Opinions on AWD vs 2WD truck for dry and wet traction (ie no snow)?

[David]

I'm starting to look for a new truck to replace my '01 Silverado and I'm leaning towards a GMC Sierra Denali.

I've never owned a 4WD anything, but it seems like the traction off the line (the Denali has 403 hp) and in wet conditions (Houston gets plenty of rain) would be much better with the Denali AWD system. The drawback being weight, gas mileage, and perhaps more understeer. I tend to drive very aggresive in all my cars so handling is my biggest concern in the AWD vs 2WD debate.

Anyone in Pelicanland care to share their opinion?

[onewhippedpuppy]

David, I would say that your biggest concerns, aren't really a concern. For weight, compared to the overall weight of the truck, the additional weight of the AWD system is negligable. Gas mileage, normally the AWD versions of similar trucks take a 1 MPG hit or so. Again, not major. Understeer......it's a truck. It will handle like a pig regardless.

I had the opportunity to compare my Silverado and a Sierra Denali that my wife had as a loaner while her SRX was in the shop. The Denali had a LOT more power than my 5.3 Silverado, higher ride height (obviously), less accurate steering (2wd has rack and pinion), and a bit more body roll. Unlike my Silverado, I couldn't get the Denali to spin it's tires from a stop(I tried). The Denali was a very nice truck, the perks more than made up for the negatives.

The only concern I ever have with AWD vehicles is the additional stuff that can break. Otherwise, I think it's a bit of a wash. Around here with our snow and ice, I won't buy my wife a 2wd SUV. Personally I've never had trouble with a 2wd truck in the rain, but if it's a concern of yours you can't go too wrong with the Denali.

[stomachmonkey]

Having lived in the N East for many years AWD and 4WD vehicles are common.

Based on what you said re your aggressive driving style I would stick with 2 WD.

Rationale, you know traction is limited.

Back in NY whenever we got hit with weather it was mostly the idiots in 4 x's that had accidents because they had a false sense of security.

I have found the roads down here in TX are very slick when wet, they actually feel like an icy road back East.

Get too aggressive in those kinds of conditions in a big heavy vehicle with a high center of gravity and you are in for a world of hurt .

They provide better traction, up to a point. They are not immune to losing traction. And the higher the rate of speed when it does lose it, the worse the outcome is going to be.

[legion]

I opted not to get 4WD on my Silverado. The hit was more like 2-3 mpg due to the lower gearing in the 4WD rear differential.

Besides, I'd only use it once or twice a year when we get 4+ inches of snow.

4WD for rain is completely unnecessary IMO.

[lendaddy]

Originally Posted by 125shifter

I'm starting to look for a new truck to replace my '01 Silverado and I'm leaning towards a GMC Sierra Denali.

I've never owned a 4WD anything, but it seems like the traction off the line (the Denali has 403 hp) and in wet conditions (Houston gets plenty of rain) would be much better with the Denali AWD system. The drawback being weight, gas mileage, and perhaps more understeer. I tend to drive very aggresive in all my cars so handling is my biggest concern in the AWD vs 2WD debate.

Anyone in Pelicanland care to share their opinion?

Pointless for the rain, it's a snow/off road thing. You won't have traction problems in the wet with 2WD.

If you however live in the north 4WD (not AWD) is a great thing. I can't see the logic in under equipping myself for fear I might be an idiot and drive too fast. Might as well sell the Porsche on the same logic.

Here in West Michigan we are buried in snow all winter and without a doubt it is NOT the 4WD vehicles causing the problems. But then we are used to the weather.

[lendaddy]

I will expand on the 4WD vs AWD thing. Obvious is the mileage difference but more importantly to me is the delay to engagement on the domestic AWD systems. They wait for slippage then "clunk" in while spinning. This can be really bad if you're pulling out at an intersection or something. If the road is bad just lock it in 4wd.

Now my old Range Rover had an AWESOME AWD system that really was always on and that is a different story (save for lost mileage).

[Tim Hancock]

Originally Posted by 125shifter

I'm starting to look for a new truck to replace my '01 Silverado and I'm leaning towards a GMC Sierra Denali.

I've never owned a 4WD anything, but it seems like the traction off the line (the Denali has 403 hp) and in wet conditions (Houston gets plenty of rain) would be much better with the Denali AWD system. The drawback being weight, gas mileage, and perhaps more understeer. I tend to drive very aggresive in all my cars so handling is my biggest concern in the AWD vs 2WD debate.

Anyone in Pelicanland care to share their opinion?

No snow or off-roading and you are thinking of going 4x4? Seems like a no brainer to me.

To each there own, but I would be looking at Toyota unless my truck was a work truck and daily loaded down with construction materials.


Just MY "opinion"

[gr8fl4porsche]

Originally Posted by lendaddy

I will expand on the 4WD vs AWD thing. Obvious is the mileage difference but more importantly to me is the delay to engagement on the domestic AWD systems. They wait for slippage then "clunk" in while spinning. This can be really bad if you're pulling out at an intersection or something. If the road is bad just lock it in 4wd.

Now my old Range Rover had an AWESOME AWD system that really was always on and that is a different story (save for lost mileage).

I have the AWD V8 Mountaineer and its full time AWD. More to the rears than the fronts but I don't know the ratio. Never any wheel spin unless you want it to. Awesome traction in the wet and snow. No clunking like the 4WD systems in my previous trucks that had the spin sensors.

I will not buy a non AWD truck ever again. Once you get used to them its hard to go back. I do pay about a 1mpg penalty. The transfer case shot craps at a little over 100,000 miles. The V8 is also the way to go if you need torque and power to make you happy.

There is nothing sporty about the average Sport Utility Vehicle.

[NICKG]

if rain is a traction concern...god forbid you come north. awd or 4wd is a waste of $$ in warm places unless you off road, the 4wd is the way..NOT awd

[stomachmonkey]

Len,

2 of my 4 cars are 4wd.

I prefer to equip myself appropriately, same as you.

Shifter stated he likes to drive aggressively.

There is a time and place for everything.

Back east I saw way too many idiots think that they were invincible in their AWD/4WD's.

They would drive the same if not worse in 3 inches of snow as they did in optimal conditions.

They were a hazard to themselves and put everyone else at risk with their ignorant selfish delusions of invincibility.

I prefer NOT to share the road with people like that.

My point is it is not a replacement for sensible driving.

[Tim Hancock]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

Len,

2 of my 4 cars are 4wd.

I prefer to equip myself appropriately, same as you.

Shifter stated he likes to drive aggressively.

There is a time and place for everything.

Back east I saw way too many idiots think that they were invincible in their AWD/4WD's.

They would drive the same if not worse in 3 inches of snow as they did in optimal conditions.

They were a hazard to themselves and put everyone else at risk with their ignorant selfish delusions of invincibility.

I prefer NOT to share the road with people like that.

My point is it is not a replacement for sensible driving.

Ha....that sounds like me, I drive the speed limit in snow whether I am in a 4x4 or sports car until I get to civilization where some douchebags drive 40 mph on the highway when it is sprinkling rain. I am invincable until I come up on some dingbat driving 25 mph in 1 inch of fresh snow with both hands stuck to the wheel like a tongue to a sled in the middle of a blizzard

I fit right in when driving in northern Michigan where people realize that cars can safely navigate 1" of snow at more than 25 mph.

PS, at 41 yrs of age, other than rolling a beetle in highschool, I have NEVER wrecked a car driving in the winter.

[911Rob]

Then there's the AWD twin turbo Porsche version too.........




My H1 is also an AWD/4x4
My wifes Rendevous is an AWD
My previous Suburban had an AWD mode

We drive in both snow and rain. Love the feature and so will you!
Sorry, I don't know what the gas mileage differences are?

Good Luck with your purchase you road warrior you

[onewhippedpuppy]

Damn it Rob, I hate you!

Actually, I love you. Can I have your car?

[gprsh924]

Rob, slap some snow tires on there and you've got a great ski lift.

[RANDY P]

Your gas mileage is going to be 12-15ish consistently with that rig- can get kind painful around town.

the AWD system makes it damn hard to spin anywhere, even wet. It's also very reliable - guys supercharge / turbocharge earlier versions with zero issues. You won't forget it's a truck you're driving but the butt stays planted pretty good when you're throwing them around. Very carlike.

I know what everyone means about the driveline lash - my AWD system doesn't do that at all - pick one that doesn't.

rjp

[David]

I just drove an AWD Denali. It drove OK although it feels a lot heavier than my '01. I was leaning toward the AWD so I didn't bother with the 2WD, but after reading some comments here I guess I should have.

I didn't know the AWD didn't have rack & pinion, that's definently a plus for 2WD.

The only time I'd probably need AWD in the rain is when I'm driving like a 16yo which as a 40yo I shouldn't be doing anyway

I tried close to full throttle on a left turn from a stop sign the AWD gripped well. I couldn't feel traction control, it just seemed to grip well. While my truck would have been sideways doing the same thing, I think my truck feels better. Maybe it's the 1000 extra pounds that the Denali has.

As for the Toyota, mechanically it's pretty good (except for maybe the no limited slip), but the exterior and interior design really turns me off.

I'd prefer a Chevy with the 6.0 engine with active fuel management AND the 6 speed transmission, but it sounds like that won't be available for a year or two.

[onewhippedpuppy]

David, the rack and pinion may have changed in the newer models, but that's how it used to be a few years ago.

[CurtEgerer]

No snow? Probably not worth it. However, AWD has a substantial advantage in the rain - primarily when hitting puddles, etc. AWD tends to plow right through where the front tires will hydoplane in a rear wheel drive truck.

Tim - I just got in from a run up and back to Northern Mich this morning .... at one point, there were 4 of us traveling on hardpack snow at around 80-85MPH No traffic around to speak of and we spaced ourselves out pretty good. Just need to keep a sharp eye out for salt trucks and seniors in the Crown Vics moving at 25MPH. Thank god for quattros .....

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

David, the rack and pinion may have changed in the newer models, but that's how it used to be a few years ago.

The Sierra Denali has rack and pinion steering, as do all GMT900 vehicles. Doesn't matter which powertrain or 4x2/4x4/AWD

[pwd72s]

A little 4X4 pickemup in snow video...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxQhuwMNOVs#

A log truck driver here once departed this wisdom: "Four wheel drive is great for getting you further from help before you get stuck." This was demonstrated to me by my best buddy after I got my power wagon. He & I were on a hunting trip, an area known as "swamp mountain"...I crested the top of a logging road, only to get BURIED in a mud hole on the other side. We were 20 miles from the nearest paved road. David let me sweat and stew for the better part of an hour...just as I was about to walk out, he laughed, pulled out his logging company's hand held radio, and talked to his brother...who'd been waiting with a skidder about 1/2 mile away...Yep, much laughter as the skidder pulled me out of the hole. I guess I deserved it...