Vulcanoid

Mileage difference is true, but can you not turn the AWD off to avoid that? My truck is normally driven in RWD for highway, and then when I'm headed down forest service roads with ruts the size of a wheel, or heading into snow, I just turn a switch and it goes into 4x4. Back on asphalt, switch back to RWD.

caretaker

That saves wear and tear, but the extra weight and profile of the front differential is still there (not sure if that counts for anything). At least now a lot of 4WD are somewhat aerodynamic and not all boxy.

raindropsandroses

Yes precisely, as Caretaker says, its not just the mpg whilst AWD is actually switched on.

There is also the higher maintenance costs of AWD vehicles, which comes into play if you keep your vehicles for a while, or buy older vehicles.

raindropsandroses

This is a good article explaining why AWD isn't always what people think, and the article words it better than my tired brain can!


https://www.theglobeandmail.com/glob...ticle26902236/