(first)Absolutely agree 100%! As one who had a FWD CX5 and used to argue AWD didn’t matter if you were “careful”, I’ve been driving AWD for almost 3 months and it’s so much more than the wet road factor. It does help corner better, helps acceleration on stones onto a highway, helps pulling out from a hill onto a road, has a much better planted feeling to the road. I drive a lot of curvy back roads with hills and the control is so much better. A much better driving experience all around. Gas mileage for me only dropped about 2 miles/gallon, basically a non-issue.
If you are going to run bald tires - it makes no difference with AWD / FWD.
Running tires with 5/32 or better tread reading is more than enough with FWD where i am. AWD has no real advantage. Up north yes - that is where AWD can be helpful but FWD + snow tires would do just fine. Same is case with hilly terrains.
2 years in COLO SPRINGS with 11yr old Corolla - never felt i was missing AWD. And i see a good chunk of owners just driving a regular sedan.
Plus i strongly feel the FWD CX-5 is still well balanced vs lets say other FWD competitors.
It baffles me when people buy Subaru's in Dallas only to drive in city. Other than better highway mpg and better pulling power above 65 - i dont care for AWD.
I am honestly having trouble figuring out what sports car I eventually want to buy, because I don't want to spend 991/911 4S money, I don't like the GT-R, the WRX STi doesn't do it for me, and the EVO X got the axe. We need a $35-65K AWD performance vehicle in this market!
Yep. I used to argue about how AWD was a non-issue, and had all the same arguments I see time and time again. Then I ended up with an AWD Grand Jeep Cherokee w/HEMI, and my entire perspective changed. Like you said, you don't know what you're missing in EVERY situation until you try it. I love the "you shouldn't drive aggressively...but I bought a CX5 because it feels good to drive it aggressively" arguments, lol! I am honestly having trouble figuring out what sports car I eventually want to buy, because I don't want to spend 991/911 4S money, I don't like the GT-R, the WRX STi doesn't do it for me, and the EVO X got the axe. We need a $35-65K AWD performance vehicle in this market!
It doesn't have one, or any other modes for that matter because the car knows when you're driving in snow, or rain, etc...The only complaint I have is I wish it had terrain modes including snow mode you could just put it into when you know you're driving in snow.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. AWD is beneficial under certain circumstances for sure, but with reasonable driving habits and proper tires AWD is not a requirement.
It can just as much provide a false sense of security as it does provide confidence in your driving.
Drive according to the conditions - AWD or FWD - and you'll be fine. If you wouldn't be, AWD would be a requirement for every single vehicle on the road.
Even where I am up here in Canada I would've gone with FWD if it was available with the equipment we spec'd out. But to get a sunroof and the rest of the i-Activesense we're forced into AWD here. It's not a bad thing, but if I was given the choice with all other things equal I would've taken FWD: simpler drive train, less to maintain / break, better fuel economy. Especially in climates without snow or if you're not regularly on unmaintained roads.
What are you talking about?? I can't tell you how many times I see people flying up behind me at a red light because they're not paying attention. If this happens in rain, I am definitely safer to have AWD which(based on my testing) gets me moving absolutely right away versus FWD where I know I would start spinning upon slamming the gas pedal down. So yes, AWD is 100% a safety advantage.