheel drive (if they offer it at all). 22,195. For that you get a 175-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The optional 256-horsepower six-cylinder in the 3.6R Limited trim adds better straight-line performance, though even this motor can feel sluggish at times.

While having all-wheel drive used to mean a noticeable drop in fuel economy, the standard Legacy is a fuel-sipper that offers an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in city driving and 34 mpg on the highway. Another upside to the Legacy sedan is its extremely strong performance in safety and crash-test ratings. Newly redesigned for the 2018 model year, the Buick Regal is available in two styles: a convenient hatchback, called the Sportback, and handsome station wagon labeled the TourX.

Both come with seating for five adults, along with vast amounts of cargo room. The cargo space of both rivals some SUVs and crossovers. The TourX has a whopping 73.5 cubic feet of cargo room, while the Sportback offers a substantial 60.7 cubic feet. The Regal Sportback also has a handsome exterior - no, it definitely doesn’t look like a Buick of yesteryear. The biggest drawbacks include middling interior quality, along with fuel mileage that’s only average for the class.

Along with its comfortable driving manners and spacious cabin, the Buick LaCrosse has a surprising amount of power thanks to the available 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine. This motor comes standard when adding optional all-wheel drive. It might when you factor in the LaCrosse’s excellent performance in crash tests, strong reliability, nimble handling, and great fuel efficiency.

The V6-equipped LaCrosse with all-wheel drive returns an EPA-estimated 20 mpg during city driving and 29 mpg on the highway. The Chrysler 300 is a bold-looking American sedan that offers luxury touches and more upmarket trim not found in some key rivals. The car’s broad-shouldered exterior gives the 300 true road presence, while the 3.6-liter V6 does a commendable job getting this American sedan down the road swiftly and smoothly.