Get the most out of your driving experience by spinning all four wheels. Carsforsale.com brings you the best AWD sports cars available right now. 

Sports Cars That Power All Four Wheels 

Sports cars are all about letting loose and experiencing true performance. They’re some of the most exciting rides you’ll ever experience on the road and they can reach some incredible speeds. The biggest problem however is that they aren’t really practical all year long. Once those winter months show up, a rear-wheel drive sports car will be a hassle to drive. So, why not look for a sports car that can still capably drive during those snowy winter months? All-wheel-drive (AWD) allows power to be routed to all four wheels so that there’s better traction on slippery terrain. This means less spinning the wheels to get going, less likely to spin out just trying to turn, and you’ll look less foolish in your cool sports car.

AWD isn’t only about practicality though; it can also be about performance too. AWD cars are some of the best accelerators in comparison to their two-wheel-drive siblings. They’re also easier to control through curves or when getting sideways in the turns. Having all four wheels going when you hit the throttle can be a huge benefit to your sports car experience, so we picked some of the best for you to consider. Check out the best AWD sports Cars for under $40,000, over $40,000, and the awesome rides you can find for over $100,000!

Best AWD Sports Cars Under $40,000 

Looking for a new sports car with AWD on a budget? These are the top three best options you can find for under $40,000. These may not be the most luxurious of the sports car bunch, nor will they be producing the most power, but they’ll get you moving at a fun pace all the same.

Dodge Challenger GT AWD – $33,545

2022 Dodge Challenger GT AWD - media.stellantisnorthamerica.com
2022 Dodge Challenger GT AWD - media.stellantisnorthamerica.com

Dodge has been the leader in keeping muscle car looks and power alive with their Dodge Challenger. While the model is sadly coming to an end after 2023, you can still pick one up featuring AWD. While the GT trimmed Challenger may not be the most potent of the lineup, it’s the highest trim you can have with AWD. Underneath its hood is a naturally aspirated 3.6L V6 engine making 303 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. That power is sent through an 8-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. It’s a real shame Dodge never produced a Hellcat AWD version, but at least this Challenger GT gives you the AWD to confidently drive during the snow months while still carrying those muscle car looks.

Subaru WRX Limited – $36,495

2022 Subaru WRX - subaru.com
2022 Subaru WRX - subaru.com

Every Subaru comes with AWD (except the BRZ), so the WRX slots in perfect for an AWD sports car under $40,000. Now, the STI version was sadly discontinued and you won’t be able to get the GT trimmed option with Recaro seats, but the WRX Limited is still a great choice. Like the rest of the WRX lineup, the WRX Limited comes with a turbocharged 2.4L 4-cylinder boxer engine producing 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This unit is paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 8-speed Subaru Performance Continuously Variable Transmission for and additional $2,250. Either transmission option with provided a lively driving experience as you carve through dirt, mud, or snow with the Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive. Plus, the Limited trim gives you a premium Hardon Kardon sound system, Ultrasuede upholstery, and an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Kia Stinger GT-Line – $38,790

2023 Kia Stinger GT Line AWD - kia.com
2023 Kia Stinger GT Line AWD - kia.com

The Kia Stinger is sadly going away soon, so you don’t want to miss your chance at this sport sedan. The Kia Stinger GT-Line doesn’t feature the twin-turbocharged 3.3L V6 found in the GT2 trim, but it’s hard to complain about the turbocharged 2.5L inline-4 engine for under $40,000. The 4-cylinder unit in the Stinger makes 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque that’s sent through an 8-speed automatic to all four wheels. That setup in the Stinger is capable of near 5 second 0-60 mph times, which makes it one of the fastest AWD sports car options for under $40,000. The 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, available premium Harman Kardon sound system, and host of numerous standard advanced driver assistance systems only sweetens the deal.

Best AWD Sports Cars Over $40,000 

Willing to shell out some extra cash to get yourself an even better AWD sports car? These next three examples feature luxurious appointed interiors, more technology, and high-performance engines that will really spin all four tires. These are some of the best AWD sports cars you can find available right now for over $40,000. x

Audi RS5 quattro – $77,900

2023 Audi RS 5 - audiusa.com
2023 Audi RS 5 - audiusa.com

Audi is no newcomer to AWD drivetrains. Ever since their rallying success with the Audi Sport Quattro S1, the brand has kept its name and AWD capabilities alive bin their lineup. The Audi RS5 Quattro coupe is possibly one of the best of the bunch as it fits a similar mold as that ‘80s rally car while providing a powertrain that makes driving fun. The twin-turbocharged 2.9L V6 engine found in the RS5 was designed and built by Porsche. The V6 generates 444 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque that’s routed through an 8-speed automatic transmission to all four tires. This twin-turbo unit with the quattro setup launches the RS5 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. Couple that speed with the RS sport suspension and you’ve got a wonderful looking Audi that can clean up at the track.

BMW M4 Competition xDrive – $82,700

2023 BMW M4 Competition xDrive - bmwusa.com
2023 BMW M4 Competition xDrive - bmwusa.com

The BMW M4 Competition xDrive may be one of the best AWD sports cars right now. It exemplifies everything that the M performance brand stands for – track focused, hard charging, wonderful handling BMW cars. Under this M4’s hood is a twin-turbocharged 3.0L inline-6 engine that’s been tuned to produce 503 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. An 8-speed M Sport automatic transmission directs all of that power through the M xDrive AWD system. That AWD can actually be switched to rear-wheel driving should you want to feel like a true to form sports car. The M4 Competition xDrive acts as a potent track star as it’s capable of a 3.4 second 0-60 mph time and features a state-of-the-art adaptive M suspension.

Jaguar F-Type R – $83,900

2023 Jaguar F-Type R - jaguarusa.com
2023 Jaguar F-Type R - jaguarusa.com

We don’t give enough credit to Jaguar, but their F-type demands some recognition when it comes to AWD sports car talk. The British brand added an AWD drivetrain to their sleek F-Type that pairs nicely with the 5.0L supercharged V8 engine it carries. The supercharged unit produces 575 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. That’s sent through and 8-speed transmission to all four wheels. This configuration allows the Jaguar F-Type R to push itself to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. It’s an exciting sports car that offers a lavish interior that only Jaguar can properly pull off.

Best AWD Sports Cars Over $100,000 

If you’re looking for the best AWD sports cars and money is no object, these next three will really put a smile on your face. One hits automotive fans with nostalgia by harkening back to its rally racing past. Another takes a modern highspeed iconic and makes it a formidable off-roader. Then the last is one of the quickest AWD sports cars on the planet – and it isn’t running on gas.

Porsche 911 Dakar – $222,000

2023 Porsche 911 Dakar - porsche.com
2023 Porsche 911 Dakar - porsche.com

The Dakar Rally is one of the most grueling and challenging races in the world. Back in 1984 a unique entrant won the difficult race – a 911 Carrera that had been outfitted with a 4×4 drivetrain. It’s been a long while since the 911 officially went off-road in official capacity, but Porsche is bringing fans of the Rothmans Porsche 911 what they want – a modern version. The Porsche 911 Dakar is a modern successor to the rally classic that takes the 911 back into the wilderness to really speed through tough terrains.

It features a twin-turbocharged 3.0L 6-cylinder boxer engine that makes 473 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. That power is directed through a PDK 8-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels and allows the 911 Dakar to hit 60 mph in 3.2 seconds. Porsche furthered this 911’s capability by adding in rear-axle steering, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control, 3.14 inches of ground clearance, and additional exterior off-road adornments like a skid plate. You can also get the 911 Dakar in the 1984 paint scheme at no additional charge.

Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato – $270,000 (estimated)

2023 Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato - lamborghini.com
2023 Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato - lamborghini.com

Lamborghini has done it, they’ve brought the Huracán Sterrato concept into production. They’ve essentially taken the Huracán and added a lift, roof rails, underbody protection, and wide fender flares that surround some off-road tires. The engine is a naturally aspirated 5.2L V10 engine that makes 610 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of toque. Power is sent through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission to the AWD drivetrain. Lamborghini claims that this off-road super sports car can go 0-62 mph in 3.4 seconds and will be more than capable enough to “push the envelope when the asphalt ends.” The Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato will be hitting the streets (and the dirt) soon in 2023.

Tesla Model S Plaid – $137,440

2023 Tesla Model S Plaid - tesla.com
2023 Tesla Model S Plaid - tesla.com

While I’d like to have put the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport with its quad-turbocharged 8.0L W16 powered AWD here, it sadly isn’t available for any more orders going forward. So, we’ll instead spring for an AWD sports car that taken the world by storm with its alternative power source – electricity. The Tesla Model S Plaid is currently the quickest AWD sports car in the world with a 0-60 mph time of 1.99 seconds in its Ludicrous mode. The Model S Plaid is capable of this quick time thanks to its tri-motor setup that combines for 1020 horsepower and 1050 lb-ft of torque. The electric motors are powered by a 99.3 kWh liquid cooled lithium-ion battery pack and can run for 396 miles on a single charge (as long as you aren’t in the Ludicrous mode). It’s a different kind of sports car to consider given its unique power source, but the Tesla Model S Plaid is a testament of what’s to come given our current automotive climate.

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Jesse McGraw

Jesse McGraw brings his life-long car obsession into his writing. A fun childhood that involved growing up around race tracks, working on a rusty ‘99 Dodge Dakota held together by zip ties, and collecting Hot Wheels developed into a strong appreciation for automotive history. If there is an old, obscure, or rare car, he wants to know about it. With a bachelor's degree in Web Development & Design from Dakota State University, Jesse can talk shop about car or computer specs, focusing on classic cars, imports, and car culture.

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