If you’re interested in a new car, you may be considering a few models with all-wheel drive. AWD can be a great feature, as it offers better traction than 2-wheel drive on slippery surfaces or rough roads. But is it always a good idea to choose an AWD car? We don’t think you should opt for AWD unless you really need it — and here’s why. Find a new AWD car for sale near you
Worse Gas Mileage
In general, cars equipped with 2-wheel drive get better gas mileage than models that use all-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive. There’s a reason: AWD or 4WD cars have to send power to each of the vehicle’s wheels, which requires extra energy. This means 2WD cars are less complex than those with AWD or 4WD, and their simpler drivetrains mean improved fuel economy in the long run.
AWD cars also offer worse gas mileage than 2WD rivals because they’re heavier. AWD and 4WD drive systems can add hundreds of pounds to a car’s curb weight, and that extra bulk can have a big impact on fuel economy. That’s because an engine has to work harder to move a heavier car, which means more fuel is used to move an AWD car the same distance as one with 2WD.
More Expensive
Another reason to avoid AWD and 4WD is cost. Most such vehicles are more expensive than their 2WD counterparts; for example, in many modern SUVs, 2WD models can be $2,000 or $3,000 cheaper than AWD or 4WD models. So unless you often face snow, ice, rough roads or other situations where AWD or 4WD are crucial, we suggest you opt for the less costly alternative.
More Complex
Generally, AWD systems are more complex than standard front- or rear-wheel-drive setups. While this won’t necessarily sway buyers interested in new cars with long warranties, anyone considering a used car should bear in mind that complexity can end up costing more money in the long-term. Here again, unless you truly need AWD or 4WD, you should steer clear of the feature — particularly in a used vehicle. Find a used AWD car for sale near you
Our Advice: Buy When Needed
Given the drawbacks of AWD and 4WD, our general advice for shoppers interested in a new vehicle is that you should only opt for these features if it’s necessary. Of course, there are a few models, as with many new Subarus, where AWD doesn’t cost much extra or come with a substantial gas mileage penalty. But in many vehicles, the benefits of AWD only outweigh the drawbacks if you plan on using the system frequently on rough roads or during harsh weather conditions.
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Editor’s Note: This article has been updated for accuracy since it was originally published.
Does using the FWD feature on a vehicle equipped with AWD, such as the CT5, save on gas?
Buy a set of winter tires before considering AWD. Huge difference in grip (for stopping and turning too!) without the worse mileage, much cheaper to get, and will not cost you 4 grand to fix.
I was barely able to get out of my snowy driveway in 2WD. With AWD, I barely have to shovel. I swear by it. Plus, my Rav4 (AWD) gets the same mpg as my previous Mazda 3 (2WD).
I have a Nissan Rogue AWD and I leave the screen on to see how often the car flips power to the rear. Even in heavy snow falls it rarely shifts much power if any at all to the rear wheels. For the extra cost its not worth it. AWD does not give you better driving grip on the road. It gives you better acceleration and the ability to start or accelerate on a slippery surface, not to remain on the surface. Remaining on a slippery surface (i.e. not going off the road in rain / snow) is all dependent on the amount of friction between your car and the surface (tires), not the number of wheels powering it – simple physics. So unless you live where roads aren’t plowed well in snowy conditions or experience a lot of rain that makes it difficult to get grip from a stop it isn’t worth the extra $$.
The extra grip is not just useful for ice and snow but also for the high horsepower models. I prefer FWD here in GA. Only downside is we can have a 20hour commute if there’s any ice.
Question – Let’s compare a 2wd fielder and a 4wd fielder. I’m talking about same body, same engine, same gearbox etc. The only difference here being a 2wd and 4wd. How many extra kms will a 2wd Toyota Fielder give in comparison to a 4wd Toyota Fielder?
My husband and I bought a 4×4 Pathfinder, is it better to drive in 2 wheel drive (fwd) or auto ?
auto means it will be in fwd unless the system detects slippery conditions. If you put it in fwd only, then the car will not react to slip. Thus it is better to keep it in auto as there is no difference on dry roads giving good grip, but should there be a sudden rainfall for example, the car will cope better with a greasy/wet road surface.
Question: I have a 2004 jeep grand limited and the ball joints are nearly shot (clicking bad when turning) but when I first got it (used) it was in 4wd and not the 2wd and I’m scared to change it. Will this make the ball joints worst? May seem like a dumb question but I clearly have zero clue. And yes it’s a gas guzzler
No, the 4-wheel drive system has little if any impact on the ball joints (only that folks with 4-wheel drive might operate the vehicle off road, which could wear the ball joints a little faster). Jeeps (and other Chrysler full-sized trucks) are know for quicker than expected ball joint wear. Just know that the 2-wheel drive vehicles experience the same problems.
I don’t buy that it takes more energy to drive four wheels rather than two. It’s just a case of sending power to the other two wheels. Each wheel receives a lower percentage, but it’s the same amount of power providing propulsion. The only increase in resistance would come from the bearings in the extra differentials. The weight is the key factor to the extra fuel consumption.
its not the power to the wheels, its the more parts moving that have friction and generate heat, sound, and general deterioration (it takes effort for metal to scrape metal), all forms of energy that get lost between the piston stroke and the wheels.
That is why you have hp at the engine and hp at the wheels. To different things and at the wheels is always lower due to the energy lost through bearings and shafts, etc
I live in Wisconsin and have a BMW five series with all wheel drive. I would ONLY drive a car with AWD because of my driving habits. I love being able to drive normal in the snow
2018 Chevy equinox offers AWD with a selector switch that disengages the AWD making the SUV into a FWD. Does anybody have any experience with a this and know if the FWD mode actually gets the better FWD mpg?
Turn it off 99.9% of the time. Why waste gas?
I know of 3 people recently that have had 4-5 thousand dollar problems with their AWD system. All cars are less than 4 years old. Sounds like a good reason to stay away.
AWD is safer overall. Those 2-3 thousand dollars could be the difference between your life.
It’s not that much safer. All cars post 2012 have mandatory ESC and Traction control. The only situation where it would be safer is if you’re driving aggressively and pulling out in front of someone in the snow or rain.. I can see the advantages there, but good tires and ESC make any drivetrain safe. (ESC = Electronic Stability Control.. This prevents spinouts or excessive understeer which would be more prevalent in most Front or All wheel drive vehicles with their nose heavy chassis. It works amazingly, Go test it out in a parking lot next time it snows..)
“unless you need it.” I live in Canada. end of discussion.