AWD isn't necessary unless you do a lot of driving up north in the winter or need to tow a trailer and frequently launch a boat for example. Things like traction and stability control are more important.This is true, snow tires are table stakes. Snows plus AWD are much better than snows alone, but AWD is no excuse to forgo snows.
AWD also helps a lot with regular tires in the summer when driving in heavy rain
Both my landcruisers are AWD all the time, they are tanks and can't be stopped. I wouldn't even think twice in a norther climate.
FWD is fine for your needs just invest in snow tires (4) for winter driving and if you don't want to switch back and forth every year...invest in "all WEATHER (with snowflake marking) tires"...sell off the OEM, just remember in winter snow tires will still be the best and you still have to drive according to weather and road conditions which many drivers DON'T DO.Looking to by myself a new vehicle, probably mid size SUV. Most have either front wheel or all wheel drive, difference can be 5000$. I have never owned, not sure I have even driven either.. Any opinion on best way to go is helpful, is all wheel worth it for someone who stays home in the snow.. Thanks
Agreed.If you have land cruisers, you have full-time 4WD. Don't let hard core wheelers hear you talk about AWD on your LC or they'll lose their shit
Unless you're crawling rocks or deep ditches, you don't need 4WD.
Yes, AWD is extra cost (to buy and to maintain) but it's shouldn't be dismissed as a luxury. I would argue it's become "table stakes". AWD is just better at getting power where it's needed. It doesn't stop any better, but a good AWD system will help your handling.
I prefer an AWD sports sedan that is RWD 99% of the time, then only starts applying torque to the fronts as needed.Depends what system you're looking at.
For example a system such as hondas crv 4wd on older crvs is well worth it. Car stays in fwd 99.9% of the time, however when you are stuck and start spinning your front tires the rear tires kick in to help you get out of the jam. Once out it goes back to fwd only. Best of both worlds and ideal for a place like toronto.
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2013/06/alphabet-soup-4x4-vs-4wd-vs-awd-wheres-the-differential/
AWD can understeer as well since most cars are designed to understeer at the limit. Traction control and stability assist systems that are standard on most cars will correct under or oversteer by asymmetric brake application.Agreed.
Unless you have actually driven a car with a good intelligent AWD system in inclement conditions, they have no clue how much better it is.
A good example is when you apply power while turning, FWD can understeer badly, taking you into the wrong lane in traffic.
So for that 0.1% of the time the complexity and extra fuel consumption and extra $ is worth it? Even for someone that stays at home when it snows?Depends what system you're looking at.
For example a system such as hondas crv 4wd on older crvs is well worth it. Car stays in fwd 99.9% of the time, however when you are stuck and start spinning your front tires the rear tires kick in to help you get out of the jam. Once out it goes back to fwd only. Best of both worlds and ideal for a place like toronto.
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2013/06/alphabet-soup-4x4-vs-4wd-vs-awd-wheres-the-differential/
The answer is no - until you need it. Could say the same about seat belts.So for that 0.1% of the time the complexity and extra fuel consumption and extra $ is worth it? Even for someone that stays at home when it snows?
AWD sport sedans like my Q50, are very neutral when cornering, and including accelerating in a corner.AWD can understeer as well since most cars are designed to understeer at the limit. Traction control and stability assist systems that are standard on most cars will correct under or oversteer by asymmetric brake application.