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4WD or 2WD Toyota RAV4

7 messages,  Last post on Jan 08, 2010 at 1:55 PM

You are in the Toyota RAV4 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Toyota RAV4, Car Comparisons, SUV

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#1 of 7 4WD vs 2WD by bdvance1

Apr 14, 2009 (5:27 am)

Looking at a used (2004) RAV4. Great little cars (suv) but am wondering if a 2WD will work well enough. We live in Iowa, lots of snow....but have always had front wheel drive cars (accords, camrys, nissan) and normally get around just fine. Hate to spend the extra on 4WD if a 2WD will suffice?

#2 of 7 Re: 4WD vs 2WD [bdvance1] by wwest

Apr 15, 2009 (10:01 am)

Replying to: bdvance1 (Apr 14, 2009 5:27 am)
Personally I will NEVER understand why anyone with the clear and certain expectation of driving on wintertime adverse roadbed conditions would purchase ANY FWD vehicle, especially an "SUV".
 
I would look first for a much more safe RWD or R/awd but if you must buy a RAV4 then the F/awd is a "given".

#3 of 7 Re: 4WD vs 2WD [wwest] by steve_ HOST

Apr 15, 2009 (11:38 am)

Replying to: wwest (Apr 15, 2009 10:01 am)
I wouldn't want to go back to RWD in the snow unless it worked as good as my '70's era VW Bug.
 
The problem with AWD or 4WD is the mileage hit. And I've always had good luck with my FWD in most snow conditions.

#4 of 7 Re: 4WD vs 2WD [wwest] by nimimi

Apr 15, 2009 (12:33 pm)

Replying to: wwest (Apr 15, 2009 10:01 am)
The chief advantage I see for having 4WD/AWD is that the WSP will allow you to cross the passes without chaining up when the "Chains Required" sign is alight.

#5 of 7 Re: 4WD vs 2WD [nimimi] by wwest

Apr 15, 2009 (8:35 pm)

Replying to: nimimi (Apr 15, 2009 12:33 pm)
And you won't find me doing anything at those times but putting tire chains on my rear wheels. I would NEVER run in those conditions in 4WD/AWD locked center differential, just as dangerous as even FWD.

#7 of 7 2009 Toyota RAV4, 4WD vs. 2WD by cma6

Jan 08, 2010 (1:55 pm)

The 2WD, is it front or rear WD?
 
   Also, in snow country like NH, would 4WD be overkill, e.g,, is the 2WD a hybrid system which already gives 4WD when necessary?

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