I’ve got a 2024 hybrid XLT on order with a build date in late September. Now I’m second-guessing and thinking about switching to AWD. Is it really worth the extra $2220?
If you’re not sure, you probably don’t need it.
Payne said:
If you’re not sure, you probably don’t need it.
When I’m not sure about a big purchase, I wait a week. If I forget about it, then I didn’t need it.
I don’t think AWD is necessary unless you’re in tough conditions.
Lyle said:
I don’t think AWD is necessary unless you’re in tough conditions.
How often do you think AWD would even kick in? Does it really make that much of a difference for safety?
@Arden
I had an AWD vehicle (not a Maverick), and I don’t think it ever engaged. It just burned more gas than the FWD version. But if you’re in snowy or unpaved areas, AWD can help.
Taylor said:
@Arden
I had an AWD vehicle (not a Maverick), and I don’t think it ever engaged. It just burned more gas than the FWD version. But if you’re in snowy or unpaved areas, AWD can help.
Good point about fuel use.
@Arden
The difference is tiny. My AWD with the tow package has hit 35 mpg over 500 miles before.
Rye said:
@Arden
The difference is tiny. My AWD with the tow package has hit 35 mpg over 500 miles before.
That’s good to know, thanks!
Lyle said:
I don’t think AWD is necessary unless you’re in tough conditions.
How does your FWD handle heavy rain?
Lyle said:
I don’t think AWD is necessary unless you’re in tough conditions.
How does your FWD handle heavy rain?
FWD works fine in most rain as long as you’re not doing anything extreme.
@Lyle
I grew up in New England, and FWD is fine even in snow most of the time.
@Lyle
Thanks for sharing!
Lyle said:
I don’t think AWD is necessary unless you’re in tough conditions.
How does your FWD handle heavy rain?
We get 8 months of winter, and FWD with snow tires works great here. If conditions are bad enough for AWD, nobody should be driving anyway.
Lyle said:
I don’t think AWD is necessary unless you’re in tough conditions.
How does your FWD handle heavy rain?
FWD handles rain just fine. The stock tires aren’t amazing, but they’re okay. If you accelerate hard in standing water, you might get some wheel spin, but better tires fix that.
@Taylor
Thanks, that’s helpful!
I went for AWD not because I needed it, but for the independent rear suspension (IRS). It handles bumps better than the torsion beam rear suspension on FWD models. For me, that made a big difference.
Barrett said:
I went for AWD not because I needed it, but for the independent rear suspension (IRS). It handles bumps better than the torsion beam rear suspension on FWD models. For me, that made a big difference.
I didn’t know about that! Thanks for explaining.
Barrett said:
I went for AWD not because I needed it, but for the independent rear suspension (IRS). It handles bumps better than the torsion beam rear suspension on FWD models. For me, that made a big difference.
Do you really notice a difference?
@Lyle
Definitely. I’ve driven vehicles with torsion beams and IRS before, and IRS is much smoother.