[DesertRoads]

My wife and I have been looking for a replacement for our 2016 Subaru Outback. It's been a good car overall, but as we near 90K miles, we are looking to replace it before we hit 100k miles. We are deciding if we should go with a FWD verses an AWD model? Our Subaru ate tires... every year and a half (even after recommended rotations, and driving 20k a year) we have been replacing 60K mile tread life tires every year and a half! We were told it's because of the AWD system causing a hiring wear life on the tires. So... we've been debating between FWD and AWD on the Passport. The $1,900 difference isn't so much of a factor as the tire life. We live in a snow climate, but have many friends with FWD SUV's that fair well with a good set of snow tires. MPG isn't that far off between the FWD and the AWD. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

[tomupnorth]

Any input would be greatly appreciated...

When we were shopping for ours I asked the salesman: Does that one have AWD? to which he replied "We don't sell them without AWD". FWIW, and yes we live in a snow climate. Also FWIW we used to live ini Texas and my wife still had a fixation that AWD was needed. Me notsomuch, but there you have it.

Oh, she did compromise and get a FWD crossover when we lived down there, and when the tires wore in the front more than the back, we replaced all four anyway.

I don't think honestly that this decision should be made on the basis of tire wear or life.

 

[stevenD]

Welcome!

Her is my 2-1/2 cents: Bought our daughter a 2019 Forester about 4 months after I bought my AWD Passport and while I cannot address your tire wear issues, I will say that the Passport was over $10k more but is worth every penny!

Also, I do not live in a snowy or even rainy environment, and have never owned an AWD (or a 4WD) vehicle in my life, but absolutely LOVE the Passport AWD and will probably get AWD's always going forward, as they are safer and more stable, that is why EVERY Subaru is AWD, (they know...)!

And lastly, as hard as this may be to hear... your wife is RIGHT...!

 

[ProdGirl]

Ditto to what Steven said above!
I also live in SoCal like he does where it rarely rains and I’ve always felt safer with the AWD.

And if you ever plan to tow anything go AWD.
My 13 year old CRV was AWD, I had three sets of tires on it, OEM’s and two sets of Michelin’s all seasons. Even spending half of its life in Las Vegas where the roads get really hot - never had any issues.

 

[Wrascal]

Here in my neck of the woods (lower Alabama) Honda dealers don't stock AWD vehicles - instead opting for FWD models; and it makes sense when you have no snow/ice to contend with. Obviously those models (like the Elite) that come equipped that way can be found - or special ordered.

In Dec. 2003 I took my FWD CRV to Maine - I had no driving problems during a blizzard (27"); however my window washer did freeze up/ never to thaw until I went back south.

While AWD may give you a sense of happiness/ confidence it's not necessary for everyday use (or even occasional snow use).

YMMV.

 

[emj123]

I'd encourage you to look at a different vehicle.

 

[Wrascal]

I'd encourage you to look at a different vehicle.

Who are you encouraging?

 

[2984]

I'd encourage you to look at a different vehicle.

Why? There were over 310,000 Pilots. Passports. Rigelines. and Odysseys sold in 2019. (The line of vehicles reporting the infotainment issues.) A bare handful of those vehicles have reported issues. You find me any vehicle, any vehicle on the market today that does not have reported issues. There are none.

 

[P-A-N-D-A]

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

I agree with the other members here. AWD can be a blessing when you are driving through that difficult road condition, or it could make you overconfident and put you in a situation far worse . . . like going a bit too offroad for your skill level. Been there, done that.

We lived many years in snowy-winter country, and never owned 4WD or AWD. We learned through trial & error how our vehicles handled in the slippery stuff, and didn't venture far off the beaten path. Developed driving skills and learned how to get through rough weather with just FWD. Our first 4WD we got was a used 1979 full size Jimmy, and almost got stranded when we ventured too far and too deep, assuming 4WD could get us anywhere. Overnight stuck and hours of sweat, tears, swearing, and praying, we were saved/assisted by a hunter dragging us to safety in his late 60's rear wheel drive old pickup. He had skill and experience that far surpassed our overconfidence in locking hubs and 4-low transfer case.

Lots a Subarus in Oregon . . . Mt. Hood, Mt. Bachelor parking lots are filled with em. Very popular, especially Outbacks, if you don't mind that CVT and maintenance. Haven't heard about premature tire wear, though. We bought Passport for its size and style, needed something that could tow occasional 2500-3500lb, and got AWD because Passport does those things, and Honda iVTM4 (and similar Acura SH-AWD) acts as a type of 'limited-slip.' We rarely do anything offroad (perhaps a long gravel driveway?), very few trips in snow (less than inch deep or so), and no mud or slimy stuff (gotta keep the Diamond White paint white). But iVTM4 is always there, providing additional traction and torque as needed to help keep us safe and shiny-side up. That makes it worth the price and peace of mind for us.

Good Luck, and hope you find great satisfaction in whichever decision you make.