8 Great Family Sedans for Winter

When it comes to handling tough winter weather, midsize family sedans often get overlooked in favor of SUVs. Shoppers shouldn't dismiss sedans so quickly. When equipped with all-wheel drive, the average sedan can handle slick roads as well as a typical SUV and do so more efficiently. The eight sedans on our list offer all-wheel drive as either standard equipment or as an option, along with the latest in active electronic safety systems. They're all worth a look if you need an all-weather vehicle that won't break the bank.

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   1. Buick Regal AWD:

This well-equipped midsize sedan offers optional all-wheel drive on all trim levels with the standard 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine. Designed to improve both all-weather traction and performance in dry weather, the all-wheel-drive system also maximizes efficiency during normal driving by sending power to the front wheels only.

Newly updated for 2015, the full-size Charger sedan comes standard with rear-wheel drive but can be equipped with all-wheel drive on any trim level above the base model. It's a fully automatic system that engages the front wheels whenever the temperature falls below a certain point or the windshield wipers are on. A loss of traction at the rear wheels will also trigger the system to engage the front wheels.

Full redesigned for 2015, the Chrysler 200 is a sleek midsize sedan that offers all-wheel drive on the range-topping S and C trims with the V6 engine. To help maintain fuel efficiency, the all-wheel-drive system disengages the rear wheels during normal driving. A standard nine-speed automatic transmission also helps the Chrysler 200 deliver solid mileage ratings along with great drivability.

Redesigned for 2015, the Subaru Legacy is more refined and efficient than ever before. All-wheel drive is standard equipment and you can choose between four- and six-cylinder engines. The Legacy also offers an extensive suite of safety features like lane departure warning and pre-collision braking systems.

The versatile hatchback version of the Honda Accord can easily tackle winter weather thanks to more than 6 inches of ground clearance and an optional all-wheel-drive system. Honda calls it Real Time 4WD and it's only available on the top-of-the-line Crosstour EX-L with the V6 engine. Passenger space is generous, but cargo capacity may be smaller than the car's appearance may suggest.

There are many reasons why Subarus have been the driver's choice in regions where foul weather is common. The brand's sure-footedness on a variety of road surfaces and its durability are chief among those reasons. The Impreza represents the midlevel vehicle in the Subaru lineup, and as with most of its siblings, all-wheel drive is standard. Inside, the Impreza is spacious for a compact sedan and provides a comfortable ride quality. It's not particularly quick, though fuel economy is competitive as a result.

If you want all-wheel drive in a Ford Fusion, you'll have to spring for the range-topping 2.0-liter turbo engine. The good news is, this engine gets an impressive EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined rating. It's also the only vehicle on this family sedan list that earned an Edmunds "A" rating. With confident handling, a composed and quiet ride and plenty of high-tech and safety features, it's easy to see why.

The Volvo S60 was recently redesigned and straddles the fence between family sedan and luxury sedan depending on how it's equipped. Bolstering its appeal is Volvo's focus on safety and well-balanced ride quality and handling. All-wheel drive is offered on the midrange T5 and sporty range-topping T6 R-Design models.