New car- To AWD or not to AWD

[Ralphie]

I drive all over western Wyoming all year, mostly in a fwd corolla. Studded snow tires are a game changer. For on road winter driving fwd with studded tires is better than just about anything with regular tires. I agree with the post above that said for where you’ll be and given it’s a mini van fwd with serious snow tires will be great. I live pretty rural and my wife drives an awd suv with studded tires in the winter and that is an awesome combination.

 

[Matt W.]

Lived in AK for 12 years, first 4 had a FWD SUV, then upgraded to the Sienna AWD for the last 8. With snow tires that thing did really well. Biggest complaint was ground clearance, if the plows don't come it is easy to get high centered when the snow compacts under the vehicle in deep stuff. We run a separate set of studless snow tires, and still do even here in N. Idaho.

 

[Islanderflyer]

Mini vans with just front wheel drive are terrible in snow. We had to sell our honda mini van even after putting snow tires on it. Theres just too much weight over the back tires for front wheel drive.

 

[flatlanderhuffandpuff]

Minivans are the best! Id rather drive it than most trucks.

I drive my wifes when she doesn't need it. It does seem to have some traction issues but for our occasional snow storms it's manageable.

If I lived somewhere with frequent snow I'd get AWD.

 

[Matt W.]

The Sienna has been the only AWD minvan for a while... Nice to see some more options...

2021 Chrysler Pacifica: Minivan’s updates include all-wheel drive option, new infotainment wizardry

Being the people hauler it is, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica seems sympathetic to the idea that mom and dad, on a long, hectic, kid-centric family road trip, may occasionally feel

www.stltoday.com

2024 Chrysler Pacifica | America's Most Awarded AWD Minivan

Explore the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica minivan with available all-wheel drive, 7-passenger seating, safety and security features, and buy online today.

www.chrysler.com

The funny thing about the Sienna is the lift kits.. Wouldn't mind another inch or two of clearance, but a lift kit on a mini van is a bit much for this guy! : )

Toyota Sienna

Journeys Off Road - Toyota Sienna Lift Kits and Accessories.

www.journeysoffroad.com

This van from Nissan is interesting,

Nissan NV Passenger 12-Seat Van (NV3500) | Nissan USA

The Nissan NV Passenger van is no longer in production, but you can still experience two of Nissan's full-size 8-seat SUVs: the Pathfinder & Armada.

www.nissanusa.com

Even more so after these guys tweak it.. : )

Nissan 4x4 Van Conversion - Advanced 4X4 Vans

Do you need a Nissan 4x4 van conversion? Our 40 years of experience lets us create a reliable Nissan 4x4 van for individuals and dealers all over the world.

advanced4x4vans.com

 

[jfs82]

I think I'll be giving a go to a Rav4 hybrid awd, likely to lift in 2 inches and put new tires on it. Actually considering just getting a full second set of wheels with better tires for snow/trails and just switching them depending on in town in CA vs out hunting/camping/fishing.

 

[darcytribe]

They sell lift kits for rav 4 and siennas?

 

[TheCougar]

I ended up going with a FWD model. Sounds like good snow tires is more important than AWD, plus there wasn’t an AWD model within 1000 miles of me, or $2000 of my budget.