Is It Necessary to Buy an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System?
3 Answers
If you are purchasing a city-oriented SUV and primarily drive in urban areas, the necessity of buying a four-wheel-drive version is relatively low. Most city-oriented SUVs employ an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system that can switch between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, which may seem advanced but offers limited practical benefits. More information about AWD systems is as follows: 1. Introduction: An AWD system only switches to four-wheel drive under appropriate conditions, remaining in two-wheel drive mode otherwise. The system automatically switches between two-wheel and four-wheel drive based on driving conditions without requiring manual intervention. 2. Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive: AWD differs from part-time four-wheel drive, which requires manual switching between two-wheel and four-wheel drive, and full-time four-wheel drive, which operates in four-wheel drive mode under all conditions. Compared to full-time four-wheel drive, the structure of an AWD system is much simpler, which not only effectively reduces costs but also helps lower the overall vehicle weight. Due to its unique structure, AWD is more suitable for models with front-transverse engine and front-wheel-drive platforms, enabling many SUVs or four-wheel-drive sedans built on such platforms to incorporate a four-wheel-drive system.
Whether it's necessary to buy a four-wheel-drive vehicle mainly depends on your daily usage. For example, I live in the city, mostly commuting to and from work, occasionally driving on highways, where the roads are all smooth. In such cases, four-wheel drive isn't really necessary. It's true that it can enhance traction, but the advantage on urban paved roads is minimal. On the contrary, the additional costs—such as the car being ten or twenty thousand more expensive and consuming one or two more liters of fuel per year—add up over time. Saving this money to upgrade to premium tires or for regular maintenance is more cost-effective. Unless you frequently drive on mountain roads or your hometown is in northern mountainous areas, there's really no need to spend extra on four-wheel drive.
If you frequently drive on muddy, snowy, or slippery rainy roads, I think a 4WD system is worth it. I've seen many car owners report that in such conditions, the automatic torque distribution of an AWD system between front and rear wheels provides much more stability than a simple 2WD setup, and can prevent skidding at critical moments. Especially when traveling with children or prioritizing winter driving safety, the extra protection from 4WD is quite useful. However, remember to pair it with good tires, such as winter tires, to truly maximize its effectiveness. Relying solely on the 4WD system still has limitations in extreme weather conditions.
