super quick question

[Tortuga07]

Like I've said I'm happy to agree to disagree. We're not that far separated in our thinking anyways. I think any difference in safety is minimal either way. Like you've said, the quality of the tires makes a big difference. I do think it says a lot when someone tries to tear down the evidence against them without providing any evidence of their own. Even if it's a flawed study it's better than no evidence at all.

 

[2020Telly]

Like I've said I'm happy to agree to disagree. We're not that far separated in our thinking anyways. I think any difference in safety is minimal either way. Like you've said, the quality of the tires makes a big difference. I do think it says a lot when someone tries to tear down the evidence against them without providing any evidence of their own. Even if it's a flawed study it's better than no evidence at all.

Had to check once more to defend myself a little. I did provide links to other long threads on this topic that have references. I think you are wrong about a study being better than no study. Not questioning the data from non-scientific studies is how we knowingly get lied to. Especially, when the study is made by humans and paid for by special interests. Websites have quoted that IIHS study as if it shows something conclusive. I read the same data and I just have more questions as to how they can conclude without explaining the inconsistencies and gross assumptions. I think that’s irresponsible reporting. Science and laws of friction are my main reference. I can pull YouTube videos and argue the opposite point as I have previously on this forum but you will likely have more sources because most car manufacturers want to perpetuate their position that they have marketed over decades. Drive your AWD and feel safer that is your right. All my logic points to FWD being just as safe with better tires and common sense. I have never found myself wishing to accelerate more in order to avoid an accident.

 

[22Telly]

Had to check once more to defend myself a little. I did provide links to other long threads on this topic that have references. I think you are wrong about a study being better than no study. Not questioning the data from non-scientific studies is how we knowingly get lied to. Especially, when the study is made by humans and paid for by special interests. Websites have quoted that IIHS study as if it shows something conclusive. I read the same data and I just have more questions as to how they can conclude without explaining the inconsistencies and gross assumptions. I think that’s irresponsible reporting. Science and laws of friction are my main reference. I can pull YouTube videos and argue the opposite point as I have previously on this forum but you will likely have more sources because most car manufacturers want to perpetuate their position that they have marketed over decades. Drive your AWD and feel safer that is your right. All my logic points to FWD being just as safe with better tires and common sense. I have never found myself wishing to accelerate more in order to avoid an accident.

I have been driving an AWD car since 2005 and for sure this is safer. I have witness front wheel drive cars go off the median because of said stupid driver trying to hang with the big boys.

I know this is just one instance, but it is for sure safer to drive with power to all wheels than just two, regardless of tire selection.

 

[arattle]

At the very least, AWD is never less safe. It helps with sudden maneuvering and adds traction in low traction situations. While it can give a false sense of security due to people mistaking AWD for invincibility, it's still never going to make you less safe.

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[2020Telly]

At the very least, AWD is never less safe. It helps with sudden maneuvering and adds traction in low traction situations. While it can give a false sense of security due to people mistaking AWD for invincibility, it's still never going to make you less safe.

I'll get onboard with that as long as you ignore any sales or marketing trying to tell you that AWD alone somehow helps you brake better. You still need good tires for the conditions. Going cheap on the tires with AWD provides no added traction and can be disastrous for braking. I worry how many deaths could be prevented if not for this misinformation. I have spoken with too many people who have justified less expensive all season tires, not using snow tires when needed, or daring to go out in unsafe conditions simply because they thought having AWD would make up for whatever lack of traction they had on their tires. AWD is a traction enhancement, you can't enhance what's not there.

Regarding the IIHS study funded by the auto insurance companies, I just wonder, if the AWD version of a car is truly safer, wouldn't that mean that insurance rates should be discounted over FWD? They do typically give discounts for safety features. But insurance rates for AWD are more expensive than FWD because parts replacement is more. So the auto insurance companies profit from more AWD sales that they are telling you are safer based on their conflicting results study but not offering a discount for the transmission type. I'm thinking it has something to do with the fact that for the first time ever in 2020, 4WD and AWD sales came close to passing FWD and RWD sales.

 

[AlexK]

The Telluride doesn’t use the Dynamax system it’s called Active All Wheel Drive. AWD lock is disengaged after you hit 25mph. Yes the system is “on” but is FWD biased. If you put it on rollers to do any testing you have to put all 4 wheels on rollers because the rear wheels could turn a little and if you put it on a lift you need to use the eBrake so it doesn’t roll forward, that doesn’t mean you are getting performance all the time that means the system is looking for a traction problem to respond. This isn’t a 4x4, this is a FWD designed vehicle that has an AWD performance option add on. If you feel you need added acceleration on 2 more wheels at lower speeds and tricky terrain then go for it. But with FWD and good tires it’s a fantastic vehicle with fewer potential problems and less overall maintenance costs. By some people’s definition that makes it a better value. Bashing FWD doesn’t help justify the value of AWD acceleration. The handling, braking and safety features are identical in both transmission options.

Sorry just figured some of the people who dropped 32-43k on this forum might feel just as annoyed as I did hearing a passing comment of “complete garbage” as a way to describe our purchase.

With FWD and nearly 300 HP, the wheels will slip when taking off from a stop, unless you're extremely gentle. Even more so when starting from stop into a turn and in wet conditions. I'd consider that part of "handling", so to say that the handling is "identical" in AWD is FWD is just false.

And the argument about added complexity doesn't make sense to me. Sure, every feature will add complexity. That's just the way it is. Cameras add complexity, safety features add complexity, heated seats add complexity, LED lights add complexity, etc. Should we all be driving completely bare-bone cars, in fear that anything more will be potential trouble?

I'm not telling you how to spend your money, but, to me, it's worth spending a few extra bucks on a vehicle that already costs tens of thousands of dollars, on what I consider to be a feature that noticeably improves the driving experience. Even discounting the obvious benefits of AWD (like driving in snow), the confident feel of all four wheels gripping the road, with no slippage, every time I take off or take a tight turn, is easily worth the money.