These 4 AWD Toyota Avalon Alternatives Are Winter-Ready
The Toyota Avalon doesn’t get the credit it deserves; the large sedan offers hybrid efficiency and affordable luxury you’d expect in more premium badges. However, the Avalon isn’t for everyone, and there are many other large cars to consider instead. Still, if you live in a challenging climate, check out one of these four all-wheel drive (AWD) Toyota Avalon alternatives, like the AWD Kia Stinger.
- Chrysler 300
- Dodge Charger SXT
- Volkswagen Arteon
- Kia Stinger
What cars are similar to Toyota Avalon?
The Toyota Avalon resides in a large car segment. As a result, it’s readily comparable to the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Volkswagen Arteon, and Kia Stinger. While the Avalon is an affordable luxury bargain, those other sedans offer optional AWD, and two have top safety scores.
Is Chrysler 300 AWD good in snow?
While the standard Chrysler 300 sends power to the rear wheels, the Chrysler sedan offers optional AWD. Unfortunately, the Chrysler sedan’s all-wheel drive option isn’t available with the optional 5.7L V8 on the 300S trim. However, the 300S bumps the Pentastar V6’s horsepower to 300. Either way, the Chrysler 300 is a solid AWD alternative to the Toyota Avalon.
Is the Dodge Charger SXT a good Toyota Avalon alternative with AWD?
The Dodge Charger SXT and GT offer optional AWD. However, like the Chrysler 300, the model’s V8s don’t get the all-wheel drive treatment. Instead, power comes from a Pentastar V6 developing between 292 and 300 horsepower, depending on the trim. Even better, the Charger SXT starts at around $34,240, making it a sensible alternative to the Avalon’s $37,920 starting point.
Does the Volkswagen Arteon have AWD?
Volkswagen’s handsome large car, the Arteon, offers optional AWD. That’s good news for potential owners who want an alternative to the Toyota Avalon but not the Chrysler or Dodge sedans. However, the Volkswagen Arteon starts at $42,045, around $4,000 more than the Avalon. Still, the Arteon is more handsomely styled inside and out than the comparable Avalon and offers an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating.
Is the Kia Stinger a good AWD Toyota Avalon alternative?
If you want an AWD Toyota Avalon alternative with sports sedan credentials, consider a Kia Stinger. The Stinger GT2 AWD is very fast; Car and Driver returned a 0 to 60 mph time of just 4.6 seconds. However, the GT2 AWD trim starts at around $54,535, much more than the Avalon. Of course, the range-topping Stinger is a sports sedan, whereas the Avalon is more of a sensible sedan.
The more realistic alternative to the Avalon is the Kia Stinger GT-Line, the model’s entry-level trim. The 300-horsepower GT-Line starts at $37,735, close to the Avalon’s ask.
Which AWD Toyota Avalon alternative should you consider?
If you want a large car with a torquey V6 and optional AWD, the Dodge Charger SXT and Chrysler 300 are solid options. However, neither of those AWD options will hold a performance candle to the Kia Stinger GT2 AWD, but you’ll have to contend with the difference in starting costs. It comes down to what you want in your AWD Toyota Avalon alternative.
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