We currently run two AWD SUVs - a 6 year old IX35 and a 2 year old Sorrento.
I chose to buy a 4WD whne we moved to our current property in 2013 as we are at the end of a 1/2 mile long farm track.
However, in the 4.5 years here I don't honestly believe we have needed the 4WD once. The raised ground clearance is another matter, and I find that very useful, as is the longer travel suspension.
We only go the AWD Sorrento as we needed a large tow vehicle with good ground clearance, and all the suitable vehicles were AWD only. Otherwise I would have been happy with 2WD. The previous S-max never got stuck, but the track ruined the suspension!
When I replace my IX35 I'll be going back to 2WD.
Bear in the mind the increased fuel consumption of an AWD vehicle. Whether its full or part time, it WILL use more fuel than the 2WD equivalent, often quite significantly more.
I would echo what everyone else has said and agree good tyres are more important.
I run my IX35 on summer tyres April to October on the original 18" alloys and switch to 16" steelies with 70 profile winter tyres November to March. On the winter tyres the IX35 is VERY capable in snow.Swiching tyres bi-annually also allows rotation of the wheels which has kept tyre wear very even.
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