AWD Doesn't Matter - Your Tires Do (Denver, Monument: cost, safe)

[Tim Tim Tim]

Originally Posted by Careerist

Alright, thanks. The CX-5 uses the same 2.5L SkyActiv engine technology as I currently have in my Mazda 3. The downside with the CX-5 AWD is losing some fuel economy, and probably a little bit of power since it's a heavier vehicle. But that is the one we're leaning towards once my lease is up.

most of the SUV's in that class that are AWD are not true AWD vehicles. they are FWD until the front looses traction then it sends some power to the back wheels. Its better than FWD but not quite as good as a full time 4WD/AWD system. One benefit though is that they don't really impact fuel economy since your essential FWD 99% of the time.

Also, as stated above, AWD is better for taking off and cornering but does nothing for stopping (which is arguably the most important part). If your buying a vehicle with the option of AWD, I would go for it.

[Careerist]

Originally Posted by Tim Tim Tim

most of the SUV's in that class that are AWD are not true AWD vehicles. they are FWD until the front looses traction then it sends some power to the back wheels. Its better than FWD but not quite as good as a full time 4WD/AWD system. One benefit though is that they don't really impact fuel economy since your essential FWD 99% of the time.

Also, as stated above, AWD is better for taking off and cornering but does nothing for stopping (which is arguably the most important part). If your buying a vehicle with the option of AWD, I would go for it.

Thank you for the explanation. I think the fuel economy drops mostly because of the added weight of the vehicle. We will probably go with the CX-5 ultimately because it sits a little higher up and has the added AWD option, which will be helpful especially if we go up in the mountains off-road which we've done from time to time when we camp.

[SkyDog77]

Originally Posted by Careerist

Thank you for the explanation. I think the fuel economy drops mostly because of the added weight of the vehicle. We will probably go with the CX-5 ultimately because it sits a little higher up and has the added AWD option, which will be helpful especially if we go up in the mountains off-road which we've done from time to time when we camp.

Clearance and off road ability are the main reasons I have 4WD. Both my Toyotas have lockable center differentials so I can go to true 50-50 power in very slick situations.

[pikabike]

Originally Posted by Careerist

Can anyone tell me the upside to AWD? I've never had an AWD vehicle, always FWD, and never have had issues during the winters even without winter tires (especially in Denver where it's fairly mild).

My lease is up next year and I actually really like my Mazda 3 GT and would consider buying it outright after the lease is up. SO and I were thinking about downsizing to one car, and I was looking at small SUVs with AWD like the Mazda CX-5. But I'm wondering is it really necessary?

Any thoughts on what the major upsides would be to AWD?

Thanks!

It provides what feels to me like more balanced traction. However, if you have never had issues with your FWD car even in winter, you might not even notice this. For the first 10+ years I lived in the Front Range, I only had a pickup truck and an old Chevy Nova, both of them RWD. It was only after moving to a steep, winding foothills location whose microclimate ensured longer and much snowier winters that I bought 4WD (the old-school kind, not AWD, but for purposes of your question this doesn't matter).

The upside of improved traction with AWD has to weighed against the negatives, which are increased purchase and maintenance costs. Also, if your car breaks down it should be towed on a flatbed, not just hoisted on one end and rolled around. But I've noticed that most commercial tows now use flatbed tow rigs anyway, at least in CO. If you have 4WD with a transfer case neutral position (not the same as transmission neutral), you could tow the old way. But I have never heard of an AWD that has this choice. Even many 4WD no longer offer this.

[Careerist]

Originally Posted by pikabike

It provides what feels to me like more balanced traction. However, if you have never had issues with your FWD car even in winter, you might not even notice this. For the first 10+ years I lived in the Front Range, I only had a pickup truck and an old Chevy Nova, both of them RWD. It was only after moving to a steep, winding foothills location whose microclimate ensured longer and much snowier winters that I bought 4WD (the old-school kind, not AWD, but for purposes of your question this doesn't matter).

The upside of improved traction with AWD has to weighed against the negatives, which are increased purchase and maintenance costs. Also, if your car breaks down it should be towed on a flatbed, not just hoisted on one end and rolled around. But I've noticed that most commercial tows now use flatbed tow rigs anyway, at least in CO. If you have 4WD with a transfer case neutral position (not the same as transmission neutral), you could tow the old way. But I have never heard of an AWD that has this choice. Even many 4WD no longer offer this.

Excellent advice. Something I would have never even thought about until it was probably too late.

[alloo66]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXjzYbpt9Ow

[SkyDog77]

Originally Posted by alloo66

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXjzYbpt9Ow

Stop it with your data and facts.

[N610DL]

Originally Posted by SkyDog77

Stop it with your data and facts.

Honda CRV in still play photo - weak video. That car is underpowered and a pile of garbage in the snow

[Branden2017]

Do I need winter tires for my car in Denver? I drive an 07 Mazda 3 with a manual transmission and brand new all-seasons. GF definitely wants winter tires on her AWD crossover since it will make her feel much safer. We will use her vehicle for our days in the mountains. As for me, though I grew up in Florida and have driven in snow only a few times, I consider myself safe and confident on the roads, leaving excess space between cars even in good road conditions. I also plan on taking a course in winter driving. I will need my car about 4-5 days a week. Are winter tires with steel wheels worth $500-600ish. Do I have an advantage with a stick shift? I know the tricks like starting in 2nd gear for more traction and engine braking on hills. If you can't tell, I'm hoping for a "no" but please be honest!

[Mike from back east]

Branden, I merged your post into a recent thread that will have all the answers on your inquiry.