Looking for advice. Are there FWD owners here who are happy with their choice, or do you wish you had gone with AWD?
I have a chance to get a new '22 model, but it’s FWD. The savings on gas and upfront cost are tempting. I live in the Chicago area, so there’s some snow and rain. This will mainly be a family car with a few road trips (400 to 800 miles) a year.
I own the S trim with FWD, and I chose it because I live in Florida and don’t plan to tow anything. Plus, like you said, the better fuel economy and lower cost were big factors. I don’t regret it at all. Maybe I’ll feel differently when it’s time to sell, but for now, no issues. Just last week, I took a family road trip from Tampa to Atlanta and back with no problems. Hope this helps.
@Erie
Same here. No regrets.
@Erie
A lot of people think AWD or 4x4 is better for towing, but that’s not always true. Those systems can actually reduce towing capacity. They’re more useful in rough or slippery conditions. So, unless you’re dealing with winters like the person who posted this, it shouldn’t matter for towing.
@Case
Good to know! I grew up in India, so I don’t have much experience with AWD. Thanks for the info.
I wasn’t looking for AWD (I’m in Houston), but I ended up getting an S with AWD since I couldn’t find a '22 with FWD. The handling, especially on wet roads, is noticeably better. There’s a display that shows how power is sent to the wheels, and it adjusts to where traction is needed. Not sure about the gas mileage difference, but the handling is great. FWD is probably fine most of the time, though.
I’ve owned both FWD and AWD. FWD has the advantage of better MPG and lighter weight. I’m in the Midwest, and this is my first AWD vehicle. Honestly, it’s nice, but not a must-have. I’ve driven rear-wheel-drive sedans year-round without issues, so I wouldn’t worry too much. Enjoy the better mileage!
I have AWD and used to live in Chicago before moving to the suburbs. AWD has been great for getting out of street parking after the snowplows come through. If you’re parking on the street in the city, AWD might be worth it. Most people in the Midwest look for AWD, so it could help with resale value too.
As for MPG, it depends on your driving style. If I drive gently, I get around 28–29 MPG. If I’m more aggressive, it drops to about 20–21. I’ve even hit 30 a couple of times.
It depends on where you live and how much snow you get. I’m in Michigan, which is hilly and snowy, so AWD was the better choice for me. I still get about 26 MPG on the highway and 20 in the city. Since you’re in Florida and not towing, FWD should be fine. You can still tow a decent amount with FWD as long as it’s within the car’s limit.
Thanks, everyone, for your thoughts. For anyone else in a similar situation, I went with AWD. My reasons:
I plan to keep the car for 10 years, and I’ll likely hit conditions where AWD is helpful.
This is our family car, and it’ll be used for road trips, so I leaned towards safety over cost savings.
I lived in Chicago with 4WD SUVs before switching to my Telly. Good tires can make a big difference. If you’re okay with switching to winter tires, FWD should be fine. AWD is nice to have for peace of mind, but it’s not essential.
@Amos
4WD is not the same as AWD, though.
I’m in St. Louis and wouldn’t buy anything but AWD. It makes it much easier and safer in snow. It doesn’t help with braking, but it keeps you from getting stuck and helps maintain traction.
Dustin said:
I’m in St. Louis and wouldn’t buy anything but AWD. It makes it much easier and safer in snow. It doesn’t help with braking, but it keeps you from getting stuck and helps maintain traction.
How much snow do you get in St. Louis?
@Cory
It varies. Usually, we get a couple of moderate snows each year (3–7 inches). Some years we get more, and some years less. Ice storms are actually more common than heavy snow.
I’m in Chicagoland too and drive a '22 S FWD. I didn’t see the point of spending $2k extra for AWD. Streets here get plowed, and no one’s taking their Telly off-road. My last three crossovers have all been FWD with no problems.
Since you’re in Chicago, you might need AWD for the snowy days when traction is crucial. That said, winter tires make a huge difference. You could save the money you’d spend on AWD and get a set of winter tires instead.
Get a good set of snow tires, and you’ll be fine in the winter. I’ve driven rear-wheel-drive cars in Pittsburgh with winter tires and FWD in Syracuse without them. Winter tires really help.
What’s the MPG difference? I might be looking at a '23 and can still make some changes.
If you’re in the North, FWD is less desirable and might lose value faster.