Is a 2 wheel drive good enough for snow driving in new england. Am i better off with a 4WD SUV?

Question

I am looking at Toyota RAV4 and Jeep Liberty

Answer 1

I own a 94 Civic (front wheel drive) and Audi A4 quattro (4WD). I live in NYC.

For the most part I can do well with front wheel drive. For the most part if the streets are "cleared" or salted (flat road) it makes no difference. But the 4WD makes tremendous difference in raw snow. My garage has 30 degree up ramp. And the land lord is always lazy in clearing the ramp of snow. The 4WD can climb that kind of up hill (with about 6 inches of snow) EVERY EASILY. Other drivers (who share the driveway) end up sliding backwards, and even end up hitting the wall trying to climb.

Last winter my Civic got stuck in the snow (about 3 inch high) and it was just hopeless. So the 2WD (or front wheel drive) is good MOST of the time. But when you NEED AWD, there is no substitute.
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Just remember this: AWD is NOT safer. It just keeps you from getting stuck in the snow. The safe factor comes from ABS brakes (and that's the same no matter what car you drive). Last winter the local news channel did a story that more SUV has been getting into snow accidents because the drivers thought the SUV were safer. Just as the report was talking a SUV spun out in the background.

Drive Safe.

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Answer 2

Try to get something with some ground clearance and front wheel drive and use snow tires. You really won't need 4wd.

Remember, 4wd will get you into a lot of trouble if you're not careful. You still see plenty of 4wd SUVs and trucks stuck in the snow or spun off of the highway.

People are often more arrogant when they have 4wd. they say: I can make it through that 5 foot snow drift or I can go 60 miles an hour on ice. People with 2wd are more likely to be a bit more cautious.

And finally, if your choice is between a Toyota or a NEW Jeep, go with the Toyota. Better quality, better resale value. Rated much better by Consumer Reports.

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Is a 2 wheel drive good enough for snow driving in new england. Am i better off with a 4WD SUV?
I am looking at Toyota RAV4 and Jeep Liberty

Answer 4

Where in New England? If it's hilly, I'd think hard about 4WD or AWD. I live in Michigan, and while we get decent snow most years, it's pretty flat right here. I can get by with 2WD most times. Last winter there was only 1-2 times when I really could have used 4WD, but I got through with a 2WD light pickup.

But if you'll have kids in the car, I'd really look hard at the RAV4. The extra traction and utility might make the difference, especially in hilly country or on side roads.

Answer 5

Both good choices, the best part of 4WD is that the front wheels are driven, a majority of the cars weight is over the front wheels so front wheel drive gives better traction without the gas mileage penalties with 4WD.
4WD is superior in snow of course, but front wheel drive is very good and remember how often during the year do you drive in snow?
Whenever you re not, you re still paying for the 4WD

Answer 6

I do not know about New England but I live in Canada in 'a snow belt area' ( we get a LOT of snow). I have never needed a 4WD R U really concerned about the snow or do U just want an excuse to drive a big SUV?

Answer 7

It will help if you will be driving though deep snow or unplowed roads. Don't expect the 4x4 to stop faster on ice though. I live in central Canada and I drive a 2 wheel drive car and I have no problems until I have to get out of the drive!

Answer 8

I have a 2003 Rav 4 ( 4x4 ) and its great in the snow. I get 21mpg driving local and 27 on the hwy. Four years of hassle free driving. 63,000 miles and one set of tires and one set of brakes and nothing else. p.s. bhappy / a Rav4 is not a big SUV

Answer 9

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Answer 10

Certainly you are jesting, I would go with a 4 wheel drive, I would also find something that has a bigger engine like a small v8. I know the jeep will have 3.7 liter v6, I don't know about the yota.