Should I Buy An All-Wheel Drive SUV?
When you’re exploring your SUV options, you will likely come across SUVs that offer four-wheel drive (4WD), all-wheel drive (AWD), and, occasionally, two-wheel drive (2WD).
While many crossover SUVs in today’s market offer AWD, you may wonder about the other options available to you, and whether you should opt for an AWD SUV over an SUV with another drive system.
This article on AWD SUVs will give you a better understanding of AWD and when it’s most useful and applicable to drivers. More importantly, it will help you decide if you want, need, or might enjoy an AWD SUV now or in the future.
What is AWD?
When the accelerator is pressed in an AWD vehicle, the system has the option to send power to all four tires rather than just two, balancing the workload among twice the traction patches.
AWD systems can be either part-time or full-time. Part-time AWD systems allow power to the front or rear wheels to be “turned off” completely or varied from 0-100%; full-time AWD sends power to the front and rear wheels at all times. Since it’s not constantly sending power to four wheels, part-time AWD is typically more efficient and is increasingly more common than full-time AWD.
AWD is sometimes best understood in relation to other common drive systems. For a closer look, please see our article: AWD vs. 4WD vs. 2WD.
Do all SUVs have four-wheel drive?
No, not all SUVs have 4WD, although for a long time SUVs and 4WD were synonymous (that’s why you hear SUVs sometimes called 4x4s). Traditional SUVs — those that are based on or built like trucks – do tend to be built with off-roading in mind and thus offer 4WD. 4WD gives the driver more choices regarding gearing and which wheels are being turned. These choices come in handy in driving conditions like deep snow, mountain trails, muddy logging roads, and so on.
Crossover SUVs (CUVs, or simply “crossovers”), which are often lumped in with traditional SUVs, were constructed with pavement driving in mind, and typically offer AWD. CUVs are primarily car-based and are increasingly common on the road. Some CUVs, such as the Mazda CX-50, are more positioned as being off-road ready; indeed, many AWD vehicles will handle off-road conditions to a point.
All of Mazda’s crossover SUVs offer AWD
AWD is also offered in many other types of vehicles, including but not limited to performance luxury cars (gas and especially electric), and some pickups and minivans.
Note that if you’re looking for an SUV with 4WD as your primary vehicle, you’ll likely want to look for one that offers a “4A” or “4WD Auto” position, sometimes called just “Auto.” This position mimics AWD and is necessary for driving your vehicle on pavement and dry highways.
Benefits of an AWD SUV
● AWD systems can react to changing conditions faster than a human.
● SUVs with AWD offer improved steering response under throttle and less torque steer.
● Better acceleration in compromised driving conditions like snow, hail, and mud (although do please keep in mind that AWD is not a substitute for winter tires)
● Depending on the vehicle, an AWD SUV may tow more weight than a front-wheel drive SUV.
● May not require tire chains as often in mountain travel. Always check the regulations where you live regarding chain requirements.
● Potentially higher resale value
Is an AWD SUV worth it?
If you want a powerful SUV and/or struggle with seasonal traction issues, an AWD SUV or CUV may be the right solution for your needs. Vehicles with AWD do typically cost a little bit more and have a lower overall fuel economy than 2WD counterparts but, in most cases, buyers tend to find that these minor “penalties” are outweighed by driving confidence and resale value.
For example, if you currently drive a vehicle with front-wheel drive, you might have experienced “torque steer” — your vehicle’s wheels pulling left or right while the front tires try to find traction and wiggling the steering wheel accordingly — when you’ve applied lots of throttle at low speeds or on low-friction surfaces. AWD counteracts this. Some trailers lessen the weight on your vehicle’s front wheels, and all-wheel drive can provide more traction when towing in these circumstances (this is, in fact, just one of many reasons that all-wheel drives are often rated to tow more than their front-drive counterparts).
Is AWD only useful for off-roading?
No. While AWD is certainly beneficial off the highway, it can be useful any time the driver is asking for propulsion. Here are a few examples in which AWD would excel:
● Going up a wet boat ramp
● Crossing a short stretch of beach or sand dunes
● Merging on a short, greasy onramp
● Heading up a ski mountain
● Climbing a winding road covered in wet leaves
As you can see, these scenarios can vary from the quotidian to the particular, depending on where you live and where you typically drive. Those who opt for AWD may choose it to provide extra support in their everyday driving conditions, or for some extra peace of mind when they do encounter a scenario where extra traction and propulsion would be useful.
Do I need an AWD SUV?
The answer to this question is entirely dependent on your driving needs and preferences. AWD can be very useful in any of the conditions outlined above or similar. If it never snows or gets icy where you live, or if you never take your vehicle on a more adventurous travel route, it improves vehicle handling overall, and it may be beneficial at resale or trade-in.
Mazda’s i-Activ AWD®
Mazda’s i-ACTIV AWD® system delivers real-time, proactive torque distribution for nearly every driving condition. This system uses a range of sensors to constantly monitor the road, the wheels, and more.
Mazda’s i-ACTIV AWD® system is standard on all Mazda crossovers and optional on the Mazda3 Sedan and Mazda3 Hatchback. Both the Mazda CX-90 and Mazda CX-90 PHEV, as well as the the Mazda CX-70 and Mazda CX-70 PHEV, offer a rear-biased version of i-ACTIV AWD® for the same benefits and excellent handling.
To learn more and experience the difference of driving a Mazda, explore Mazda’s line of vehicles online or take one for a test drive at a Mazda Dealer near you.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is based on the latest competitive information available at the time of posting. Information herein is subject to change without notice and without Mazda incurring any obligations. Please review a variety of resources prior to making a purchasing decision. Visit Resource Center for more articles.