AWD vs FWD?
Posted by BookkeeperHead2318@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 186 comments
I’m trading in my 2022 Nissan Altima (lol I know) for an economic but reliable car. I currently live on dry, flat land but I’m moving to Northern California soon. I was thinking about getting a Toyota Corolla Cross or a Honda HRV.
I plan on visiting Yosemite a couple times a year (during good weather), maybe make the drive to Vegas. Do i need AWD or am I fine with FWD?
Once I took a roadtrip to Vegas and LA with my Nissan and it was such a struggle to drive up the mountains. I essentially want a car that can handle a roadtrip along different terrains, but I also really value reliability and good gas mileage.
precocious_necrosis@reddit
AWD is a total waste of money. It is a convenience feature at best and will offer you absolutely no benefit.
TJayClark@reddit
I live in the south and can confidently say that 360ish days a year, you’re correct.
The other 5ish days…. I’m extremely glad I spent the extra $$ on AWD because the roads are straight up ice
Low-Fig429@reddit
Tires will do more - with no traction even 8 wheel drive won’t help. And AWD won’t help braking.
Professional-Rent887@reddit
Buying snow tires to use for a few days every several years isn’t feasible.
If the roads are suddenly icy, you’re supposed to drive to the tire shop and sit there in the lobby all afternoon and have snow tires put on? Nah. Some of us have jobs to go to. And then two days later go again have regular tires put back on?
Or you can just drive and AWD will activate when needed.
Low-Fig429@reddit
Leave them on for the season. Duh.
And it would be a hell of a lot cheaper to change tires out than to sell your car and then buy and maintain a heavier and more complex AWD vehicle.
Professional-Rent887@reddit
Leave them on for the season in a place that doesn’t necessarily get snow every year, and gets it only for a few days when it does?
It must be nice to have so much disposable income…
precocious_necrosis@reddit
Set of snow tires: $600-$1,200
Cost of AWD vs FWD: $5,000-$10,000
Being incapable of understanding cost: Priceless
Professional-Rent887@reddit
$800-1200 for something that won’t get used for most of the life of the car because snow is so rare. Sure, bud. I’ll get right on that LOL
precocious_necrosis@reddit
And you think that's an argument FOR AWD?!
Good Lord, how does one reason with people like this.
Low-Fig429@reddit
Some people don’t understand logic, reason, and math. More expensive vehicle, higher maintenance costs, and lower fuel economy. And then they complain about the cost of tires - ignoring that the tires will also last twice as long. lol
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Where do you come up with that figure?
Hersbird@reddit
Who is going to buy good dedicated snow traction tires for 5 days of the year? Where good all season tires on an AWD will get you through those 5 days no problem.
tetsuo_and_soup@reddit
Where do you live that you get enough snow to warrent awd, but also for only 5 days a year?? Last time I checked that's not how weather works...
TJayClark@reddit
People who live/ travel in Arkansas, Oklahoma, North Texas and basically that whole strip of states in the center of the country usually get about a week of snow/ice each year
tetsuo_and_soup@reddit
I've never been down to that area so correct me if I'm wrong, but don't they usually get no more than an inch or two? I can't imagine that little bit of snow would be enough for AWD to make any difference in a commute. This is coming from someone who used to commute in 12+ inches of MN snow with fwd and all seasons. It's very doable if you're mindful of how you drive, however I now have 2 sets of rims with summer and winter tires and FWD has been 0 issue on shitty dirt roads in the middle of January.
TJayClark@reddit
January 23rd 2026 - it snowed about 6 inches in the state of Arkansas
The biggest difference between snow in MN and snow in the south is that your snow stays snow. Ours melts and turns to ice overnight
Your state also is prepared for said snow. Because it snows 1-2x a year, the southern states typically don’t maintain great cold weather infrastructure (plows, salt trucks, closing bad roads, stores close and/or sell out of food)
Hersbird@reddit
Who said that? I'm replying to a comment that says they don't need AWD 360 days of the year, but it comes in handy for the other 5. Somebody commented tires on a FWD are better. My point is with AWD you can get by with all season tires those bad 5 days.
tetsuo_and_soup@reddit
And my point was that if you're only getting 5 days out of the week that warrent AWD, you're obviously not getting enough snow to need AWD in the first place. FWD+all seasons is plenty for anything under a couple inches.
Hersbird@reddit
The 5 days the OP is talking about might be 10 inches. People can decide what is best for them based on their exact circumstances and use case. They also learn from experience. Our area is flooded with transplants for other states thinking something will work like it did where they came from. Probably got advice from Reddit. Most end up in a Subaru or AWD Toyota, if not join the pickup crowd, within the first 2 months of winter. If not before the next winter you see them in a different vehicle. I do get by with a fwd sedan and snow tires, but I also have a 4x4 pickup for the really bad times (which lives on the same all terrain tires year round). I had to drive a rwd delivery truck for 23 years as well, which means we spent weeks if not a solid month chained up, even with the best traction tires we could get that cost $350 each. Had we just had 4wd vehicles in the first place we wouldn't have chewed through 6 sets of $110 each tire chains per vehicle and we had 55 vehicles. Each vehicle had gone through over $20,000 in tire chains in it's lifetime. We had 2 4wd trucks that never saw a tire chain and did the same job. We also had 10 FWD trucks and they did better, but still needed chains and because only cable chains could be used, they didn't last as long so still probably 3 sets per vehicle per winter. My mom drives a Subaru in this city and she does just fine on all season tires year round. Yes it would be better with snow tires, but never getting stuck and never getting in an accident in 30 years shows it's unnecessary if you slow down and pay attention.
tetsuo_and_soup@reddit
I'm mostly with you, obviously I'm not gonna argue against AWD being better than FWD, and the heavier the vehicle is, the harder it'll be to get it going so I can see how AWD would help in that case. But for the average person not driving a large delivery truck, AWD with winters vs FWD with winters isn't going to be much of a difference. My roommate used to drive a FWD ford escape with cheap all seasons in Northern MN for years with no problem, until he hit a patch of black ice around a corner and put it into a light pole. AWD wouldn't have done anything to stop that from happening.
If you can afford the loss in MPG, higher mantinence costs, ect. that comes with having AWD, then for sure go for it. I'm just trying to say for the average person it's not something that's gonna make or break being able to get to work after a snow storm as much as tires+driver skill.
Also I can't imagine somewhere that gets 10+ inches of snow only getting it for 5 days out of the year, but do correct me if I'm wrong.
Low-Fig429@reddit
Me. And im better in the snow than the AWD without the snow tires.
Hersbird@reddit
Better, but the AWD gets the job done just fine as well. There is always something better, perfect is the enemy of good.
Low-Fig429@reddit
By your logic, the regular FWD with normal tires is enough though. Haha.
Hersbird@reddit
Until it isn't.
popejubal@reddit
I have a similar experience and I also have an extra dozen days a year when I park in a muddy field because that’s where the festival’s parking is and I’d really like to be able to go home after the concert/renfaire/whatever.
Cranks_No_Start@reddit
Tbf you would’ve been money ahead just staying home on those days.
TJayClark@reddit
I’m sure you’d not appreciate healthcare workers “just staying home those days” when there’s an emergency
But honestly, you’re right. I’ll keep that in mind the next time the road is icy
bobqzzi@reddit
AWD only helps acceleration speed on ice or if you are going up major grades. Provides 0 other benefit
HopefulLet4012@reddit
Maybe if you never drive in snow or muddy dirt roads. Both are the norm in many parts of the world.
Unusual_Steak@reddit
FWD with quality appropriate tires blows AWD with cheap OEM tires out of the water. AWD also provides precisely zero benefit if you need to stop.
From somebody that owns both a FWD sedan and a 4Runner and lives in the mountains.
HighGroundIsOP@reddit
You are absolutely correct about tires AND the people who ask questions on this forum are never going to have sets of winter and summer tires. It would be a surprise if they even spent money for all season Michelins. It’s going to be OEM fitted or worse.
Unlike the guy posting above you, AWD does provide legit tangible benefits, but I agree with you that improved braking is not one of them.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
It can be, depends on the conditions and AWD system.
HopefulLet4012@reddit
Tires are definitely far more important. That is an unarguable fact and people should be buying appropriate tires regardless of driveline. With that being said, with the same rubber on both vehicles the awd one is going to do better in low traction. Your statement about stopping is only true for people who don't know how to use their transmission to slow down.
HeftyAd6216@reddit
How would using your transmission to slow down make the car slow down any faster than your tires at their absolute limit?
HopefulLet4012@reddit
Because you won't push the tires to the limit like you do slamming on the brakes. And having resistance at all 4 wheels instead of 2 while downshifting can help keep the vehicle straighter while slowimg down. if you know what your doing. Awd/4wd isn't some witchcraft that allows you to drive with bald tires. But to say there is no benefit is absolutely delusional.
Thuraash@reddit
You don't understand how traction works. You're still pulling from the same pool of traction regardless of whether you use the engine/transmission or the brakes. The brakes are just much better at it.
The only benefit to engine braking in the snow is that, in a RWD platform, you can use engine braking to apply braking force through only the rear wheels, leaving all of your front wheel traction available to steer. This stabilizes the car and helps keep it pointing straight. Whereas the brakes, which are front-biased, might destabilize the car and cause it to swap ends. It can also help you get around a corner by shifting more weight to the front wheels without using their traction for the braking force that's causing the weight shift. Of course, too much of this and the rear breaks loose laterally, and around you go.
Most AWD vehicles are front-biased, and in engine braking all your braking force would go to the front axle because the rear is not engaged unless it is trying to put power down. Zero benefit over a FWD car.
~ Source: live in Chicago, road trip all kinds of places in all seasons, and own a full-built race car, a 4WD Tundra (mainly to tow said race car), and a FWD car that handles almost all the winter driving and snowstorm duty.
Unusual_Steak@reddit
Say it again brother
Lots of people on this “car guy” forum have clearly never tracked a car and know what it means to be truly traction/grip limited
Thuraash@reddit
It is exhausting lol.
HeftyAd6216@reddit
If the goal is to slow the car down as fast as possible (which what the whole current discussion is about - slowing in AWD vs slowing in FWD) brakes are all you need. Also, brake biases are designed specifically to ensure the car brakes in a straight line.
Also no one on the planet except for racing drivers / drift champs have the car control needed to specifically manipulate downshifting traction to stabilize or destabilize a car in a desired way.
Sketch2029@reddit
Using the transmission won't slow you down faster, it just saves you from being an idiot by slamming on the brakes. Don't do that in the snow.
HopefulLet4012@reddit
That is exactly the point. In low traction there are times when hitting the brakes at all is going to make you slide. Using the proper gear to slow down still works when the brakes won't making you slow down faster than hitting the brakes, not slowing down, and in turn losing control of your vehicle. In that situation and will help you maintain better control of the vehicle.
Ancient-Way-6520@reddit
Downshifting instead of braking on a low tractions surface isn't exactly the best idea, it reduces the effectiveness of ABS if needed.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Or even wet roads or gravel, which we pretty much all do.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
AWD absolutely has benefits, this reads like cope.
bickdiggles@reddit
r/confidentlyincorrect
millernerd@reddit
I drive (slow) circles around Subarus in my RWD open differential Miata every winter.
Tires > AWD
bickdiggles@reddit
And every year I see RWD cars pulled over on the side of the road on my way up the mountain to go skiing.
AWD > FWD > RWD
Thuraash@reddit
RWD and FWD are equivalent in the snow. They're just different, and for low-skill drivers the way that FWD/AWD fucks up tends to be safer than the way RWD fucks up.
The cons of non-electric AWD are weight, mechanical complexity, loss of reliability, and cost in purchase price, mileage, maintenance, and tire replacement because you now usually need to replace all four tires if one fails. The tradeoffs for AWD are not trivial.
Purely electric AWD ameliorates some of these issues.
Sketch2029@reddit
Every year I saw 4WD trucks in the ditch in the snow too. Are you going to argue that 4WD is bad?
bickdiggles@reddit
The person responded to provided a personal anecdote so I provided my own anecdote.
Do you often some up with straw man arguments?
millernerd@reddit
You also didn't respond to my point.
I'm saying tires are more important than drive-type.
You're just comparing different drive-types.
Assuming tires are the same, AWD will be better. No one's suggesting otherwise (though there's a conversation about how much it matters).
But if drive-type is more important than tires, I shouldn't be able to drive circles around Subarus in the snow. Not all Subarus, just the ones that don't have good snow tires.
AWD does not make up for proper tires. But if you have to choose between good tires or AWD, tires will almost always be the better choice.
MostlyBrine@reddit
You meant doughnuts?
Beneficial-Gift5330@reddit
I drove into Tahoe in a snowstorm and out in a blizzard via route 50 in a blizzard in an Elantra and chains (which I didn't need). You don't need AWD in northern cali or in snow if you actually know how to drive in suboptimal conditions. I'm wondering why this guy is even trading in the altima
bickdiggles@reddit
Because it’s a lot safer and easier to drive with AWD in those conditions. What’re the cons to AWD? You can get snow tires or put chains on an AWD car too.
Beneficial-Gift5330@reddit
He's trading in a perfectly usable car for something more expensive and unnecessary, on top of taking a likely wash on the sale / trade-in. Spend $100 on snow chains and call it a day.
Based on him having trouble in the mountains with a car thats got at least 180 HP, it sounds like more of a skill issue with driving that anything else. Unless he was hauling large lead weights in the trunk, that's plenty of power for driving on mountain roads.
bickdiggles@reddit
But we’re talking in general. So I’ll ask again. What’re the cons to AWD?
Beneficial-Gift5330@reddit
We are not talking in general, so you have your answer.
bickdiggles@reddit
I guess you’re right. There are 0 cons to AWD as no one here has named one. Thanks for clearing that up
Mountain_Ad_4670@reddit
I have owned FWD, AWD, and RWD cars. Of my AWD cars, I have had one that was AWD 100% of the time, and one that was essentially FWD until the rear wheels needed to be engaged.
Some downsides -
All drive configurations have pros and cons, AWD is not some magic solution, although it may be best for your use case.
Beneficial-Gift5330@reddit
IF you cannot or are unwilling to read what I replied with, well may aliteracy or illiteracy have mercy on you.
bickdiggles@reddit
Lol okaaayyy have a good one buddy
bickdiggles@reddit
You weren’t even in the discussion so idk who “we” is to you lol
Impressive_Use3173@reddit
The tires are more important than awd. Unless you live in Alaska you will be fine with fwd with winter tires.
bickdiggles@reddit
I live in the city where it doesn’t really snow. It dumps snow in the mountains when I go skiing though. Switching to snow tires just to skiing seems like a ton of effort. Also lots of hikes can require driving on dirt and often muddy roads. Do you buy mud tires for that too? Just get an AWD
bobqzzi@reddit
Yeah, no. AWD only help acceleration.
bickdiggles@reddit
Alright. Let’s see some FWD and RWD car mudding and rally videos
bobqzzi@reddit
You literally are making my point for me. Thank you
bickdiggles@reddit
I proved your point by asking for proof and you not producing any?
bobqzzi@reddit
You literally used racing series as an example of why you were right when my point was that 4wd just helps with acceleration in low traction situations. If you don't know why that proves my point, I don't know what to tell you
bickdiggles@reddit
Mudding isn’t racing. Rally is racing and yeah it’s a good example because you said AWD just provides acceleration. You’re now saying it provides more traction too. If your original point was true there’d be loads of hobbyists going mudding or doing rally. Spoiler alert - there aren’t.
tetsuo_and_soup@reddit
There is.... a LOT of people doing rally in FWD/RWD. Ford Fiesta is one of the most popular rally cars of all time and it's FWD. You don't know what you're talking about. Again, the reason teams would choose to use awd is because it can accelerate out of a corner faster, which isn't really needed on a road. And it does nothing for slowing down into the corner, which is why teams running a FWD car can often be just as competitive as one running AWD.
Impressive_Use3173@reddit
The guy that is asking the question is coming from a nissan Altima, I do not think he will be going mudding in it.
bickdiggles@reddit
I guess you missed that this is the comment I responded to. We’re pretty clearly talking in general, not OPs specific situation
Hersbird@reddit
And helps keep you from getting stuck. I don't care if my 0-60 times are good, I just want to get out of the side road I live on before the plows get to them maybe days later.
Impressive_Use3173@reddit
You can use the winter tires in the city and switch to summer's when the snow is gone. I do all that stuff in my fwd except the heavy mud because I will get stuck with my low car. For most people awd is overrated and it will not help you with anything except acceleration.
bickdiggles@reddit
I can do that on an AWD drive car too but I don’t need to. Instead of needing two sets of tires I can run all seasons year round. What’re the cons of AWD? Why should someone practically buy FWD instead of AWD?
Hersbird@reddit
Around here resale is higher on AWD, usually to the point of being more than it cost in the first place. Try and sell a 2wd pickup or a fwd Rav4 in Montana. I had to ship my 2wd pickup to Tennessee to find a buyer. I custom ordered the pickup 2wd new as the dealers refused to stock them. I found out why 3 years later when I went to sell it. I definitely should have paid the $3000 extra for 4wd.
Impressive_Use3173@reddit
That s also one way to do everything yes. Some cars do not come in awd and also if you do not need it it will save money when buying the car and in maintenance cost down the line.
bickdiggles@reddit
Well if you want to save a little on the initial cost of the car sure but I don’t think AWD inherently comes with higher maintenance
Wigberht_Eadweard@reddit
Learn to drive in the snow and then tell me AWD is necessary though. FWD is perfectly adequate for most people in the snow. Any place that regularly gets snow should manage it well enough that you’ll be fine.
bickdiggles@reddit
Sounds like someone has never been skiing where it can start dumping feet of snow on a whim.
Lots of people go skiing. Lots of people also go hiking which can require driving through dirt and often muddy roada
Illustrious_Law182@reddit
To be fair I live in Finland and had FWD with Studded winter tires nearly my whole life and had no issues, never been in an accident or had close situations due to snow or ice.
But in the past years I got to drive multiple AWDs for work and I simply had to buy an AWD myself.
The difference is huge and worth the price, did I need it? No.
Disastrous-Wall-6943@reddit
Y'all's drivers education is also significantly better than what we get in the US.
Sea_Light_6772@reddit
This is wrong. I’m talking in the context of driving in snow, which I have done in many different cars for decades. 4wd is better but awd is still absolutely better than 2wd.
Angus147@reddit
If you’re never driving in snowy or icy conditions and not going off-road ten you don’t need AWD
Thuraash@reddit
Snow and ice also do not need AWD. Priority number one is tires. Priority number two is driver skill. The challenge with snow and ice is not getting going; it's stopping and turning.
There is no priority number three unless you're driving trails in five foot deep snow, in which case a slightly lifted sedan with roadgoing tires, some plastic cladding, and an AWD system rated for mildly wet pavement isn't going to do you any good. At that point you need a body on frame platform riding three feet up, big ass off-road snow tires that can float over the snowpack, 4WD with diff lockers, and a winch.
numbersev@reddit
AWD does help in snow and it only helps with grip under acceleration. It doesn't help with basic turning (unless accelerating in turn) and doesn't help with stopping at all.
Sure good tires make a difference. Good tires on AWD will beat good tires on 2 wheel drive. I am an above average driver and have snow tires and live in cold climate. My buddy was in front of me in a Subaru with snow tires and I couldn't get going from a stop as quickly as him. Ive been told by people whose driveway is a steep hill they need the AWD in the winter to get up without issue.
raishak@reddit
Yep, have 2 wheel drive very heavy vehicle, and I'm certain it would handle starting from a stop much better with 4 wheel drive. There's simply a measure of how much force the tires can endure in any condition before overcoming static friction. Splitting the load to 2 more tires doubles the amount of torque you can apply to the road before slipping (oversimplified of course).
bfrogsworstnightmare@reddit
I have a steep driveway. When my wife and I first moved here 6 years ago, our Corolla and Sonata wouldn’t make it up, so we both got vehicles with AWD/4WD after that first winter.
jbochsler@reddit
I lived in a heavy snow region with a 4WD pickup. I put 350 lbs of tube sand in the bed every fall. It made a world of difference.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
I hate people saying this, but this reads like a boomer wrote it.
Thuraash@reddit
Not a boomer lol. Just someone who understands traction and driving.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Except it's wrong.
AWD absolutely helps in a lot of conditions, and there's some great AWD systems in many unibody cars.
Left_Oliver@reddit
If ur not hittin crazy snowy roads or off-roading then fed should be chill, just keep it simple
Briantastically@reddit
We probably need more information about the struggle. Was traction an issue? Could be tires are enough or AWD would help. Did they feel like the engine was bogging/overworked? Totally different issue.
BookkeeperHead2318@reddit (OP)
Engine was overworked
Thuraash@reddit
Could you elaborate on how the engine seemed to be overworked? Was it unable to maintain speed on up slopes even if you floored it?
Comfortable-Study-69@reddit
AWD would overwork it more (if only marginally) assuming you’re driving on roads where you’re getting good traction. There’s more drivetrain parts the engine is having to move and your engine would have to run harder to move it all. It’s only really useful in conditions with poor traction since it helps ensure that power and torque aren’t wasted freewheeling via having more powered points of contact with the road.
rambolonewolf@reddit
AWD would not have made a difference in that case.
PaleontologistNo7933@reddit
AWD means if you have a bad tire, you'll have to replace all four by the owner's manual. FWD you could replace one at a time if needed.
Oc1510@reddit
Do you plan on coming to Tahoe in the winter often? I live here and have 4WD, but unless you’re driving here all the time it’s not really necessary, you can always chain up if needed
shreddiee@reddit
get a Rav4 hybrid. 38 MPG AWD Looks cool too
Kahmael@reddit
You want lower costs? FWD.
When you need new tires, AWD requires 4 new ones.
Kinda depends on where I'm N.CA you're moving. You don't specify, but on the coast you'll never need AWD. If you're going over the pass to Reno in the winter, you might want to consider it.
thelazygamer@reddit
You should rotate your tires and get 4 new ones around the same time on almost every car?
tetsuo_and_soup@reddit
If you get a puncture on one tires, you can usually just get away with just swapping 2 on a fwd car. On awd you always need to get 4.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
This is not true, they just say that to sell more tires.
It depends on the vehicle but for most modern AWD systems it's just fine to replace one.
tetsuo_and_soup@reddit
Do you have proof? For proper traction alone you need to replace at both on the same axle. And riding on tires of different tread depths, and therefore wheel diameters will cause issues with not only the differential, but also the ECU will detect the difference in wheel speed and it has a chance to cause it to trigger TCS more often than needed which can fry your brakes and ABS unit.
thelazygamer@reddit
Fair point, that has happened to me before. I do a 5 tire rotation on my car now so I would likely just replace my spare if that happened.
crusty_mcnipples@reddit
I drive an Audi quattro Q5. I originally bought it in Flat Florida, for the handling. Lived in Colorado for 2 years, going up I70 about once a month, and the mountain handling was incredible. Back in flat Florida, I won't ever go back to fwd. Just the handling prowess. And it's fast, fast enough.
basherrc1234@reddit
Id say if you can afford it get awd it tends to help resale value
ConsequenceNational4@reddit
Even if you have AWD..AWD isnt gonna protect you from sliding in snow. It snows here every yr and I have AWD. Bigger thing to consider is you have to replace all tires at once with AWD. Id still take AWD anyday.
hypersprite_@reddit
There's nothing special needed for your trips and fwd will get better mileage.
I would prioritize adaptive cruise control over awd going to Vegas from NorCal.
OldGeekWeirdo@reddit
It sounds like AWD would be more of a liability than a help in your situation. Many cars with AWD have to have all 4 tires changed at the same time or the drive train will get damaged. If one tire gets damaged, you have to replace all 4 since the normal wear means the tires are of ever so slightly different size.
If you're not driving anywhere with heavy mud or snow, I'd stick to FWD or RWD.
Far_Negotiation8009@reddit
AWD is just marketing. It’s not needed at all. If you actually saw how little it does I’m sure you wouldn’t want it. It’s adds a ton of weight and just adds a touch of rear traction during slippage manly from a stop.
Also remember if you get a flat all tires need to be replaced to match the wear.
RappingRacoon@reddit
False info. Lol you don’t always need all 4 tires replaced that’s a lie, often times shops can shave down the tire to match. Also I live in the PNW I have a FWD car and an AWD car, I’ll tell you this. In the rain? I’ll take an AWD any day of the week over my FWD. is AWD more economical? No. It is however more efficient in adverse weather conditions including rain. Your average driver wouldn’t know what the hell to do with FWD in the rain. That’s why we have so many accidents here. Yet people discourage others from getting AWD. It’s way safer for everyone. It is not all marketing 😆 please stop spreading misinformation.
Sketch2029@reddit
If someone can't modulate the throttle enough to accelerate in the rain I'd prefer they stay off the roads entirely.
RappingRacoon@reddit
I mean yeah that’s a fact bro but another fact is, people don’t give a shit and the DMV just hands out licenses like movie tickets so yeah.
Far_Negotiation8009@reddit
Agreed it helps with traction in weather. Yes poor drivers will benefit from this but good drivers rather not take the extra weight that comes with it.
9BALL22@reddit
Since you'll be traveling in good weather, your biggest issue will be the lack of power in both of those vehicles.
TerranceBaggz@reddit
AWD gets you unstuck. It does not give you better traction. If you’re moving to a place with dirt roads that can get muddy or filled with potholes and ruts, or a snowy place, get AWD or 4WD. Otherwise front wheel drive is fine, gets better mileage and a good set of winter tires can help with traction if you live in a place with occasional snow/ice.
Slow_Description_773@reddit
What ?? I've drove tons of times from LA to Vegas and back with all sort of car rentals including a Prius and a PT Cruiser and never had a single issue. Are you taking detours in the desert ?? FWD is more than enough for what you need to do...
bank3612@reddit
Northern California is very different than LA…
duckinradar@reddit
Most people mean the Bay Area when they say NorCal.
Honestly even actual Northern California, you’ll be fine w fwd. lived in southern Oregon, fwd would get you buy just fine 99% of the time.
TheDude-Esquire@reddit
I live in the foothills and awd (and 4wd) gets used every year, but we spend a lot of time in Tahoe and in the mountains generally.
NoEmu5969@reddit
And the highways require chains when it snows. I deactivated the xdrive on my X3 and it did fine in Yosemite/Fish Camp with quiettrack tires this winter.
Colorful_Monk_3467@reddit
You used xdelete?
NoEmu5969@reddit
Yeah, and I pulled the driveshaft because it was getting crunchy.
M7BSVNER7s@reddit
They are responding to the sentence in OP's post saying their Altima struggled to on a road trip that included LA and Vegas...
If that drive was troubling in a modern car, OP either neglected their previous vehicle or was driving off road like the commenter asked, which would factor in to the decision for the next car purchase.
bank3612@reddit
I’m thinking if they struggled on that, it has more to do with the engine power than AWD or 2WD. Also like you said if they went off roading in that car, that was questionable haha
M7BSVNER7s@reddit
A base model 2022 Altima had 188 horsepower so it had enough power unless OP was towing a boat.
Slow_Description_773@reddit
Same. Drove tons of times from SF to Vegas in 1.5 Hyundais and it was no big deal.
TheDude-Esquire@reddit
From northern ca it’s 50/50 distance to go to Vegas over the mountains or down through the valley. But even then, the valley option is always open if you want to go during winter.
TheDude-Esquire@reddit
Depends on what you mean by Northern California, but unless you plan on spending a lot of time in the mountains, your don’t need awd.
Forward-Criticism-19@reddit
When you buy AWD you often must buy 4 new tires if anything happens to just one of them, which can be expensive. Also additional regular maintenance item and moderate chance of something else to breaking down the line. AWD is great if you need it, but skip if you won’t.
No-Citron-2774@reddit
Much prefer AWD . Feel better when driving . More sure footed. No steering torque.
RVAEMS399@reddit
The Corolla Cross and HRV are going to have to same or less horsepower than that Altima, and possibly weigh more.
Are you doing these road trips by yourself, or with a family onboard? You probably want to think about the power and size of the cars you’re looking at, if that is a priority for you.
ThirdSunRising@reddit
You don’t sound like you’ll ever see snow.
If your regular trips were to Tahoe in winter, if you’re a skier who will constantly drive up to Kirkwood and Heavenly, okay fine get an all wheel drive. But… Yosemite in summer? No. Vegas? No.
Your car will see nary a snowflake in its life.
OofNation739@reddit
Really, dont get awd because of a possibility of going to a state park and not knowing what you may do there.
You dont need awd for snow/ice/offroad. Rwd/fwd does it and is manageable. Fwd is really decent at snow, only beat by awd. Offroad can be the same. Youre not going off a beaten path, you dont need it.
Also awd increases complexity and costs for tires/maintenance. Get fwd itll pay off more than the awd. As long as you keep up on tires as that matters way more than the system for 99% of events.
Andy_850TB@reddit
What kind of tires does your Nissan have? That's probably got more bearing on your situation than anything else, TBH.
Snoo59759@reddit
FWD is fine. If you plan on visiting Tahoe in the winter, the difference between FWD and AWD is kneeling on your knees to put cable chains on. CA does not recognize 3PMSF tires, so with FWD, you still need chains in R1 and R2 chain controls. By the time AWD needs chains on, Tahoe would already close the roads
ToastandSpaceJam@reddit
Contrary to popular belief, AWD doesn’t actually help with traction provided that you stay on a relatively paved or neutral road. Traction is 99% based on tire compound. If you have trouble with keeping car steady in rain or snow it’s an issue with your tires not your drivetrain.
I’ve done plenty of mountain/minor off road drives in FWD SUV’s and sedans before and it’s never been an issue. The only time AWD would meaningfully help is if you are legitimately off roading (onto a completely unpaved route that is not expecting cars), in which case, all wheels need to be power-outputting because you’re in a situation where some of your wheels might get stuck. The other wheel spinning really helps if you’re front or rear tires get STUCK in dirt/snow (normally you’d be stuck).
TLDR; if you drive on a paved road, you are not benefitting from any magical capability of AWD. In fact, reliability and good gas mileage are worse on an AWD. So take that for what it is.
Also, if your car struggles up the mountains, it’s likely an issue with the engine or transmission not being able to support the load, not necessarily whether it’s FWD, RWD, AWD.
Necessary-Carrot2839@reddit
Well that Altima has 188 hp which, in my twisted car guy mind, is underpowered….
FederalExpressMan@reddit
If you insist on AWD, a Subaru checks your boxes.
lemelisk42@reddit
He did say reliable....
tetsuo_and_soup@reddit
Subaru are very reliable, what do you mean? The whole "headgasket" thing is blown out of the water because dumbass teenagers push the engines to the limit with boost and the headgasket is always the first thing to fail. If you just drive the car and keep up with maintenence Subarus are easily some of the most reliable cars on the road.
Infinite-Past7640@reddit
I’ve driven fwd sedans(personal vehicles) and 4wd company vehicles for 30 years. A FWD vehicle will go any place an AWD goes unless you jack up the fwd on a snowbank.
The MOST important thing about any vehicle is you need the proper tires for your activity.
DarlesCharwinsGhost@reddit
May I introduce you to the Subaru Outback?
You don't need AWD for Yosemite unless you plan on going off the road.
For hills, the main variable is torque and HP. AWD helps, but if steep hills are a normal terrain for you look at a 6 cylinder naturally aspirated engines. AWD in my opinion is superior to FWD, but if you're on flat dry roads, you don't NEED it, and FWDs are cheaper (msrp) than AWD in most cases.
I traded my Outback 3.6R 2018 in recently, but that car was very off road capable with AT tires. Only time it went to the mechanic was for routine maintenance in the 110K miles I drove it. Went from AZ to NM to CO and Utah several times. I averaged 24mpg with a heavy foot.
twoscoopsofbacon@reddit
Unless you are going skiing/snowboarding, you will never see snow in most of california, and don't need AWD. It is looking like a strong el nino next year, so there will probably be a lot of rain next winder and awd is nice in the rain. But you'd probably be just fine with a civic or corolla or mazda 3 is you want gas milage and reliable.
duckinradar@reddit
Yosemite is entirely paved.
When you say “Northern California” do you mean the Bay Area? You don’t need awd there either
Hersbird@reddit
I lived in Eureka and Crecent City and always thought, look at a map California, San Francisco is hardly northern California. I said they should call it central California. No they said, that's Bakersfield and Fresno. So Bakersfield which is south of Los Vegas, isn't southern California, but San Francisco which is south of the capital in Sacramento is northern California.
That said, if your northern California is Truckee or Alturas you should spring for the AWD
Ian-99@reddit
You dont need AWD. Youre looking for something with more horsepower / torque to handle mountains.
I live in colorado and had issues with cars that were already under powered trying to pass in the mountains. Id even argue at altitude these cars were safety problems. My 2016 forester was awful in the mountains.
Altitude = less oxygen. Cars use oxygen same as us people. At altitude they make less power. Turbo charged cars do not suffer as much as naturally aspirated ones at altitude / climbing hills in general.
My reccomendation is a decent Turbo charged car if you intend on high altitude / hill climbing. VWs 2.0 is pretty good, Mazdas 2.5 Turbo is also a very good engine (although MPG on Mazda is meh).
Turbos build more torque at lower RPMs typically than N/A engines and this makes them amazing for hill climbs. My Turbo CX30 flies up mountain roads with ease compared to other cars ive drive.
AWD here is optional, Turbo cars suffer less at altitude and make more power where you need it (typically). This is what id reccomend personally.
HousingSmart4426@reddit
There are guys in Africa driving Camrys in the Sahara.
Major_Enthusiasm1099@reddit
And Honda fits
Thuraash@reddit
Corollas, usually. More reliable and rugged than the Camry.
And when you need to do something really rough and tumble, like, say, fight a war against Libya, you break out the Hiluxes.
DaishiGD@reddit
AWD takes more energy and fuel to turn all 4 tires. That won't be more economical.
dpdxguy@reddit
Most AWD systems do not power all four wheels all the time; only when needed for traction. However, the extra mechanical components that enable AWD when needed do lower gas mileage
DFLDrew@reddit
Redundant axles absolutely have more rotational inertia, which takes energy to spin up and slow down.
f700es@reddit
While true the difference is marginal at best. For example the 2026 Kia Seltos has both FWD and AWD options. The FWD MPG is 28/34/31 while the AWD gets 27/31/29. Yes driving habits and road conditions can and will have an effect on these MPG results.
Bagomostlywater@reddit
The highway economy drops from 34 to 31 that’s 10%. That’s a lot, that’s more than marginal.
f700es@reddit
Over all is 2 mpg. Not a big deal.
NoEmu5969@reddit
Even the unsprung weight of two extra cv axles has an impact on efficiency.
AHumbleSeeker@reddit
As someone who grew up just south of the Canadian border where we had real 4 seasons, I always had front wheel drive until my Dad gave me his truck. I was in my 30’s by then. For what you’re describing, you don’t need AWD and will likely never even truly have use for it.
But if you like the peace of mind, or just want AWD because it’s sexy then go for it. That being said, neither of those cars are true AWD. They are awd on demand. Kicks in when it senses slipping. So get the one that you enjoy being in the most!
Panthera_014@reddit
struggle driving up mountains is totally an engine or transmission issue - nothing to do with the drive wheels
either too little power or too high of a gear (transmission not downshifting properly) or a combo of both
for your situation, either FWD or AWD will work
Significant_Pea_6961@reddit
Just a little food for thought. Honda's Realtime AWD (which is in the HR-V) IS FWD UNTIL front tires slip and then engages the rear. Spiffy way of saving fuel and tire wear.
NoEmu5969@reddit
If you plan on living above 3,000 feet in elevation, like Burney Falls or Fish Camp, get a Subaru or 4WD. Otherwise, FWD will be good.
ProfitEnough825@reddit
If your car struggles up a steep paved slick road, it's going to struggle stopping safely as well. AWD isn't a substitute for good tires. For deep snow, good tires and ground clearance is needed. AWD helps a little bit.
I'd still keep a set of chains on hand, I still sometimes use them even with my 4WD with Michelin Cross Climate 2s. Not for the climbing, but so I don't find the shortcut down a mountain.
vikzinity@reddit
Rwd
doobersthetitan@reddit
I have a AWD 2017 Ridgeline...it does well in the little snow I see in my state a few times a year. It does great in the rain, cause when it does rain, it tends to pour. No hydroplaning, no fish railing even on curbs. And the one time I was allowed to drive on the beach down in Jacksonville, FL it was a trooper in sand mode. The few times ive had to hopeva curb and drive in wet grass or mud for event parking..it too has done well.
But im not taking it to Michigan in winter or going true off roading in it.
comfy_rope@reddit
AWD for hills? Not unless it snows or gets muddy.
ActionJackson75@reddit
It's hard to say this with a straight face but no - you don't need AWD to drive from Northern CA to Vegas or LA.
random_agency@reddit
Driving up mountains on a paved road is more about horsepower and torque. Not about drive train.
Maybe if you drive in heavy rain you might want to consider AWD.
But then you want economical....AWD usually needs more gas due to heavier car for rear differential and etc.
Might want to consider a hybrid with AWD or EV with AWD, if price at the pump is a concern.
bobqzzi@reddit
AWD is generally a waste of money- it really only helps acceleration times in a low traction situation or in getting up grades in low traction situations. Otherwise it costs you money up from them more for every mile driven.
That said, if your new area reguarly gets snow, actual snow tires are a good investment
SandstoneCastle@reddit
Your issue with mountain driving from the past sounds like lack of power.
A good reason for AWD in California is in winter conditions chain controls are overly conservative, and you may be required to install chains on an FWD where you wouldn't be required to install them on an AWD car, and wouldn't need them on either.
As far as Yosemite, I was staying there once in April. I'd entered in an FWD car in Spring conditions, didn't bring chains, it started snowing during my stay, and I had to violate chain controls to leave. Fortunately they were only checking people entering. And chains weren't really needed with an FWD car with normal all season tires, so I had no issues exiting the park.
lemelisk42@reddit
FWD is just fine. If you go into really snowy/icy mountain passes winter tires would be advisable
pbrown6@reddit
It's cheaper to get snow tires. AWD is good if you need it daily, but worse if you rarely need it.
Expert-Masterpiece70@reddit
I've been driving Audis since 1985 and wouldn't drive anything that doesn't have All-Wheel-Drive regardless of road conditions it gives you much better control. Audi pioneered it and Subaru is the closest to Audis technology. I currently drive a 2008 Audi A6 Avant that I bought last year with 104,000 miles on it that had a MSRP of over $51,000 that I bought for $6000. It was a Soccer-Mom car meticulously maintained and driven gently and putting less than 6000 miles per year.
fuzzycuffs@reddit
Sounds like you'd be fine with FWD.
FeelTall@reddit
The new Honda Passport Trailsport edition is a good option
MasterKaleidoscope97@reddit
AWD is a bit more maintenance but its worth it especially if you ever want to check out cool trails in Norcal. Personally i’d get a used Audi allroad because its meant for what you just described but maintenance (especially if you’re taking it to the dealership) could add up quick, but quattro is in my opinion the best AWD system
Tuques@reddit
Really all depends on how and where you drive. I personally dont do fwd cars, but thats because my priority is always performance, but for the vast majority of people, fwd will be enough.
Gullible_Key1382@reddit
Why not get an EV?
HopefulLet4012@reddit
Awd will make no difference in pulling hills on paved roads. Its helpful in low traction situations like snow or muddy dirt roads but in no way is it a substitute for proper tires.
SkeletorsAlt@reddit
I think a better compromise than AWD might be an all-weather tire like the Michelin CrossClimate 2.
These are tires you can keep on year-round, but that have much better snow traction than regular all-seasons—as good as low-end winter tires, in fact.
The benefit is that better tires will help you accelerate, corner, and brake. AWD will only really help you accelerate. In my 30 years of driving I’ve avoided many crashes through braking, a few with cornering, and none that I can remember with acceleration.
GeriatricSquid@reddit
They have roads now, you’re good with FWD.
AwarenessGreat282@reddit
Completely unnecessary.
Barutano74@reddit
In no way, shape or form do you need AWD. If you are consistently in seasonal low-traction conditions (eg snow) the solution is appropriate tires.