FWD vs. AWD in Winter Conditions

In this video, we put a single car, which is able to switch between FWD and AWD modes, through multiple tests to see how both configurations fare in winter conditions.

All conclusions made in this video are from my own unbiased opinions. This is not a sponsored video.

Music provided by Argofox:
Minerva - 2U

[texemplargarage]

2:12 Clarification: The difference between FWD and AWD was imperceptible when at higher, more constant speeds from my experience. Depending on your scenario, you could notice a difference at higher speeds. Thanks for watching!

[Andersfavoriter]

I have had studded tires for 4-5 month a year on all my cars and I owned both RWD, FWD and now AWD. In the winter I had to have extra weight in the boot of my RWD during the winter but I didn't feel secure anyway especially cornering. My FWD took me up steep hills and with careful driving I were never stuck. But my AWD actually took me through a road of lots of slush on ice (using X-mode on my Subaru) where I think my FWD had not managed. It's always good to have the margins on your side. Stay safe.

[foxtrot]

Finally a video that compares things equally, Just because I have awd, that doesn't mean I will want to get all-seasons

[jackt]

A lot matter as to the tires you run, and I don't mean all-season vs. snow, nor do I mean tire compound. What I mean AWD has gotten more necessary due to tire profiles that are common to more modern and upscale vehicles. 19, 20, and 21 wheels are asinine.
1. They make a luxury vehicle ride a buckboard.
2. They are harder on gas.
3. They are lousy on snow and ice because they are wide to make them compress the sidewalls very little. Wide is a mess for rain or snow.
4. They give poorer tire life.
5. They can't take a hit as well from a curb or pot hole without ruining the rim and/or tire. Moreover they are much more prone to rim rash from accidentally rubbing on a curb when you park.

They have one advantage and that is that they corner flatter because their tiny sidewalls deflect less. They are also ridiculously wide because they have to be so that every bump does not contact the rim. They are an expensive ego trip. The fancy rims and tires that came with the car are upstairs in the garage. I bought 4 rims of the exact same style that are 3" smaller in diameter and the rims plus the tires are cheaper than simply replacing the tires on the original rims. The outside diameter of the tire is the same.

[TheDeadCylinders]

Nice! We love your take on this topic!

[scrambler-xkkv]

Front wheel drive with real winter tires is amazing. My wife's Hyundai Elantra with winter tires goes so well. The difference between winter tires and so called all season tires is night and day I have gone around so many 4x4 tricks that were stuck on hills. It is a shame so many people will never know just how good they are because they do not believe, or are too cheap. But trust me, I have been driving for 53 years and they are worth it. Remember it is not just about going but you must also stop and go around turns. How much is your life worth to you?

[guillecanales]

Great video! I just bought a brand new suv and because of shortages everywhere I couldn’t find the model I wanted in AWD so I opted for the FWD. In the DC metro area snow never gets that deep as the roads are cleared quick. Watching your video it made me realize FWD suv are very capable and you will only need AWD if you get into deep snow or going off-road which more than likely will never happen in this area. Thank you for showing the suv going on both modes!!

[alexkooiman]

This video is fantastic. Very thorough, yet concise. Thanks!

[Nauta]

Mu main reason for awd over r/fwd is for when I need to cross a road in snow weather. That loss of traction is a big deal if others are not stopping when they should. And the ice hills are a huge prob as well. I've seen so many people who can't climb a hill because they have only fwd. But for sure, tires can make a massive difference. The only prob is cost and having to change the wheels 2 times a year at least. Which will add up.

[privettoli]

Using AWD car in FWD mode to test how FWD car behaves might be not the best method because there's probably additional weight of the rear motor. It's important to mention that many states require you to have AWD to drive mountain passes in the winter or use chains on 2WD.

[ChadHargis]

In my experience, I have two FWD vehicles and one AWD vehicle. When we get snow, neither of the FWD vehicles can make it up my driveway and if they did, probably wouldn't make it up the hill in front of my house. My AWD has no issues. Doesn't even spin the tires. All vehicles are running all season tires.

[RajnCorVlogs]

I prefer FWD for mileage and sometimes snow drive which is hardly once a year in the mountains.

[aminillinois]

This past winter season was a hot mess out there. Like 5 cars were stuck on the ramps trying to get on the highways because the roads were just that bad. Me I took a different route around the highways. But the only vehicles that made it up them snow covered on ramps were AWD and 4x4 vehicles only.

That’s why it pays to have AWD if you live in areas that get snow and ice

[aminillinois]

As your traveling around curves on wet roads with a 2WD vehicle depending on how fast your traveling your more likely to Loose control easier then someone with AWD travel same speeds or higher, which they can travel more safer without loosing control

[plmn]

Some AWD systems absolutely improve handling in bad conditions, by a lot. Like Subaru's. Others don't engage unless the front wheels slip and many disengage completely once you get above 20 MPH or so. It's impossible to make generalizations because there are so many different ways AWD is being done.

[ChristovTenn]

Good video. Maybe I say that because it reinforces my decision earlier this month to buy an FWD vehicle and fit it with Michelin Crossclimate 2 tires versus plunking down another $5-10K to get an AWD sport utility vehicle. Anyway, good video. Good production values. Well done.

[jamespielou]

Whether you need it or not, awd with proper tires will outdo fwd, with proper tires any time.

[krib]

I've had a FWD car for that last 7 years in Canada . When there is 8-12 inches of snow during the night and I had to go to work, damn it was shitty accelerating after every stop, taking a couples seconds reaching 35mph... With an AWD car you start and look at the FWD car still a the stop trying to move while you're already way far !

That explains why Subaru is the king in our winters lol

[tuwalee]

If you live in states like Colorado get an AWD car. I was told a FWD car is sufficient as long as I have good snow tires when i first moved to Colorado. The truth is you will eventually find yourself in a situation where FWD just won't cut it.

[SCraig-Handsome]

Yeah FWD is fine, but AWD is great for traction. If you’re looking at a performance car check out the LSD you get with it. That can really help with traction.

I have 2 AWD cars now, but I’ve had very few issues with FWD driving with All-Seasons. My current cars have Winter Tires on. I would recommend Winter Tires with FWD or AWD.

But again it depends on your winter conditions, some places just need A/S or All-Weather Tires. AWD is great but if you have a smaller car and that’s not an option you can still drive in most conditions, you just need Winter Tires.

Some exceptions of course, like ski resorts or extreme winter conditions, you may need an AWD truck or SUV, maybe even chains.