What is the best 4X4 or AWD system for snowy weather?

Answer 1

First, good tires are the number one consideration when driving on ice and snow. The second consideration is the motor power or 4x4 drive system.

I personally think that the handling and grip of 2WD (two wheel drive) cars, when equipped with good snow tires, are no worse than any 4WD SUV. I have seen many examples of 2WD cars with snow tires climbing an icy hill that causes a 4WD SUV without snow tires to slip.

Not all winter tires have good performance on snow and ice. Some winter tires are very good in cold weather and rain, while other winter tires give exceptional grip on ice and snow.

You need to choose between terrain drivable 4WD and city drivable AWD. Although there are many subcategories and different implementation techniques of both types, these are the main categories when choosing a vehicle. So, to simplify the question: Are you driving mostly off-road or mostly in the city?

Simple explanation of 4WD and AWD systems:

Basically, 4WD systems are mostly a mechanical center box distributing power to front and rear axles equally. There are versions of 4WD systems that distribute a different percentage of power to the required axles when one axle slips. These systems are used on "real" off-road trucks and vehicles. In general 4WD, when coupled with electronic controls on each wheel, is a more robust and powerful system for traction on mud or snow. But keep in mind that driving on asphalt, high speed turns, and maneuvering in the city kill 4WD mechanics and damage their tires. They are "kill me or drive me mostly on terrain" systems. There are versions of 4WD that make it more flexible for city use, but these exchange great traction capabilities. (Audi Q series are known examples of the worst modification to the 4WD system, as shown on YouTube videos)

On the other hand, AWD is designed primarily for city drivers. There is no center box. Instead there are electronically driven hydraulic clutches on the rear and/or the front axles that distribute power as it is needed. The computer decides. These may not be powerful as 4WD on rough terrain, but are certainly quicker in reaction. On the other hand they are a pleasure to drive in city and on slight off-roads, and have no problems on high speed turns. AWD is also useful on mud and snow. When driving AWD in off-road and very slippery conditions, you just need to know a few techniques and must have off-road tires, not high-performance city tires.

Most luxury SUV drivers fail on muddy terrain and then complain about the AWD system, just because they drive with the stock city tires that come with their vehicles! On the other hand, most 4WD terrain vehicles are sold with off-road tires! That makes a lot of difference.

Without proper ice and snow tires, all driving systems can fail in icy slippery roads!

Example of vehicles using 4WD, mechanical lock:

(mostly good traction on ice & snow)

Land Rover Defender, Discovery

Range Rover

Jeep Grand Cherokee, Commander

Ford Explorer, Expedition

Mercedes GL, G

Lexus RX300 Lincoln Navigator

Mitsubishi Pajero

Suzuki Grand Vitara, Escudo

Subaru

Toyota Land cruiser, Highlander, Sequoia

Example of vehicles using 4WD modified (Torsion differential)

(mostly worst traction on ice and mud):

Alfa Romeo Q4 series

Audi A series

Audi Q series

Bentley

Chevrolet Trailblazer

Lexus GX470

Toyota 4runner, cruiser, hilux

Example of vehicles using AWD

(mostly acceptable traction on ice and mud):

Audi A3, TT, R8

BMW X series

Chevrolet Equinox

Chrysler Pacifica

Dodge Nitro, Caliber

Ford Fusion, Escape

Honda CR-V, HR-V

Hyundai Santa-Fe, Tucson, Veracruz

Infiniti G, M

Land Rover Freelander 2

Mazda CX

Mitsubishi Outlander

Porsche 911

Subaru Legacy, Outback, Forester

Suzuki SX, XL

Toyota RAV4

Volvo S, V, XC series

Today's most advanced and recent AWD system for me is the Halldex 4th generation which is used in Volvo XC60 and Saab models.

I have Volvo (Swedish) XC90 (AWD Halldex 2nd gen) and I use Nokian (Finnish) WR G2 (This is a good combination as both nation have to live with snow all the time, they design best snow tires & vehicles, IMHO!)

My other choices would be BMW (German) X series or Mitsubishi (Japan),

for tires; Pirelli (Italian) scorpion ice&snow or Bridgestone (Japan) Blizzak.