2WD vs 4WD vs AWD Snow Comparison - Winter 2021

Quick comparison of traction on snow covered roads. If you’re asking my opinion go with the AWD with selectable 4x4 like the newer trucks have. 4x4 is hard on vehicles on dry pavement but it’s nice to have the awd take over if it starts to slip!
I think all vehicles should have it if you plan to drive in snowy conditions... or even if you don’t plan to because you never know!

Also decent tires are a must if it’s icy out!

Thanks for watching!

[jimwortham]

I lived in South Florida had no idea why I clicked LOL

[onlyonecannoli]

Sorry, but unless you are comparing similar vehicles, with the same tires, your conclusions are only valid as to 4x2 vs 4x4. As to awd, you need to have similar vehicles. There are too many variables introduced when using different types of vehicles and wheel sizes.

[bobmcl]

Good demo of the differences, but remember that AWD or 4WD only help to get you moving. Braking and steering typically are no better. As a result, many drivers will become overconfident, not realizing how slippery it is until it is too late. Four good winter tires will provide the highest level of overall safety, as they work for acceleration, braking and steering.

[dmartinez]

Love it, short and easy to understand. Thank you.

[reallynotbob]

The primary difference between 4x4 and awd is that awd typically has a differential between the front and back wheels. Which is why you don't want to run a 4x4 vehicle in 4wd all the time on dry roads (eats your front tires on corners among other issues). Other than that the difference you're seeing is the different traction control systems, and vehicle weight (the truck is near 5, 400 pounds, and the Murano is closer to 4, 000, which means the truck's traction system has to work harder to get it to go forward up the hill).

[danw]

We had a 1964 Plymouth Valiant with the leaning tower of power and 3 on the tree and it had no problem with snow. Same with my old 82 Dodge truck. Short bed, leaning tower of power, 4 speed. Just the right combination of wheel base, gearing, and torque.

[johnm]

I have a full sized Cargo van(GMC) with factory AWD and it’s been excellent in snow and ice. I can get to job sites that most other work trucks can’t get to and I’ll never own anything else——I’ve bought 2 of them over the last 20 yrs and I’ll get another when the time comes.

[Albert-]

You’re right to the point, thanks for the 411

[deepsouthinception]

We were caught in 14" of snow overnight last year in Omaha and my wife's AWD Sienna was unstoppable. Zero problems on snow packed and slick streets.

[bret]

I’ve driven a little over 1.8 million miles mostly in 4x4 pickups SUV’s and AWD SUV’s.

Yes tires are important. I’ve had the opposite experience with AWD vs Four Wheel Drive. AWD seems to do a fine job on straight smooth roads with rain, light snow and ice. However in deeper snow or very slushy snow it becomes less stable and at times the AWD seems to become confused. I’ve also found AWD vehicles like this Acura MDX are more likely to follow rutted snow tracks or end up sideways when trying to change lanes on deeper snowy roads.

Pickups will always be a little unbalance without some load in the back. But that shouldn’t be considered a negative. After all the bed is meant to be available for a heavy load. I recommend putting some weight in the back during the winter if your uncomfortable with the imbalance that is less noticeable in a SUV.

My absolute favorite winter vehicle is the 2020 GMC Yukon with Michelins LTX MS. In northern Ohio and Canada it just drives perfectly on snow and ice. At the same time it doesn’t hesitate in snow up to 10-16”. On mud and loose gravel roads it’s balanced and stable.

We also have a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland. It is also very very good on and off road. But the shorter length seems to make it a little less stable at higher speeds on snowy roads where plowing is taking place but unevenly cleared.

My favorite pick up was a 2014 F-150 4x4. I found it’s auto 4x4 worked extremely well and it was very stable.

[dariogth]

When I lived in Chicago my Lexus LX470 got in and out of everywhere. It has AWD with optional 4x4.

[tylerc]

I have a 2010 FWD Toyota Venza, it handles snow decent. I have Firestone Destination LE3's on it they grip ok. My girlfriend has a 2017 AWD Rogue with the same Firestone tires. That thing is a beast in snow. Definitely next car AWD, only con is more moving parts. Differential can be expensive if it goes bad.

[awfullyawful]

Can you do one on one wheel drive? I’m hoping my unicycle gets me through the harsh Chicago winter.

[curtis]

Yeah I definitely recommend 4auto like the newer trucks have. Never even need 4x4

[joshuaranger]

This winter I’ll try the same thing I have four-wheel-drive and all wheel drive on my pick up I have all-terrain snow rated tires but they will still work good

[gregreed]

Thanks for that very interesting. I’ve got a 3.6 Subaru out back . It’s not a cvt it’s a 2014 real gear box set and it tows my boat and caravan with ease

[afsala.s]

Informative.. thanks.. love from Kerala

[johnlewis]

My Jeep has the "auto" 4x4 option and if I'm driving on a narrow icy road straight 4x4 is better. The auto takes to long to kick in and who wants to be in the ditch waiting for traction

[street_legal_go_kart]

Depends on how it's built . jeep is one best I have seen stuff torson lsd rear almost never need 4wd . and if it gets deep got Detroit locker front. . light snow ice most often awd is better on Pavement.

[JChurchua]

Ill take my 2wd(FRONT) anyday!
fun video.