
Whether it is necessary to buy a 4WD Honda CRV depends on the individual needs of the car owner. Honda CRV has launched two models, one is a two-wheel-drive version, and the other is a four-wheel-drive version. The four-wheel-drive version uses front-mounted four-wheel drive, with the form of on-demand four-wheel drive. The following is information about four-wheel drive: 1. A four-wheel-drive vehicle refers to a vehicle where the engine can distribute power to all four wheels during operation, allowing all four wheels to drive the vehicle together. Currently, most four-wheel-drive systems are used in SUVs. 2. There are three types of four-wheel-drive systems: full-time four-wheel drive, part-time four-wheel drive, and on-demand four-wheel drive. Household vehicles typically use on-demand four-wheel drive, where the vehicle's computer automatically adjusts the four-wheel-drive system based on the driving conditions, sometimes using two-wheel drive and sometimes four-wheel drive. 3. The structure of on-demand four-wheel drive is relatively simple, occupies less space, and has a lower manufacturing cost. Many small and medium-sized SUVs on the market use on-demand four-wheel-drive systems.

When considering the four-wheel-drive version of the CRV, it really depends on how you use the car. With over a decade of driving experience, I often take my family on road trips to mountainous areas or snowy regions, where the four-wheel drive proves incredibly practical. It provides much better stability when turning or climbing hills and significantly reduces the risk of skidding. However, for daily commutes in the city where roads are mostly flat, the front-wheel-drive version is more than sufficient. The four-wheel drive adds unnecessary weight, increasing fuel consumption, and requires more maintenance, such as regular oil changes. I recommend opting for four-wheel drive only if you live in areas with frequent rain or snow or often go on outings. Otherwise, saving money by choosing the two-wheel-drive version is a smarter choice. Considering maintenance costs and fuel efficiency, the long-term difference is notable, especially for city commuting where spending extra money isn’t necessary.

As a young person who grew up in the city, I think buying a CRV with four-wheel drive is a complete waste of money. For daily commuting on flat city streets, the two-wheel drive version runs smoothly and effortlessly, with lower fuel consumption, meaning fewer trips to the gas station—much more convenient. Occasionally, during heavy rain with waterlogged roads or off-road trips on dirt paths, the front-wheel drive can handle it just fine. Why spend an extra ten thousand just to add a four-wheel drive system? Besides, with today's well-developed roads, SUVs already have high ground clearance, making parking and turning easy. I've driven mine for two years without any issues and regret not saving that budget for other hobbies.

Having driven many SUVs, the necessity of CRV's 4WD depends on personal habits. It does provide more stability on slippery roads or during acceleration, but 90% of city driving doesn't require it, and unused components age faster. From my experience, driving with 2WD and good tires is quite safe in snowy conditions. Spending extra might just be for psychological comfort, with little actual improvement. Focusing on driving skills and vehicle maintenance is more practical.

When buying a car, I always calculate the cost carefully. The four-wheel-drive version of the CRV costs several thousand yuan more, consumes more fuel, and increases monthly fuel expenses. Maintenance costs are also significant, with the hassle of regularly changing differential oil. For everyday city or highway driving, two-wheel drive is stable enough, making the extra expense for four-wheel drive not worthwhile. It's only worth considering for special needs like cold regions or mountainous roads. I prefer saving money for more valuable upgrades like navigation or seat enhancements.


