ATLANTA -

As leaves turn and weather cools, many car shoppers start thinking about purchases that will get them through the winter months. Cars that can brave winter road conditions are top of mind, and dealers can capitalize on this practical turn, as well. AutoTrader.com editors offered up a list this week that names the top all-wheel drive sedans for 2014.

For those shoppers that live in areas with high snowfall rates but don’t want the low gas mileage and/or don’t need the space an SUV provides, dealers can bring up any of the units that made it onto the list as good alternatives.

Prompting AutoTrader officials to look a bit closer at the new all-wheel drive sedans, officials shared that shopper interest in all-wheel drive sedans on the site increased sharply in September, reaching the highest levels so far this year.

And with the Christmas holidays approaching, AutoTrader.com contends car buyers should consider placing one of the following on their shopping list.

AutoTrader names the following as top all-wheel drive sedans for 2014: 

•    Audi A4
•    BMW 3 Series
•    Chrysler 300
•    Ford Fusion
•    Ford Taurus
•    Infiniti Q50
•    Subaru Impreza
•    Subaru Legacy
•    Volvo S60

"Many people want the security all-wheel drive provides on wet or snowy roads, but don't necessarily want or need a vehicle the size of an SUV," Brian Moody, AutoTrader.com site editor said. "It used to be that all-wheel drive was only available on higher-end luxury sport sedans, but brands are now offering it as an option on more mainstream models."

When compiling the list, the editors considered factors such as value, capability, performance and reliability.

"These are cars we've driven extensively and would personally recommend to family and friends," Moody said. "We wanted to pick a diverse group of vehicles that offered choices for shoppers at a variety of price points."

For more commentary on the all-wheel sedans that made the cut, see the AutoTrader.com post here.

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