When you buy a car, you have to consider a variety of factors. In Minnesota, one of the biggest factors to consider is the winter weather, which can make driving difficult.
The majority of people in the state choose trucks with all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive capabilities. However, a truck might not be in your budget, making a sedan a better option.
What to Know About Driving Sedans in Minnesota
Most sedans typically seat between four and five people and have limited trunk space. If you can only budget for a sedan when buying a car in Minnesota, it is ideal that you avoid anything that has front-wheel drive (FWD). Ultimately (AWD) tends to be the most common choice for the sedans that are driven in this state. All-wheel drive can help you navigate snowy, icy roads.
Understanding The Winter Handling Capabilities of Sedans
Whether new or used, sedans should be driven with extra caution in Minnesota. The potential to get into an accident is far greater when you cannot properly maintain control of the vehicle. Four-wheel drive vehicles are one of the best choices for the weather here, though sedans are not equipped with that option.
Take a look at the different types of drivetrains that you will find in sedans.
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Front-wheel drive is the most common drivetrain. It sends the power to the front wheels. It also holds most of its weight over the front wheels, which means it can help you keep traction on slippery roads. However, it’s not the best for the snowy and icy conditions in Minnesota.
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
If front-wheel drive sends power to the front wheels, then you’re right to assume that rear-wheel drive vehicles send it to the rear wheels. RWD is great for increased acceleration and heavier vehicles. Unfortunately, snowy or wet conditions are not great for this type of drivetrain.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
If you’re not going to buy a truck, a sedan with all-wheel drive is the best choice. It splits the torque between the front and back wheels. It has sensors on each wheel to monitor traction, which can be very helpful when the roads are icy.
Sedans With All-Wheel Drive That Are Common in Minnesota
In Minnesota, sedans with AWD can provide you with an extra measure of security, resulting in more confidence behind the wheel. Here are a few of the most commonly driven sedans with this feature either included or available from the manufacturer:
Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza provides AWD as a standard inclusion for a low price. It also has good crash-test scores, making it a safe and sound choice for driving in Minnesota.
Say what you want about the 4-cylinder engine and fuel efficiency, it is a great vehicle with spacious seating that is perfectly capable for those who seek adventure.
Toyota Corolla Hybrid AWD
Toyota’s Corolla Hybrid AWD is very reliable. While AWD is an optional feature, if you like what the Corolla provides, you can make sure you get this add-on. It’s a shame it’s not included, especially in this part of the country, but it has good crash test scores that make it a safe bet.
The Corolla is a smaller vehicle, much smaller than average-sized sedans. If you don’t need lots of room to haul other passengers, you’ll find that it is a comfortable choice.
Subaru Legacy
Another Subaru that can help you handle driving in Minnesota is the Legacy. This sedan includes AWD as standard, much like the Impreza, only it has excellent crash test ratings rather than simply good ones.
The price is right for this sure-footed sedan, and while the trunk space and mileage may be underwhelming, it’s a common choice for a sedan in the state because of how well it grips the road.
Nissan Altima AWD
For the Altima, AWD is optional, though that’s better than not having it available at all. The price makes it attractive and it provides a comfortable ride. Other sedans outshine it in safety ratings and the average engine isn’t particularly thrilling. However, it gets good gas mileage and with the addition of AWD, it is a common car driven in Minnesota.
Toyota Camry AWD
The Toyota Camry remains one of the most common choices anywhere, including Minnesota. It has excellent crash-test ratings and is known for being reliable. Plus, it has an all-wheel drive option.
Beyond all-wheel drive, the Camry also includes advanced driver-assist systems like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist which are bound to come in handy on slippery roads.
Audi A5 Sportback
For a sedan that’s a little more luxurious, Audi’s A5 Sportback comes with standard AWD. It’s a stylish vehicle that delivers good mpg and crash test scores, offering drivers a premium feel while it grips the road. Although the engine feels a bit underpowered, higher trim levels may give you what you are craving in the area of performance. It also has a few advanced driver assist features that will keep you feeling confident, no matter the weather.
Are Sedans a Safe Choice in Minnesota?
Even with sedans that are well-equipped to handle the worst of Minnesota’s weather and your most careful driving, it may not be enough to avoid an accident. The weather may be a factor, but when driving on Minnesota roads, the no-fault insurance system means that your insurance company will be paying for your injuries and property damage. This will be the case even if you weren’t at fault.
You should also be aware of how the modified comparative fault laws could keep you from recovering compensation in a car accident case. If you are over 50% at fault, you won’t receive anything. If you have been in a car crash, make sure you contact an accident law firm to find out more about your legal rights and what to do next.
