Cars
To Save the Dying Sedan, Automakers Steal Key Feature From SUVs
- Popularity on cars rises as more buyers opt for light trucks
- One-time niche tech spreads with cheap gas, fuel economy gains
All-wheel-drive sedans used to be a niche market limited to park rangers and uptight snow-belt drivers. These days, they’re becoming a more popular choice for decidedly mainstream models.
The latest entrants to the all-wheel stable include the Mazda6, Nissan Altima and Toyota Prius. As sales of crossovers, sport utility vehicles and pickups have grown, automakers are equipping more of their sedans with all-wheel drive to hang onto buyers wanting more SUV-like features.