March 21, 2006 - If you consider four-season traction a valuable safety asset, an all-wheel drive sport-utility vehicle might be your most obvious choice. But automakers have recently responded to those looking for added traction in the not-so-obvious format of four-door sedans. Beyond maximum traction stalwarts such as Subaru and Audi, here are three entry-level luxury AWD sedans that prove you don't need an SUV to make it through the unpredictable weather:

THIRD PLACE - Chrysler 300 Touring AWD - No, it doesn't have a Hemi. But that's OK. The Touring package adds such driving niceties as a leather steering wheel and comes with a 250 h.p., 3.5-litre V-6. Despite the 300 being the heaviest of this trio, it matches the other two cars in performance. With a large steering wheel and relatively flat seats, the Chrysler 300's cockpit is more luxury than driver-oriented. The sedan's avoirdupois can be directly related to the fact that it is one size up from the smaller Mercedes and Lexus. Regardless, the 300 has virtually equal weight distribution between the front and rear wheels (Chrysler went so far as to move the battery to the rear), delivering an overall balanced feel to the handling. The 300's standard rear-drive setup already benefits from traction control, anti-lock brakes and an electronic stability program. The AWD model adds a front differential transfer case, unique front suspension, five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick manumatic function and 18-inch wheels. Despite four wheels working for you instead of two, once this big sedan gets on the outer edges of its traction limits, it takes a lot more driving skill than needed for the minute Merc or little Lexus to rein it in. There's just no getting around the Chrysler's extra size, making it less nimble than the smaller cars here.
Driver's choice: Silver Steel Metallic.
SUV alternative: Chrysler just announced its rebadged Durango called Aspen.
Bottom line: Drives like the big car it is.

SECOND PLACE - Mercedes-Benz C280 4Matic - The German automaker has been tinkering with this generation of C-Class since its introduction in 2001. Last year, Mercedes buffed up the car's interior with better-quality materials and seats, and the instrument cluster was designed with four gauges, including a chromed-ringed tachometer and speedometer of identical size sitting front and centre -- just like the bigger E-Class. For 2006, the C-Class gets a new family of V-6 engines. Sitting between the 2.5L C230 and the 3.5L C350, the C280 actually has a 228 h.p., 3.0L V-6. Unlike the uninspiring 2.6L it replaced from last year's C240, the 3.0 version is smooth and powerful -- enough to make you think twice about ponying up for the C350. You can get the new and excellent seven-speed Touch Shift manumatic in the rear-drive C280. Opt for the 4Matic AWD system, though, and you're limited to the older five-speed transmission.
Braking is excellent in this Merc, with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist helping out. Overall, the driving experience manifests in predictable understeer. There's a good balance between ride and handling, but ride wins the day at the expense of a true sports sedan feel. Steering is light and precise but ultimately numb. For those who don't like surprises, the C280 4Matic won't sneak up on you.
Driver's choice: Pewter Silver metallic paint ($890).
SUV alternative: Mercedes-Benz M-Class.
Bottom line: Solid, safe, somnambulant.

FIRST PLACE - Lexus IS 250 AWD - In the newly broadened IS lineup, this model leans more toward luxury than sport. Compared not only with the Chrysler and the Mercedes here but also the last-generation IS, driving this Lilliputian Lexus is way more compelling. The cockpit is similar to the larger GS sports sedan -- driver oriented, with high-quality fit and materials. But some of its minor controls are less intuitive. Quieter at speed, tighter in body motions and more generous in feedback to its driver, you can thank the highly rigid chassis and athletic suspension inherited from the GS. Although quick to turn in with accurate steering and little lean in the corners, the IS's ride quality won't beat you up, either. The 204 h.p., 2.5L V-6 is the smallest of this trio, but paired with the six-speed manumatic, you'll never be in the wrong gear.
Driver's choice: An IS 350 with a stick would be bitchin'! Oops, they don't come that way.
SUV alternative: Lexus's RX 350, or go green with an RX 400h hybrid.
Bottom line: Sporty enough for those who like to drive, luxurious enough for those who need the coddling.

- John LeBlanc, Publisher, www.straight-six.com

THE SPECS

Chrysler 300 Touring AWD
Power: 250 h.p. 6,400 r.p.m.; 250 lb.-ft. of torque 3,800 r.p.m.
Fuel economy L/100 km: 12.5 city, 8.1 hwy.
Base price: $36,025

Mercedes-Benz C280 4Matic
Engine: 3.0L DOHC V-6
Power: 228 h.p. 6,000 r.p.m.; 221 lb.-ft. of torque 2,700 r.p.m.
Fuel economy L/100 km: 12.1 city, 8.2 hwy.
Base price: $45,850

Lexus IS 250 AWD
Engine: 2.5L DOHC V-6
Power: 204 h.p. 6,400 r.p.m.; 185 lb.-ft. of torque 4,800 r.p.m.
Fuel economy L/100 km: 10.1 city, 7.6 hwy.
Base price: $41,900

© National Post 2006. This article originally appeared in The National Post's Driving.