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GMC Acadia - FWD vs. AWD

8 messages,  Last post on May 27, 2009 at 7:40 AM

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#1 of 8 GMC Acadia - FWD vs. AWD by jaweichert Mar 03, 2008 (11:42 am)
I'm looking to purchase an Acadia in the upcoming months. However, I'm torn between buying the FWD version, or the AWD version. I live in MN, so there is definitely snow. However, I currently drive a FWD car, and find getting around to be relatively easy for the most part. I'm not planning on going "off-road" and figure if the roads are that bad, even AWD isn't going to be the "cure-all."   That being said, I'm also looking at the fact that the AWD is ~$3,000 more, and takes your gas mileage down 2 or 3 mpg.   My question is, does anyone live in the an area with lots of snow, and has a FWD model. What are you thoughts - happy with it or wish you would've gotten AWD?   Any input on AWD vs. FWD is greatly appreciated, thanks! Replies to this message: shoeymis (Mar 03, 2008 12:04 pm) dtroiter (Mar 10, 2008 4:06 am) nhskibum (Mar 25, 2008 4:31 am) niksmom630 (Mar 27, 2008 11:19 am) manny20 (Jan 19, 2009 5:43 am)
#2 of 8 Re: GMC Acadia - FWD vs. AWD [jaweichert] by shoeymis Mar 03, 2008 (12:04 pm)
Replying to: jaweichert (Mar 03, 2008 11:42 am) Well I live in Wisconsin and we opted for the AWD version (SLT1). If I understand correctly the AWD is on an "as needed" basis in this vehicle. So if you start to slip it kicks in.   There are pretty much 3 reasons we opted for AWD. The street we live on is pretty quiet so it is one of the last to get plowed after it snows. We own a 19 foot boat and sometimes the landings can get pretty slippery. This is also my wife's vehicle and she carts around 3 kids in car seats, so going for AWD was definitely a piece of mind thing.   We probably could have gotten away with a FWD version (we also own a FWD car) so I guess for us it was pretty much just a personal preference.
#3 of 8 Re: GMC Acadia - FWD vs. AWD [jaweichert] by dtroiter Mar 10, 2008 (4:06 am)
Replying to: jaweichert (Mar 03, 2008 11:42 am) We purchased a FWD Outlook XR last year in February, so we have basically two winters worth of driving with this one being a lot of snow (we live in Detroit). The car handles great through the snow, no problems whatsoever. I personally do not see the need for AWD, we were able to add some other features for the price of AWD. i'm sure AWD handles snowy weather better, but IMO it wasn't worth the price and defnitely isn't needed on the vehicle to handle 98% of people's daily drives.
#4 of 8 Re: GMC Acadia - FWD vs. AWD [jaweichert] by nhskibum Mar 25, 2008 (4:31 am)
Replying to: jaweichert (Mar 03, 2008 11:42 am) I live in NH, fairly similar weather to you in MN. I do a fair amount of driving in the winter (we ski). I currently have a Subaru Outback (AWD) and the wife has a VW Passat (FWD).   I will never again buy a FWD or 4WD vehicle, unless I have to. Our driveway is on a slight incline and if there is 1/2" of snow on it, my wife can't get up. I've never had an issue in the Subaru.   Now I know that the drivers in the NE are 1000 times worse than in MN, but the AWD on my Subbie has saved me from accidents at least 10 times, wet and dry pavement alike. Not even to mention the on snow performance.   The safety in increased handling ability that AWD provides alone, particularly in a large, heavy vehicle like an Acadia, to me is worth every penny. If I have to take evasive action on a highway to avoid someone who isn't paying attention, I want all 4 wheels driving me.
#5 of 8 Re: GMC Acadia - FWD vs. AWD [jaweichert] by niksmom630 Mar 27, 2008 (11:19 am)
Replying to: jaweichert (Mar 03, 2008 11:42 am) I have the FWD Acadia and live in Chicago--have driven in several snow storms, and control and traction seem fairly good--have not missed my old AWD Bravada. Replies to this message: manny20 (Jan 19, 2009 5:43 am)
#6 of 8 Re: GMC Acadia - FWD vs. AWD [niksmom630] by manny20 Jan 19, 2009 (5:43 am)
Replying to: niksmom630 (Mar 27, 2008 11:19 am) Nothing worst that the snow in Canada ! I have a Surburban 4wd, and the Acadia FWD. I can tell you that driving in the roads, this FWD is awsome. I bought the Acadian to replace the Uplander Van I had (could not drive in the snow).   Getting out of the drive way might be a challange in a foot of snow, but thats what the Surburban is for.   I would not replace a 4WD and expect a FWD to do the job. But this Acadia FWD is surely a great unit in the snow.
#7 of 8 FWD vs AWD by nposaver May 27, 2009 (6:51 am)
A FWD vehicle, be it the Arcadia or any SUV, ALL now have Traction Control and Anti-Lock Brakes on ALL their Front Drive Wheel vehicles, which means, that when ONE Front Wheel slips the other Front Wheel will continue to drive the vehicle.   According to the auto makers, on an AWD vehicle, the Front Wheels still drive the car MOST OF THE TIME, and the torgue or power to the Front Wheels will ONLY AUTOMATICALLY BE SHIFTED to the Rear Wheels WHEN BOTH Front Wheels begin to slip. Does anyone know HOW OFTEN does that take place???   In my opinion, NOT VERY OFTEN, IF AT ALL. The security we all want to feel in our SUV's is that when needed, ALL FOUR WHEELS will give us the proper traction on the road we need to avoid a skid or spin out on packed snow, wet or icy pavement.   AWD gives us a VERY FALSE sense of security since we believe we can drive the same way on packed snow, wet and icy pavement as we do on dry pavement. THIS IS NOT SO and its dangerous to think that way and drive that way. Having AWD is truly no substitute for carefully and prudent driving. I have opted for a FWD since I am a cautious driver who had two major spin outs with RWD vehicles and don't feel I need to have an AWD to give me a false sense of reckles security. I believe BOTH of the front wheels will never slip at the same time BECAUSE OF TRACTION CONTROL and that the FWD will be more than adequate to handle my driving needs.   NOW WHAT DO YOU THINK? I WELCOME YOUR COMMENTS. Replies to this message: steve_ (May 27, 2009 7:40 am)
#8 of 8 Re: FWD vs AWD [nposaver] by steve_ HOST May 27, 2009 (7:40 am)
Replying to: nposaver (May 27, 2009 6:51 am) You may enjoy a cruise through the 4WD & AWD systems explained discussion.   The FWD, AWD, RWD and the Luxury Performance Sedans is another that may target your concerns more closely, even though they aren't talking SUVs.

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