I'm looking into getting a CX-9in San Diego. AWD vs FWD?

[eifer]

I'll rarely ever be driving in bad weather or on unpaved roads, so is there any reason to get AWD? I've read a few reviews that indicate the car drives better in its AWD form due to the amount of torque it has. Is this a big difference, or are they nitpicking?

 

[norsairius]

It'll be nice when it rains or if you happen to go somewhere with worse roads/weather, but otherwise the AWD system runs in (mostly) FWD mode until power is needed at the rear wheels (default split is 98-99% power to the front wheels, 1-2% to the rear).

Considering your location, I'm assuming FWD will be fine. Heck, FWD would be fine even in places it snows as long as the driver has some common sense and decent tires. AWD is really nice to have in situations where it can help though. That said, I haven't really had many opportunities to test out Mazda's AWD system and I've noticed some slippage at the front wheels and torque steer despite my CX-9 being AWD. I have noticed it transferring power to the rear wheels at times though and it's been nice.

Mazda's AWD system isn't as good as full-time AWD systems (like BMW's xDrive) in daily driving/slipper situations, but it's better than the "real time" systems like the one in the Honda CR-V. Again, just my opinion and based on my own experience. I am curious to see how my CX-9 does when we get some snow up here though, at which point I'll have a more informed opinion.

 

[deepfriedsushi]

I live in San Diego and had the same dilemma. Ended up going with fwd and after owning the car for half a year, I think I made the right decision. My wife getting an avg of 24mpg commuting from Mira Mesa to Carlsbad doesn't hurt either. 19-20mpg in more city driving.

You have to get on the gas very hard in order to get some type of torque steer or wheel slippage. In normal driving, you don't notice it at all. Once you get rolling, the power delivery is fantastic and the engine handles the hills impressively.

Take a test drive yourself and try being aggressive with the throttle and see if the fwd behavior is acceptable to you.

 

[Srad600]

(iagree) Take a pair of test drives, hit the gas hard a few times on some of the steeper hills and by the end, you'll know which car works best for you. Although I got an AWD (mostly for trips to the snow/desert) I've had many FWD cars (even a few RWD) and they all perform well on dry pavement. The mileage tax isn't bad at all with the AWD, so don't let that sway you.

 

[forties]

Fwd.

 

[Humid Hummus]

FWD with good tires > AWD with generic tires

If you don't drive aggressively (ie. take off fast from a stoplight or take corners like a rally-driver) then go for FWD. It'll save you some gas.

 

[SDL]

I'll rarely ever be driving in bad weather or on unpaved roads, so is there any reason to get AWD? I've read a few reviews that indicate the car drives better in its AWD form due to the amount of torque it has. Is this a big difference, or are they nitpicking?

Also in SD and haven't had any issues with my FWD. It handles very well and I haven't had any tire slippage except in a couple occasions where I unintentionally hit the gas a bit too hard while turning from a stop. It handles hills well. I have to say though I drove in the desert with a rented Chevy and I was glad it had AWD as it prevented me from being stuck in the sand after stopping for a picture.

 

[dougal]

FWD. San Diego has very consistent weather. I think the AWD might help you out in 1 or 2 situations in 5 years. Unless you are set on the Signature model, I would get the FWD.

 

[tex2670]

I'll rarely ever be driving in bad weather or on unpaved roads, so is there any reason to get AWD? I've read a few reviews that indicate the car drives better in its AWD form due to the amount of torque it has. Is this a big difference, or are they nitpicking?

I can't see any value in AWD for an SUV in San Diego.