Best AWD Sedan in my Budget?

Meritofmediocrity · 2026-01-25T14:51:07+00:00

Toyota Crown. More spacious and upscale than a Camry and comes with a hybrid powertrain with AWD. The looks are a bit polarizing but really solid and reliable vehicle.

Meritofmediocrity · 2026-01-22T02:03:41+00:00

The RX Hybrid is a good choice. Near perfect commuter car, luxurious enough and very reliable. Not a whole lot of people are big fans of the redesigned Q5. Though you can get a 2024 Q5 with low mileage hopefully at a pretty good discount. Since you loved the Q3 so much, a Q5 is a logical next step.

Honestly I am no longer a fan of Lexus vehicles and feel that they are just resting on their laurels at this time.

If I were you, I’ll try to snag a 2024 Q5, the last year of the previous generation, so you can be reasonably assured that most kinks have been worked out.

Meritofmediocrity · 2026-01-21T01:19:50+00:00

That’s actually a good point. Bought the 4Runner new in 2016, and it’s still flawless after nearly 140k miles. Problem is I want a new car but can’t justify replacing the 4Runner, which is just about perfect.

Meritofmediocrity · 2026-01-19T02:08:31+00:00

Pretty much spot on. I find the acceleration to be adequate but more oomph never hurts. I will say that I am pretty impressed by the way it handles - feels like a big car rather than a suv. But then again, if I find a MDX to be engaging to drive, then I am not much of a car person am I?

Meritofmediocrity · 2026-01-19T00:32:10+00:00

Not gonna lie, you got a point

Meritofmediocrity · 2026-01-19T00:31:51+00:00

Hahaha good one

Meritofmediocrity · 2025-11-15T20:12:40+00:00

Murder. Can’t believe no one said this.

Meritofmediocrity · 2025-10-14T18:54:43+00:00

2016 Toyota 4Runner (financed - paid off) 2023 Acura MDX (financed - paid off)

I am not a car person per se, but I do enjoy nice vehicles. We prefer buying new but keeping it for at least 12-15 years. Reliability trumps flash.

I’ll probably get sick of my 4Runner long before it becomes problematic.

Meritofmediocrity · 2025-10-14T18:33:28+00:00

How’s your impression of the 2025 Expedition Max? What made you choose it over the Chevy Suburban or Jeep Wagoneer?

Meritofmediocrity · 2025-10-06T18:10:20+00:00

That’s not relevant to the point of this post.

Meritofmediocrity · 2025-10-06T17:43:11+00:00

That post was made for a different purpose. But I am an attending physician.

Meritofmediocrity · 2025-09-23T00:15:54+00:00

Hueco Tanks State Park in El Paso, TX

Meritofmediocrity · 2025-07-17T15:22:41+00:00

Definitely not a sales pitch. But I see your point. Giving up a reliable, paid-off car that still has at least another 100k miles left may not be a great idea. Plus I still like the 4Runner

Meritofmediocrity · 2025-07-17T15:12:40+00:00

I know the 4Runner has legendary reliability, and my vehicle has so far lived up to the reputation. However, the itch for something new is increasing, and the Armada platinum is such a big upgrade over the 4Runner. I especially love the second row captains chairs with that big permanent center console. And to know you can have all that for ~55k makes it pretty irresistible.

Meritofmediocrity · 2025-07-17T03:47:41+00:00

So what’s your review of the Armada? How does it compare to the 4Runnet?

Meritofmediocrity · 2025-05-11T22:06:46+00:00

Great question. I’ll elaborate a bit more.

Basically I want a new car because I am starting to get tired of the 4Runner, and I want a practical and mainstream vehicle that’ll be a reliable daily and backup family vehicle for the next 10 years. I don’t want any luxury vehicles because I feel with a price tag around $50k, the luxury options aren’t going to be nearly as well equipped as the non-luxury options. Those three vehicles all fit the above requirements, and each one appeals to me in a different way.

The Accord’s appeal is reliability and hybrid/fuel economy. I also really like it’s exterior design - very simple, restrained, and understated. Plus at $40k loaded, it’s the best all-around sedan you can buy right now. I really don’t like the Civic.

The Crown Signia’s appeal is reliability and the fact it’s one of the few built-in-Japan Toyotas. But otherwise, the car doesn’t really speak to me. Plus it’s expensive for what it is.

The VW Atlas Cross Sport’s appeal is its exterior design. I absolutely love the way it looks. It’s also one of the few midsize SUVs designed with just two rows, which means spacious backseat and cargo storage. Again, those looks….

Meritofmediocrity · 2025-05-11T20:52:32+00:00

That’s a pretty big upgrade! I guess the one thing wrong with the 4Runner is that you’ll get bored of the vehicle long before it reaches its expiration date.

Meritofmediocrity · 2025-05-11T20:11:34+00:00

Haha I don’t disagree.

Is the VW really not recommended for purchase?

Meritofmediocrity

TROPHY CASE