# Seven AWD Sedans Worth Considering Beyond the Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry's bestselling status masks a hard truth: the midsize sedan market has contracted sharply. Most manufacturers have abandoned sedans entirely, chasing SUV profits instead. But shoppers who value sedan practicality, handling, and efficiency still have options beyond Toyota's stalwart.
Jalopnik identified seven AWD sedans worth evaluating, with four representing current production models and three available on the used market. This split reflects the reality facing sedan buyers today. New choices remain limited. Used inventory offers deeper variety from manufacturers who have since exited the segment.
The Camry's dominance rests on proven reliability, resale value, and a comfortable middle ground between performance and efficiency. It's competent rather than thrilling. For buyers seeking something different, the alternatives cluster into distinct categories.
Luxury brands continue producing sedans where mainstream manufacturers quit. The BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Audi A4 all offer AWD options and performance dynamics the Camry cannot match. These come with higher purchase prices and maintenance costs, but deliver sportier handling and premium interiors. Lexus, Toyota's luxury division, offers the IS sedan with more refinement than its parent brand.
Japanese brands beyond Toyota still build sedans. The Subaru Legacy prioritizes all-weather capability through standard symmetrical AWD. The Legacy targets Camry buyers who live in snow country and want extra traction without switching to an SUV. Mazda's 6 combines efficiency with driving engagement uncommon in the segment. Both offer substantially lower prices than European luxury alternatives.
The used market opens earlier generations of sedans no longer in production. Shoppers can find Infiniti Q50s, Acura TLXs, and Nissan Maximas at depreciated prices. These three-to-five-year-old models often feature fresher styling and technology than base Camrys while costing less than new alternatives.
Market dynamics explain this scarcity. SUVs command higher prices and profit margins. Buyers abandoned sedans in favor of crossovers perceived as roomier and more versatile. Automakers responded by cutting sedan platforms. Subaru and Lexus persist because their customers value car-based driving experiences. Luxury brands continue because segment buyers expect sedan options.
For used sedan shoppers, this transition creates opportunity. Off-lease vehicles from brands that stopped production hit markets with steep discounts. A three-year-old Infiniti Q50 or Acura TLX offers more features and sharper driving dynamics than an equivalently priced new Camry. Warranty concerns require careful inspection, but properly maintained examples deliver strong value.
The Camry remains the safest choice for practical buyers prioritizing reliability and resale value. Its network of dealers, abundant service parts, and proven track record justify its bestselling status. But it's not the only answer. Subaru Legacy drivers gain snow-country capability. Mazda 6 buyers sacrifice little efficiency while gaining steering feel. Used luxury sedans provide performance and appointments at middle-market pricing.
Sedan loyalists face a narrowing road. Manufacturers have made their choice clear. New models disappear monthly. That reality makes 2024 an inflection point for sedan shoppers. Wait longer, and options shrink further. Act now, and variety remains available for those willing to look beyond the Camry's comfortable consensus.