Tips on Buying Cars: SUV vs. car, jeep grand cherokee, slippery road conditions

Question
Hi,
I’m looking to buy a pre-owned vehicle for myself. I’m 23 and still live with my parents. My father is set on me getting an SUV because of the 4 wheel drive and we live on a hill. He thinks it’ll be good for winter with the snow. I’ve heard that 4 wheel drive doesn’t make a different and that I could get an all wheel drive car. I was something that fuel efficient because of the price of gas. Does the 4 wheel drive and all wheel drive really make a difference? What do you think?

Thanks,
Ashley

Answer
There's a lot of "overlap" and gray area when it comes to the differences between four-wheel-drive (4WD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD).  4WD came first, and used to refer to a vehicle that operated in two-wheel-drive most of the time, but could be switched to 4WD for off-road use only.  4WD has been greatly refined over the years, and each auto manufacturer seems to have their own version of it.  Some companies still offer the older systems, which is referred to as part-time 4WD, while others have developed full-time 4WD, in which the vehicle operates in 4WD all the time (no levers to pull, no buttons to push).  This setup can be less complex, but is also less fuel-efficient in that all 4 wheels are getting power, even when that's unnecessary.

AWD was developed a few years ago, primarily for on-road cars.  It provides maximum traction all the time, but really isn't suited for off-road use; in that case, 4WD is usually considered to be a better setup.  BUT- some companies offer an AWD system that works very well off-road, it just depends on the system.  For example, Audi's AWD is an on-road system, but Ford Explorer's and Jeep Grand Cherokee's AWD systems are for use on or off-road.  And some AWD systems are more fuel-efficient than others, especially those that are primarily front-wheel-drive, but can switch power to the rear wheels automatically when it's needed due to slippery road conditions.  You have to research the brands you're considering to determine which one's best for you.  But I can tell you this, having grown up in a hilly town that gets more snow than any other city in America (Syracuse, NY):  4WD or AWD is SUPERIOR in getting up or down a hill than just two-wheel-drive.  Subaru (who sells nothing but AWD vehicles in the U.S.) sells more Subarus in Central and Western New York State than any other area of the country.  In fact, their number two region in sales doesn't even come close!