Doubting FWD but too late, it’s purchased—help!

[SDmama]

PLEASE! Telluride owners, help put my mind at ease that I didn’t just throw 57k down the drain on a FWD SX! I live in San Diego... so no need for AWD here! BUT! Once our little toddler and baby are older, we will be frequenting the mountains for vacations.... will my FWD be ok!? I am coming from a Subaru Outback which took me on many ski trips with no concerns.
FWD should be ok... I’ll just need to be sure to have chains when in snow? Right? I hate this worry and regret...
(Clarification that my msrp was 46k)

 

[2020Telly]

Your FWD will be just fine as long as you maintain the tires, rotate on the regular and replace with good quality. Assuming going to the mountains doesn’t mean off-roading, FWD will perform nicely for your needs. If you will be doing regular snow driving in the winter then invest in a winter set with good all seasons the rest of the year. Enjoy, you purchased a great vehicle (maybe even lucked out in not having problems that come with the AWD).

For the most part AWD gives you added acceleration below 25mph with all things being equal to a FWD. Better tires on a FWD with grip can help with acceleration too. Everything else, handling, braking and safety features are comparable. Since most people don’t speed over 25mph in bad weather, I question whether most people actually need AWD especially in milder climates.

 

[SDmama]

Your FWD will be just fine as long as you maintain the tires, rotate on the regular and replace with good quality. Assuming going to the mountains doesn’t mean off-roading, FWD will perform nicely for your needs. If you will be doing regular snow driving in the winter then invest in a winter set with good all seasons the rest of the year. Enjoy, you purchased a great vehicle (maybe even lucked out in not having problems that come with the AWD).

For the most part AWD gives you added acceleration below 25mph with all things being equal to a FWD. Better tires on a FWD with grip can help with acceleration too. Everything else, handling, braking and safety features are comparable. Since most people don’t speed over 25mph in bad weather I question whether most people actually need AWD especially in milder climates.

I appreciate your response very much. This is what I needed to hear. Thank you!

 

[2020Telly]

If the 2WD version of the Telluride was a RWD then my answer would be very different. But since it’s a larger SUV and FWD the bulk of the weight from the engine is over the front and that’s where you need it the most.

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[Frankie Knuckles]

PLEASE! Telluride owners, help put my mind at ease that I didn’t just throw 57k down the drain on a FWD SX! I live in San Diego... so no need for AWD here! BUT! Once our little toddler and baby are older, we will be frequenting the mountains for vacations.... will my FWD be ok!? I am coming from a Subaru Outback which took me on many ski trips with no concerns.
FWD should be ok... I’ll just need to be sure to have chains when in snow? Right? I hate this worry and regret...
(Clarification that my msrp was 46k)

I had Buick Enclave with FWD and it went through some big snowstorms here in the east without any problems. I can’t speak for the Telluride since I have an AWD but, I really don’t see you having any issues if you take her easy.

 

[2020Telly]

I had Buick Enclave with FWD and it went through some big snowstorms here in the east without any problems. I can’t speak for the Telluride since I have an AWD but, I really don’t see you having any issues if you take her easy.

I agree with Frankie. AWD never replaces common sense and safer driving, it can only complement the tire performance in a few situations. I have driven my FWD in the past 2 years through several NE snow storms and made it through just fine while sticking to mostly plowed and treated roads. Since it hardly rains in beautiful San Diego, AWD would likely be less utilized in your conditions.

 

[OrangeOtto]

You will be fine with FWD, but did you pay $57k for it?

 

[2020Telly]

You will be fine with FWD, but did you pay $57k for it?

Maybe it’s CA and there the Telluride causes cancer so you pay a premium?

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[SDmama]

You will be fine with FWD, but did you pay $57k for it?

Yes, after everything.. tax title license, extended warranty and maintenance for 7 years