20 Best AWD Sports Cars For 2024 | Specs & Details

As a motorist, George Orwell once said, “Two wheels good, four wheels better.” All-wheel drive is a dream for any sports car driver because it makes it easy to put power from the big engine to the road, no matter the weather. Sending torque to both axles ensures you can consistently put the power down without making the wheels spin too much. Furthermore, cornering is sure and quick due to the power of all four wheels, which typically involves the intervention of advanced electronics these days.

Even though all-wheel-drive systems are more complicated and heavier than front-wheel-drive systems because of the increased number of moving parts, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

Selecting the best all-wheel-drive vehicle might be challenging as more and more performance cars progressively make the switch, but these AWD sports cars are our top picks after careful analysis.

Top 20 AWD Sports Cars for 2024

20. 2024 Toyota Prius

With its new look, the redesigned Toyota Prius is still the most fuel-efficient car on the market, but it looks more like a cool Star Wars prop than a moving piece of Tupperware. There are three trim levels available for the five-seater Toyota Prius.

The most popular model is the XLE AWD, which has an all-wheel-drive system and a hybrid 2.0-liter engine. It starts at $33,590. The Prius is still the gold standard for fuel economy and the holy grail of hypermilers. To top it all off, the Prius gets 49 to 57 mpg, making it the commute king and a technological achievement.

Specifications

19. 2024 Audi SQ5

The Audi SQ5 is designed for drivers who want a small, luxurious crossover with high performance. Though there are competitors that accelerate more quickly, the SQ5 is still a great option because of its distinct design and sophistication.

Three trim variants are available for the five-seat Audi SQ5. The most popular model is the Premium Plus Sportback, which has an all-wheel-drive system and a 3.0-liter V6 Turbo engine. It starts at $62,195. The SQ5 is expected to get 19 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway.

Specifications

18. 2024 Toyota Crown

The 2024 Toyota Crown is a unique sedan-like vehicle that combines all-wheel drive with hybrid economy. Even at base costs, it’s pricey but roomy and comfortable. It has one of two hybrid engine systems as standard to help improve fuel economy and all-wheel drive for improved traction on slick surfaces. To be honest, nothing else on the market compares to it.

The Crown has great technology features, a smooth driving experience, and impressive fuel economy estimations. It stands out from the competitors thanks to its distinctive external style. Even with its updated hybrid system and more powerful Platinum trim, it isn’t very performance-oriented either.

Specifications

17. 2024 Mazda CX-90

With an incredible array of standard equipment, including huge infotainment screens across the lineup, the all-new Mazda CX-90 is a three-row SUV with an appealing and comfortable cabin. It has three different engine choices, one of which is a plug-in hybrid, although the cost of this high-end model is high.

With space for the entire family, the brand-new Mazda CX-90 is a three-row SUV. It can accommodate six, seven, or eight people, depending on the configuration. The upper trims have an elegant interior that perfectly fits a luxury vehicle. Regardless of the model you select, the CX-90 boasts a luxury style, a big and comfortable interior, and high-quality materials.

Specifications

16. 2024 BMW i5

The 2024 i5 is a true BMW 5 Series with a quiet, efficient, and smooth electric engine. With its opulent interior, cutting-edge technologies, and superior performance, the i5 is every bit as impressive as its gas-powered siblings. The BMW i5 is a five-seater car with two trim options.

Fifty years after the well-liked sedan first appeared in the lineup, BMW unveiled the all-new 5 Series for the 2024 model year. This is the first time a 5 Series with an internal combustion engine or an electric powertrain is offered; it is currently in its eighth iteration.

The BMW i5 electric sedan is positioned between the i4 and i7 BMW electric cars. Its appearance is much the same as that of its gas-powered sister.

Specifications

15. 2024 Audi SQ8 e-tron

In the electric SUV market, the 2024 Audi SQ8 e-tron is among the top models. This SUV ensures a certain amount of exclusivity, and it’s the performance variant of the Audi Q8 e-tron, with a starting price of just over $90,000. The five-seat electric vehicle, which can generate over 500 hp, is available in traditional SUV and coupe-like Sportback form styles.

The SQ8 e-tron boasts several notable improvements over the base model and has a powerful, performance-focused appearance. It enables this three-motor Audi to provide power and torque to the wheels that require it most quickly when paired with the single front axle motor.

Specifications

14. 2024 Hyundai Kona

The redesigned 2024 Hyundai Kona is a subcompact SUV that fits well with families and has a modern design with a roomy cabin. The Kona is a high-quality, compact cargo carrier with two engine options: an economical four-cylinder engine with 147 hp or a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 190 hp. It starts at a little over $25,000.

If you can get over the top two trims’ standard turbocharged engine, which slightly reduces fuel efficiency, the Kona is a lot more fun. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are also included with all models. Even on the base models, a good number of standard safety features are available, including almost all driver-assist features.

Specifications

13. 2024 BMW 5 Series

Redesigned for 2024, the BMW 5 Series sport sedan is bigger, more powerful, and equipped with every piece of driver and in-car safety technology imaginable. The brand’s new generation of “Goldilocks” sedans is positioned between the full-size BMW 7 Series luxury shuttle and the smaller 3 Series. There are two trim levels available for the five-seater BMW 5 Series.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series excels in every capacity due to its wide range of options. Whether you’re looking for advanced technology, speed, or fuel efficiency, the 5 Series continues to be a standard sedan. Currently, the newly redesigned model is limited to gas engines with four or six cylinders, but more options should soon be available.

Specifications

12. 2024 Kia EV9

The newest electric vehicle from Kia, the 2024 EV9, is a practical and sporty hybrid. There are five trim variants available for the six-seater Kia EV9. Launching towards the end of 2023, the midsize three-row crossover is the crown jewel of Kia’s electric vehicle lineup. Kia aims to meet the demand for large cars in the US market with the EV9.

Like many other mainstream automakers, Kia wants to make a big push toward electric vehicles this decade. By 2030, it wants 14 battery-electric models to account for 1.2 million sales, or 30% of its global volume. The EV 9 2024 will be a key part of that plan.

Specifications

11. 2024 Lexus TX

The new 2024 Lexus TX three-row SUV will replace the well-liked midsize RX. After 2022, Lexus discontinued the three-row L RX and returned to a five-passenger RX SUV in preparation for the TX.
This was a wise decision, considering that the RX-L was only 6 inches (15.2 cm) longer than the standard RX and was constructed on the same wheelbase.

All variants of the entry-level TX 350 come with a 14-inch (35.5 cm) infotainment touchscreen with the option to add a 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. The vehicle has all-wheel drive and comes in three trim grades: Standard, Premium, and Luxury.

Specifications

10. 2024 Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 is called “the hot hatchback for grown-ups” by critics for a good reason. It looks very high-end on the outside and inside, and there is some real hardware under the sheet metal to back that up. The highlight of this vehicle is the 2.5-liter turbo-four SKYACTIV engine, which has a nice dual nature. The engine is capable of excellent performance and fuel efficiency because of accurate spark plug-controlled compression ignition (SPCCI) and cylinder deactivation.

Although it’s not the new Mazdaspeed 3 that enthusiasts had hoped for, all-wheel drive is still an option. The only complaint is that there isn’t a manual gearbox available. You’ll have to settle for the six-speed automatic, which is a classic torque-converter unit that shifts smoothly but quickly enough.

Specifications

9. 2024 Toyota GR Corolla

It is one of the latest and best AWD sports cars available today. It is produced by Toyota and provides the all-wheel drive and turbo-three powertrain from the GR Yaris rally car in a more spacious and useful vehicle. The GR Corolla’s chassis and sub-frame are a hybrid of the GR Yaris and the standard Corolla.

Similar to its smaller sibling, the GR Yaris, the GR Corolla was built for rally racing, even though it hasn’t seen any action yet. Even the all-wheel-drive GR-Four system is reminiscent of the Toyota Celica GT-Four, which dominated rallies in the 1990s.

The front and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials are standard on the Circuit and Premium trims but available as an optional upgrade on the Core for the base trim. The G16-GTS engine has significant power despite its small displacement.

Specifications

8. 2024 Infiniti Q50/Q60 Red Sport 400

There’s no doubt that Infiniti’s luxury sports sedans and coupes are now old. This is particularly true for the Q50 sedan, which debuted in 2013. The Q60 was phased out in the previous year, but the Q50 will survive for another year. Both versions now have the new VR30 DDTT engine, which has already been shown to be capable in later versions.

Even Godzilla can’t match the Q50 and Q60 when equipped with the optional all-wheel-drive system. Even though it appears to be aging gracefully, the seven-speed Jatco automatic transmission can tolerate increased horsepower. The Q50/Q60 is best viewed as a low-cost BMW M3 that is a subtle jewel for a tuner. Also, avoid the Q50 hybrid cars, particularly for the first few years, because they are unreliable.

Specifications

7. 2024 Mercedes AMG A45S

Given that certain supercars can accelerate to 60 mph (96 kph) faster than a hatchback, Mercedes effectively invented the super-hatchback with the AMG A45S. Like the Mercedes AMG SL, the AMG A45 gets its power from the M139 turbo-four engine. All A-Class models—including the A45—have had a mild hybrid system since 2022. This technology adds a small electric motor that produces 14 hp and 110 lb-ft of torque.

More significantly, the company’s 4-MATIC all-wheel-drive technology and quick-shifting dual-clutch automatic transmission deliver power to the wheels. Even though the AMG A45 isn’t available to US customers, the AMG GLA45 crossover has all the same features as the Mercedes AMG super-hatch and is thus the closest alternative.

Specifications

6. 2024 Porsche 911 Carrera 4

A Porsche 911 is the epitome of “punching above its weight” in the automotive world. Its classic style sets it apart from all other performance vehicles on the road for all time. When it comes to the company’s sports vehicles, Porsche employees are essentially engineers, which is why even the base 911 models are faster than the most expensive sports cars. You can get the all-wheel-drive Carrera 4 for no more than the base price.

Adding all-wheel drive to the base 911 doesn’t always make it a better car to drive. The AWD technology increases curb weight by 110 pounds (49.8 kg) and acceleration time from 0 to 60 mph (96 kph) by 0.2 seconds. Even yet, the Carrera 4 is one of the most practical AWD sports cars that still provides a comparatively pure driving experience.

Specifications

5. 2024 Mercedes-AMG SL55

The Mercedes SL of the seventh generation is the sportiest version of the legendary car to date. The latest German roadster, which debuted for the 2022 model year, revived the two-plus-two-seater arrangement that had been absent since the R129.

Even if the Mercedes SL of the R232 generation isn’t exactly the “old man’s luxury roadster” of the past, it provides all the plush comforts one would expect from an SL. The mid-range AMG SL55 is good enough to compete with most Porsche 911s, while the AMG SL63 is getting closer to being a supercar. The company’s 4-MATIC all-wheel drive, which guarantees reliable 0 to 60 mph (96 kph) times and all-weather grip, is now standard on all models save the base SL.

Specifications

4. 2024 Audi RS3

All-wheel drive and Audi’s performance versions go hand in hand. This is because Audi introduced a production-ready performance vehicle with the renowned Quattro all-wheel drive system as early as 1980. Although the full inline-five engine was in front of the front axle, this gave for improved traction and multiple WRC victories.

With a powerful inline-five turbo engine and the Quattro legacy, the Audi RS3 continues the tradition over forty years later. The current RS3 model outperforms Mercedes’ super hatchback in terms of acceleration to 60 mph (96 kph), demonstrating incredible achievements. Additionally, there are two body types for the Audi RS3: a sedan and a Sportback (hatchback).

It’s important to know that the top speed of 186 mph (83 m/s) can only be reached with the Performance Edition, of which only 300 were made. If not, you’ll have to make do with a “just” 178 mph (79 m/s) max speed. This Audi will be the final model to use the famous inline-five engine.

Specifications

3. 2024 BMW M3 Competition

The current G82 generation’s capable inline-six engine produces supercar-like performance while being a bit of a tech fest. With its larger size and more agile chassis, the M3 is undoubtedly a superior driver’s car than the M5. When the M3 is in Competition form, the company’s optional xDrive all-wheel drive technology is standard.

The four-door sedan can compete with exotic automobiles in terms of 0 to 60 mph (96 kph) acceleration since power is distributed to all four wheels. Although the 3.3-second time stated by the manufacturer is remarkable, the M3 Competition has been seen to reach 60 mph (96 kph) in less than 3.0 seconds. Of course, the ZF 8HP transmission deserves some credit as it’s now the best conventional automatic available.

Specifications

2. 2024 BMW M4 Competition

Of course, this sleeker and marginally less functional variant of the M3 makes it on this list. With their exotic-car performance figures and lower price tags, the M3 and M4 have become something of a technological tour de force in recent years. The M4 Competition is still a good 2+2 seater, but you really want to know how it compares to the more practical M3.

Surprisingly, the M4’s lower center of gravity more than compensates for the M3’s marginally superior chassis stiffness. There are, however, small changes in both areas. They can trade blows all day long because both cars have the same S58 engine, which has underwhelming performance numbers, and an automatic ZF 8HP transmission. Similar to the M3 Competition, all-wheel drive is an optional feature that reduces the 0 to 60 mph (96 kph) time by 0.4 seconds.

Specifications

1. 2024 Nissan GT-R

Even a few JDM fanatics are likely sick of seeing the GT-R on these lists by now. In all honesty, it’s good. The R35 platform was useful for a long time after it should have been retired because of what it could do.

Since Lotus designed the chassis for the R35 GT-R, they deserve some of the credit. Another feature that turned the GT-R into a supercar killer was its all-Japanese ATTESA-ETS all-wheel drive system, which combined the best aspects of four-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive capabilities.

Although the Borg Warner DCT is beginning to show its age after 15 years of production, the twin-turbo V-6 and DCT are still engineering marvels in and of themselves. Still, if you have six figures to spend on a practical, high-performance sports car, it doesn’t get much better than the Nissan GT-R.

Specifications

Conclusion

These days, cars are getting heavier and stronger, so having all-wheel drive is helpful because it gives you a better grip. All-wheel-drive vehicles are experts in off-road capability and general utility, making them great all-season vehicles. Therefore, AWD vehicles are pretty much in demand nowadays.

To meet this high demand, many manufacturers offer a variety of AWD vehicles every year. With so many options, it becomes challenging to choose one. Therefore, we have narrowed down a list of the top 20 AWD cars you can get in 2024. You can use this guide to select the vehicle that best fits your needs.