2012 Equinox 1LT V6 -- FWD or AWD?
1 - 20 of 36 Posts
AWD - Higher initial cost, extra weight, more complication (less reliable and more maintenance) , worse gas mileage, slower.
+ Higher resale value, larger audience when re-selling, may obviate the need to buy Winter tires (depending on location) .
FWD is the inverse of the AWD +s and -s.
+ Higher resale value, larger audience when re-selling, may obviate the need to buy Winter tires (depending on location) .
FWD is the inverse of the AWD +s and -s.
Guess it would depend on where you live an how much you drive..
I went with the AWD because I drive all day for my job, I live in SE Michigan, and my last vehicle was hell in winter to drive!.
Seems that those with the FWD have been happy with their winter experiences too..
I went with the AWD because I drive all day for my job, I live in SE Michigan, and my last vehicle was hell in winter to drive!.
Seems that those with the FWD have been happy with their winter experiences too..
Joined
·
515 Posts
I looked at it from the perspective that AWD will probably be better in most situations.
Plus the fact, that if there was a time that I did really need the AWD, it would be a little
hard to add at that instant. It is worth a little extra gas.
Plus the fact, that if there was a time that I did really need the AWD, it would be a little
hard to add at that instant. It is worth a little extra gas.
Joined
·
332 Posts
I kind of look at it this way.
For many, many years vehicles were 99% 2wd and mostly RWD. Then we got FWD and while I'm not a fan of it because I like RWD, it's what the majority of vehicles are. People did just fine without AWD even if it is better in marginal traction conditions. People just drove to suit the conditions.
With that said, we live in a area that has winter for at least 5 months a year with substantial snow & ice. We drive 18 miles each way everyday on the highway and into the city. While I do have a 4x4 truck, my wife and I both have FWD vehicles and her's is the Equinox. She has been driving a FWD vehicle for the past 10 years.
It has never been a problem and while AWD would provide some benefit, it's not required enough times to warrant the extra cost, fuel consumption and repair costs if required even in our winter conditions.
So we went with a FWD and she's happy with it and it's performance in the winter. Winter tires would help if it became necessary.
For many, many years vehicles were 99% 2wd and mostly RWD. Then we got FWD and while I'm not a fan of it because I like RWD, it's what the majority of vehicles are. People did just fine without AWD even if it is better in marginal traction conditions. People just drove to suit the conditions.
With that said, we live in a area that has winter for at least 5 months a year with substantial snow & ice. We drive 18 miles each way everyday on the highway and into the city. While I do have a 4x4 truck, my wife and I both have FWD vehicles and her's is the Equinox. She has been driving a FWD vehicle for the past 10 years.
It has never been a problem and while AWD would provide some benefit, it's not required enough times to warrant the extra cost, fuel consumption and repair costs if required even in our winter conditions.
So we went with a FWD and she's happy with it and it's performance in the winter. Winter tires would help if it became necessary.
FWD here. Even if we have winter (not that much snow this winter!!!), I always drove FWD vehicle and I don't find it's a problem, even with lots of snow. I have some good Toyo winter tires and it does the job quite well.
Less moving parts to break, better MPG.
As for resale value, it's interesting to know that many people still buy FWD. So that does not scare me at all. For what it's going to worth when I sell it....
Less moving parts to break, better MPG.
As for resale value, it's interesting to know that many people still buy FWD. So that does not scare me at all. For what it's going to worth when I sell it....
Joined
·
196 Posts
JMO, but an Equinox AWD V6 defeats the purpose of buying a small, economocal SUV. If I truly needed the traction to meet all conditions, I would not choose an AWD Equinox for the job.
Happy with a FWD I4, best tank was 33.25 mpg. Not intending to offend my fellow Equinox owners as far as resale, but it's a $20K vehicle, those spending $30K for an optioned version will take the biggest resale hit of all.
Happy with a FWD I4, best tank was 33.25 mpg. Not intending to offend my fellow Equinox owners as far as resale, but it's a $20K vehicle, those spending $30K for an optioned version will take the biggest resale hit of all.
Joined
·
161 Posts
FWD gets job done for me in mid Mich. Resale of AWD is still % of new cost
I am kinda in the same boat...am looking to buy a 2010 or 2011 Terrain...live in western NY and am trying to justify the extra $2000 or so to go with AWD vs FWD...I have had 4WD for the past 15 years and I dont want to regret getting FWD...but getting the AWD kinda gets us out of our budget range.
Decision...decisions.
Decision...decisions.
Joined
·
332 Posts
I have a 4WD Sierra and AWD is not 4WD IMO. Absolute true 4WD has the diff's locked so all 4 wheels turn together. My Sierra does not do that but at least I can control the application of it whereas in most AWD's it's need initiated just like AutoTrac. So in snow or slippery conditions 4WD is better than AWD and AWD is better than FWD. But you need to ask yourself is it really necessary for how and where you drive most of the time and are you prepared to pay for it now and later on as well.e23nk1 said:
In many cases it's marketing that makes everyone believe that it's absolutely required.
Yes..definately need to evaluate my situation...We do plan on keeping our 4WD Explorer so I will still have that if needed...and typically when we do get alot of snow (2-3 feet) the roads here are cleaned up within a few hours...so maybe AWD is not a necessity.
I agree that at least where I am the dealers push AWD because of the weather...although this winter we have had hardly any snow...its def not the norm.
I agree that at least where I am the dealers push AWD because of the weather...although this winter we have had hardly any snow...its def not the norm.
Joined
·
161 Posts
That is great, but was the problem going up or down the hill or both?k9kuz said:
Up hill of course. Nothing helps going down except maybe different tires. This winter, quite mild, but I ran into some very slippery conditions on a interstate off-ramp (going uphill).... 4WD helped me dodge a dozen cars stuck in various directions on the ramp including a semi that had jack-knifed and blocked the entire ramp. But my Equinox took me through the ditch on both sides of the road and I made it without a scratch.... but my heart was pounding heavily.Terrain2011 said:
Joined
·
332 Posts
X2??Terrain2011 said:
AWD won't really help the downhill ride!
I sometimes forget about that concept when driving my Sierra in 4X4. It accelerates with ease on slippery roads which lulls you into a sense of false security until you have to stop. That's when you realize the limited traction available.Even when I had my Avalanche in the rain I would switch the trans to the auto mode which makes the vehicle awd. I liked the feeling of having all four paws gripping the road. I believe as far as wheel spin, the traction control brakes the wheel that wants to spin faster than the others. The stopping part is up to the driver....but abs certainly keeps better control.
Joined
·
850 Posts
Maybe this will answer the Question for you to make your own decision:
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/awd-vs-fwd.html
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/awd-vs-fwd.html
Joined
·
191 Posts
Re: Re: Re: 2012 Equinox 1LT V6 -- FWD or AWD?
Sent from my communication device.
I'm fairly certain he made his choice many, many months ago. LOL.teetertotter said:
Sent from my communication device.
Just a little humor here. My father-in-law always told me that the difference between 2 and 4 wheel drive was that with 4 wheel drive you will get stuck 1/4 of a mile further down the road.
My own experience is that most of the time driver ability is the major factor in getting there safely. I can't tell you how many times I have seen Jeeps, 4X4s, and AWD vehicles stuck. Some people think that multiple drive wheels will get you anywhere any time.
However, if you REALLY have to go at a fixed time and place more traction is better traction. But it pays to remember nothing will overcome Mother Nature when she really lets loose!
Read-up weigh the costs and make an iformed decision. Good luck!!
My own experience is that most of the time driver ability is the major factor in getting there safely. I can't tell you how many times I have seen Jeeps, 4X4s, and AWD vehicles stuck. Some people think that multiple drive wheels will get you anywhere any time.
However, if you REALLY have to go at a fixed time and place more traction is better traction. But it pays to remember nothing will overcome Mother Nature when she really lets loose!
Read-up weigh the costs and make an iformed decision. Good luck!!
1 - 20 of 36 Posts
Join the discussion
Join now to ask and comment!