AWD vs FWD trying to decide

[2020Telly]

This website seemed to me to lay things out in an impartial way for helping with the decision making.

FWD vs. AWD: A Simple and Full Explanation

FWD vs. AWD is a great question to ask when considering a new vehicle. We'll explain how your choice can affect the safety, performance, and mpg of any car.

www.autogravity.com

 

[GrandeVT]

It's a subject with many variables (driving style being one) and what's right for one might not be for another. For me: I live on a snowy, icy mountain in Vermont. AWD is essential and good snow tires even more so. I believe good tires to be more of a concern than the drive train.

If I lived in a place without frequent snowfall I wouldn't care about AWD. If occasional light snow, I'd get FWD with good snow tires. That's just me...

 

[sdbonez]

If you're debating AWD vs FWD, then I believe the answer for you is AWD. There really is no downside to choosing AWD if money is not a part of your decision. I don't think you would regret your decision in favor of AWD, but you may if you decide on FWD. For most buyers they've made that buying decision before arriving at the dealership.

....Except that the AWD version has had many reports of serious vibration issues at 70mph (though it looks like they might have started to narrow in on a fix).

 

[bakerwi]

....Except that the AWD version has had many reports of serious vibration issues at 70mph (though it looks like they might have started to narrow in on a fix).

Agreed! However, this was just an early annoyance and there is a fix. My apology to those who endured this annoyance.

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[mrmac]

??? Just sharing my perspective, isn’t that what a forum can be used for? I don’t understand why someone posts a thread asking for buying opinions and some people post their opinions on some topics but respond with absolutes like “everyone should buy AWD.” That comes across as diminishing the discussion.

You obviously don’t know what a gremlin is. @NCTelly brings a lot of consistent value to this forum.

 

[Pmauro55]

Hey guys. I need some advice. I’m a mom that lives north Florida. No real bad weather and trying to figure out if AWD is worth the extra money.

If you don’t live in snow country or where roads are slick I’d say no

 

[Pmauro55]

AWD helps you accelerate in inclement weather. AWD gives no advantage to braking over FWD. In southern states they don’t typically treat roads and the few times you have icy roads you will be virtually the same for braking with either with just good quality tires. In FL save your money and chances are Kia is selling more FWD anyway and shipping AWD north. The weight of the engine over the front axle is more than likely just the same for typical driving conditions.

May see a decrease in MPG

 

[TheNip73]

You obviously don’t know what a gremlin is. @NCTelly brings a lot of consistent value to this forum.

I merely did not realize his phone topic was in response to this topic as an example from a different product. I thought he was replying to a posting from a phone related forum/topic here by accident.

Not sure your familiar with gremlin in the context I used it. I was not calling NCTelly a gremlin. I was saying this forum might be buggy.

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[shanghaila]

I live in New England (Boston area) and had to decide on these two lovely options staring at me on the lot: Gravity Grey EX FWD or Gravity Grey S AWD for about the same price ... dealer was more interested to move the FWD in November in New England so was willing to give a little more. As much as I loved the EX interior options over the S, we went with what we thought would be the safer option and went for AWD as didn’t want to kick myself in snow just for a nicer dash or heated back seats when safety and road conditions are more critical in bad weather. The dealer suggested we take the EX and get good snow tires ... Now they’re using the EX FWD as their test driver it seems

 

[mrmac]

I merely did not realize his phone topic was in response to this topic as an example from a different product. I thought he was replying to a posting from a phone related forum/topic here by accident.

Not sure your familiar with gremlin in the context I used it. I was not calling NCTelly a gremlin. I was saying this forum might be buggy.

Oh, okay, because he definitely isn’t a furry creature that turns evil when he gets wet.

 

[Schlegel]

AWD .....IS important, beneficial, etc. WHEN you need it, and that can be snow, mud, wet roads, who knows what.......I think if i lived in Fla. I probably would pass, but anywhere else......NOPE!

Tons of heavy downpours in FL. I live in GA and have used my AWD on my Kia Sportage in snow AND ice. I also drove through a heavy rain storm for HOURS on my back from NY to GA one time. I was GREATFUL to have the AWD. It kept me on the road for sure and I felt much safer in the heavy heavy rains. In GA I was one of the few vehicles that made it up some of the hills here during a freak snow storm here.

 

[MAKELLA.O]

In FL there is no snow...HOWEVER the AWD is also a good saftey feature to have in a rain storm. It also will help you in resale/trade in value. For the extra $2,000 which will affect your payments very little..to me it is a must have. Nobody wants FWD if they have an option to get the AWD. That one rain storm you get caught in and have the AWD and use it, it will pay for itself.

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[G-629369]

"AWDs are overrated"
Get back to me when you are in a blizzard going up a hill in a FWD.

It's called getting snow tires.

 

[TN Gal]

Having lived in Florida most of my life and now retired to rural TN, here are my observations on AWD vs FWD. In Florida, rain does come in buckets and then it's over (unless it's a hurricane). You should be fine with FWD and good tires and non-stupid driving. If you are pulling a boat, AWD is a must. Why do I say this? Avid fisherman here and most boat ramps are slimy with algae and at steep inclines. I've seen vehicles slide backwards into deeper water trying to pull their boat out. If you drive on a beach that still allows driving (very few left), AWD is a must. You should be parking above the high tide line and the sand is loose there. If you park below that line, you're an idiot and deserve to lose your car to the high tide.

Now living in rural TN with hilly, curvy, gravelly and muddy roads. The paved roads are usually salted before an expected snow/ice event. But if you live off a salted road or even on one, I would say AWD is still a must. Nothing like black ice, bridges, and icy roads early in the morning to wake your ass up! LOL

Final thought, I test drove a FWD and a AWD and there is a difference in handling with AWD FTW. If I can find a good dealer here in TN who sells at MSRP, I will be ordering a LX AWD and tow hitch to pull a 5x10 utility trailer to haul lumber or firewood (too old to launch my own boat anymore by myself, sigh).

My two cents worth

 

[PittPa]

Big rugged SUV's that are FWD just seems weird in my eyes. You now have all the non perfect road condition capabilities of a minivan. I have driven my share of front drive minivans and no matter how hard they try, torque steer and wheel spin was always there and the reviews of the FWD Telly mention this as well. And as far as fair weather and not needing AWD, I think they still sell a fair share of Audi's and Subaru's in these climates.

 

[PittPa]

....Except that the AWD version has had many reports of serious vibration issues at 70mph (though it looks like they might have started to narrow in on a fix).

Just got back from a 20+ drive averaging between 70-85mph in my early 2020 AWD. No issues at all, in fact superb quiteness. The car is coming up on 9k.

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[vinylhaircut]

I know this is an old thread, but for anyone else debating this ...
If I lived where there wasn't any snow, or rain, and all roads were always perfect, and there were no other drivers around ... then I'd probably still get AWD. I've driven many decades with both, and I just like the way AWD handles better. If the price is a serious concern, I'd try to find the savings elsewhere.

 

[mrmac]

Again, AWD is like insurance...you never need it until you need it. As a feature of a vehicle that doesn’t lose much of the purchase price upon resale, AWD is a good investment. Can you get by without it most of the year?, of course.

 

[G-444422]

If you're in florida I wouldn't bother with AWD ... Save the money. I am in New England and the only time I use AWD really is in the snow.

 

[Thartcra]

What does iPhone screen size have to do with this?
I don’t get it.

I drove a FWD vs AWD.. to me it was an immediate difference in the way it feels. I know why everyone says it makes little to no difference but I strongly disagree. I would suggest you drive the car with the two different set ups back to back. Drive it hard enough to feel the difference for yourself. I chose to spend the 2k extra and I am very happy I did.
This week just drove through the rain in the wind escaping the hurricane and my wife and I both commented on how safe we felt… for me it is AWD only from now on.