FWD VS AWD

[alexdrums]

Has anybody experienced torque steer with the FWD Telluride? This is something that used to happen with my 2010 Odyssey and it would drive me nuts.

Torque Steer Causes and Cures

www.aa1car.com

 

[Nas4atu10]

Has anybody experienced torque steer with the FWD Telluride? This is something that used to happen with my 2010 Odyssey and it would drive me nuts.

Torque Steer Causes and Cures

www.aa1car.com

This would happen in my VW GTI as well, of course, I would be driving like a speed demon in that thing, and anytime I'd gun it off the line, I'd veer everywhere! I definitely don't plan on driving like that in this vehicle, it's now a family transporter, but I would be really sad if this happened even when not driving like a jack@ss.

 

[MarcinTexas]

I haven't driven a Telluride in the rain - I can't speak to the traction of the FWD Telluride. I have on several occasions driven a V6 FWD Sorento in the rain and I didn't like it. I wasn't driving like a speed demon...but still coming away from a stop light in the rain - it was far too easy to spin the front tires. It might me the tires...but still any time you put a lot of torque through the front wheels - you are bound to lose traction when accelerating. So for that reason alone - I wanted the AWD model. Part of enjoying driving a car is not having to think about low traction weather situations....just get in and drive.

 

[Nas4atu10]

I haven't driven a Telluride in the rain - I can't speak to the traction of the FWD Telluride. I have on several occasions driven a V6 FWD Sorento in the rain and I didn't like it. I wasn't driving like a speed demon...but still coming away from a stop light in the rain - it was far too easy to spin the front tires. It might me the tires...but still any time you put a lot of torque through the front wheels - you are bound to lose traction when accelerating. So for that reason alone - I wanted the AWD model. Part of enjoying driving a car is not having to think about low traction weather situations....just get in and drive.

I never rally experienced this on my GTI in the rain unless I was gunning it from a stop, but that’s a lot lighter of a vehicle I guess. I’m hoping the Telluride won’t do that with conservative driving!

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[Ciscokd2000]

Does anyone here who bought the FWD model wish they had gone with AWD instead? Coming from an X3, which I loved the AWD in, I’ll be going to a FWD Telly once it arrives. I’m a bit nervous going back, even though I live in the SE, and don’t necessarily need AWD. I’m just curious if anyone wishes they had sprung the couple extra grand for it, or if you honestly don’t care about it?

No I am happy with my fwd telluride

 

[2020Telly]

Does anyone here who bought the FWD model wish they had gone with AWD instead? Coming from an X3, which I loved the AWD in, I’ll be going to a FWD Telly once it arrives. I’m a bit nervous going back, even though I live in the SE, and don’t necessarily need AWD. I’m just curious if anyone wishes they had sprung the couple extra grand for it, or if you honestly don’t care about it?

Completely satisfied with my FWD and have driven through a few snowy conditions on major roadways and heavy rainstorms. Braking has been more than adequate. With that said, I’m looking forward to upgrading the OEM Pirelli Scorpion Zeros to some better traction tires. I’m at 25k miles and still plenty of tread left, rotating religiously.

 

[mrmac]

For most people, driving is the most dangerous thing they do daily, aside from eating a bunch of junk food.

I can't understand why people cheap out and not get the AWD.

 

[Nas4atu10]

For most people, driving is the most dangerous thing they do daily, aside from eating a bunch of junk food.

I can't understand why people cheap out and not get the AWD.

I’d guess because not everyone can afford a couple extra grand on top of an already expensive investment, or don’t necessarily need AWD to save them on day to day driving. I’ve made it basically my whole life with FWD cars before my X3 without any issues.

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[2020Telly]

I can't understand why people cheap out and not get the AWD.

You make the assumption that AWD is always a safety feature. It doesn’t enhance braking and I would rather spend the money on better quality tires for better traction and braking. I don’t drive off road and I don’t drag race in snow and rain from a standing stop. It’s also debatable that FWD vehicles get better traction climbing hills because of weight over the front wheels and less weight over the back. Then you add improved mpg and some AWD Telluride owners reporting added cabin noise and vibration, it makes me feel FWD is less complicated and less to go wrong. For the light towing I do (FWD typically tow better than AWD because of less weight) and the driving conditions I drive in, I prefer FWD and feel it is safer for me.

But hey, if people feel they need AWD more power to you. It’s not always a black and white to say people are cheap if they do their research for their driving needs.

 

[ucinn]

AWD doesn't provide better breaking, but it does have torque vectoring which will help handling in inclement weather and in emergency manuevering.

 

[2020Telly]

AWD doesn't provide better breaking, but it does have torque vectoring which will help handling in inclement weather and in emergency manuevering.

Agreed. But torque vectoring is good if the driver knows they have it and prepared for it. If the driver isn’t use to how the car will respond in bad weather and they think it will react one way then over correct assuming it will drive like a FWD it could be dangerous or add to a false sense of security. But if it improves handling and you can swerve to avoid a collision then I give you that.

 

[ucinn]

Have you ever had an AWD with torque vectoring and actually use it? It's not going to overcorrect...it pretty much shuts most of the power down to all wheels..it is amazing. But I agree with you that if I lived in the south, it wouldn't be worth it IMO..not to justify the price difference unless I had to have the Prestige package.

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[mrmac]

I’d guess because not everyone can afford a couple extra grand on top of an already expensive investment, or don’t necessarily need AWD to save them on day to day driving. I’ve made it basically my whole life with FWD cars before my X3 without any issues.

I was just stirring the pot.

 

[mrmac]

I grew up in Michigan on nothing but RWD V8 power.

RWD is my love.

I personally hate driving a FWD vehicle.

I enjoy the AWD Telluride.

I freaking love my S550 4Matic which is a RWD emphasis AWD.

It's really all about the driving experience for me.

 

[GrumpDaddyB]

We have a SX FWD and a SXP AWD. They both do fine in the rain and snow, but you do notice a difference when accelerating from a stop. The distribution of power of the AWD makes things ever so slightly more controlled and of course in deep snow it's better. The advantage goes to FWD for mileage, between 3 to 4 MPG better than the AWD.

 

[mrmac]

We have a SX FWD and a SXP AWD. They both do fine in the rain and snow, but you do notice a difference when accelerating from a stop. The distribution of power of the AWD makes things ever so slightly more controlled and of course in deep snow it's better. The advantage goes to FWD for mileage, between 3 to 4 MPG better than the AWD.

That is surprising. What are you getting for mpg on each? Our average over 15,986 miles on our SXP is 24.6 mpg.

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[GrumpDaddyB]

That is surprising. What are you getting for mpg on each? Our average over 15,986 miles on our SXP is 24.6 mpg.

FWD with 70% highway is 25.5 12500 mi
AWD with 50% highway is 21.8. 9000 mi
FWD on highway Trips > 200 miles We get 29-31 MPG
AWD on highway Trips > 200 miles. We get 25-28.

 

[alexdrums]

We have a SX FWD and a SXP AWD. They both do fine in the rain and snow, but you do notice a difference when accelerating from a stop. The distribution of power of the AWD makes things ever so slightly more controlled and of course in deep snow it's better.

Thanks for contributing. I figured as much, but it’s nice to hear from someone who really knows.

 

[2020Telly]

FWD with 70% highway is 25.5 12500 mi
AWD with 50% highway is 21.8. 9000 mi
FWD on highway Trips > 200 miles We get 29-31 MPG
AWD on highway Trips > 200 miles. We get 25-28.

I’m curious about your driving mode. Do you leave it on Smart mode for each of your Tellurides?
You are definitely on the high end for both.

I’m at 25,000 mi. in my FWD and about 60% highway, oil changes, rotations and air filter replacement every 7,500mi. I keep it mostly in smart driving mode and average 23.1mpg.

Fuel Economy of 2020 - 2021 Kia Telluride

Fuel economy of the 2020 Kia Telluride. 1984 to present Buyer's Guide to Fuel Efficient Cars and Trucks. Estimates of gas mileage, greenhouse gas emissions, safety ratings, and air pollution ratings for new and used cars and trucks.

www.fueleconomy.gov

You probably aren’t “racing for pinks” like @mrmac (I’m just stirring the pot.)

 

[GrumpDaddyB]

I’m curious about your driving mode. Do you leave it on Smart mode for each of your Tellurides?
You are definitely on the high end for both.

I’m at 25,000 mi. in my FWD and about 60% highway, oil changes, rotations And air filter replacement every 7,500mi. I keep it mostly in smart driving mode and average 23.1mpg.

Fuel Economy of 2020 - 2021 Kia Telluride

Fuel economy of the 2020 Kia Telluride. 1984 to present Buyer's Guide to Fuel Efficient Cars and Trucks. Estimates of gas mileage, greenhouse gas emissions, safety ratings, and air pollution ratings for new and used cars and trucks.

www.fueleconomy.gov

You probably aren’t “racing for pinks” like @mrmac (I’m just stirring the pot.)

Nope, Comfort mode. My wife has a heavier foot, but the SXP is her daily ride. We live in the Detroit area so mostly flat, level driving.