RWD vs 4WD
- Thread starter Aj26
- Start date
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You’re about to get all kinds of opinions, including mine.
It depends. Having 4x4 will help your resale but cost more up front. You don’t need it unless you think you’ll ever be off pavement or wet grass or just want the added safety for inclement conditions. If you tow a boat 4low will help for pulling a heavy boat up the ramp.
I have it and I use it. We get a little snow every year and my state doesn’t have the road maintenance equipment to handle snow except for major roads, it’s a major plus for these times. I also get in the dirt and tow off pavement and I use it in the rain.
Compared to the overall cost of the vehicle it’s relatively cheap when considering the added functionality it adds.
It depends. Having 4x4 will help your resale but cost more up front. You don’t need it unless you think you’ll ever be off pavement or wet grass or just want the added safety for inclement conditions. If you tow a boat 4low will help for pulling a heavy boat up the ramp.
I have it and I use it. We get a little snow every year and my state doesn’t have the road maintenance equipment to handle snow except for major roads, it’s a major plus for these times. I also get in the dirt and tow off pavement and I use it in the rain.
Compared to the overall cost of the vehicle it’s relatively cheap when considering the added functionality it adds.
techdude99
Full Access Members
I have 4WD, but that's because of towing. Not required, but helps in certain situations.
In your situation, 2WD. The previous comments, especially about resale are accurate.
In your situation, 2WD. The previous comments, especially about resale are accurate.
shane_th_ee
Full Access Members
Careful, you only get 4 low if you get a 4x4 AND either the FX4 package or the HD towing package.
shane_th_ee
Full Access Members
Are you ever going to want to drive on the beach?
I had rwd on mines, outside of getting stuck in the mud once (my stupidity), never needed it. It worked fine in snow, rain, etc as ling as you know how to drive. The drive modes work well 2. And the extra 2-3 mpgs is nice.
shane_th_ee
Full Access Members
Also, if you get the HD towing package and 2wd, you still get the locking rear differential.
I may be biased because I have not had a 2 wheel drive (only) car for 20+ years, but even if you don't tow or plan to get off paved road I would get the 4wd for the AWD benefit. Pretty sure if you don't get the HD Tow Pkg or FX4 package, you still get the 3.31 rear end, so mileage won't suffer as much as the 3.73 rear diff.
JExpedition07
That One Member
The locking rear doesn’t seem worth much on it’s own—at least on the pickups. My dad’s F-250 has the locking diff and it’s not very useful in the snow without 4WD....at one of our apartment complexes we have a sharp incline to get into the side drive from the side street. His pickup can’t make it up the incline with brand new BF GoodRich K02s and the rear locked without going into 4x4....tried several times lol. My Expedition by contrast walks right up without going into 4x4 on new Michelin all seasons.....I have no locking diff either. I’m thinking a lot of that is weight distribution and traction control programming though, TC is more intrusive/involved on my Expy. The pickups are very light in the rear (methinks biggest factor).
I vote 4WD.
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Noitidepxe
Member
I expect there are folks who need 4x4 frequently and it's worth it to them. Most people rarely need it but buy it because it's cool. I don't see resale value as a good reason to buy a 4x4. The added complexity of the 4 wheel drive system means more potential for failures. Regardless of how often you use 4 wheel drive you're always carrying about the weight penalty of the system.
My father bought a new '79 full sized Chevy pickup 4x4. It rode like a buckboard (that's not an issue anymore) After owning for many years he told me one day he wished he'd just gotten a 2 wheel drive.
The only 4x4 I've ever owned was a 2001 Ford F150 Sport. I loved that truck, it was a great truck . . . until it turned into a rust bucket after 10 years (only 60,000 miles). I now agree with my father.
If you frequently need 4 wheel drive buy one. If you know that you're not going to use it frequently then maybe you should pass on it . . . or admit you WANT it more than you NEED it.
My father bought a new '79 full sized Chevy pickup 4x4. It rode like a buckboard (that's not an issue anymore) After owning for many years he told me one day he wished he'd just gotten a 2 wheel drive.
The only 4x4 I've ever owned was a 2001 Ford F150 Sport. I loved that truck, it was a great truck . . . until it turned into a rust bucket after 10 years (only 60,000 miles). I now agree with my father.
If you frequently need 4 wheel drive buy one. If you know that you're not going to use it frequently then maybe you should pass on it . . . or admit you WANT it more than you NEED it.
JExpedition07
That One Member
If down in warm weather country and doing all on road driving I could see why for some 2WD is fine. But yep, nothing beats 4WD in being able to bomb down those unplowed roads to your cabin (fun stuff), it’s totally worth it right there:
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Dice Roll
Full Access Members
If you need 4wd you will already know it. I can’t speak for the real northern guys, but in the Ohio valley I know you can build buildings from the ground up for decades and not own a 4wd truck. That’s even looking back on times when winters were much much worse.
Now that doesn’t stop people from buying one to make it to Starbucks on a couple of the worse days of the year. It does make dealers more money on the sale and repairs though. I think it’s programming they’ve slipped into the public lexicon.
Now that doesn’t stop people from buying one to make it to Starbucks on a couple of the worse days of the year. It does make dealers more money on the sale and repairs though. I think it’s programming they’ve slipped into the public lexicon.
I bought 4WD and the tow package. I wanted the heavy duty cooling of the tow package. I tow a 4500 pound boat. I wanted 4WD primarily because of the launch ramp. That said, I probably could manage with 2WD in most launching situations. However, I like to use very gradual throttle when pulling the boat out and the 4WD ensures better traction. I did test with and without 4WD and with the ramp very wet, I did slip a little with 2WD.
I normally keep my vehicle in 2WD. I do put it in 4WD auto when it is rainy outside. I did find a small amount of slip in 2WD in some rainy situations, the 4WD auto feels more secure. I live in TX, so snow isn't a factor. In NC, snow is somewhat of a factor. When in doubt, I would probably get it. You will get some money back on resale and may need it occasionally.
My prior SUV did get stuck in the wet grass one time and I did use 4WD to get out. Worked like a charm. I doubt I will ever use 4 low.
I normally keep my vehicle in 2WD. I do put it in 4WD auto when it is rainy outside. I did find a small amount of slip in 2WD in some rainy situations, the 4WD auto feels more secure. I live in TX, so snow isn't a factor. In NC, snow is somewhat of a factor. When in doubt, I would probably get it. You will get some money back on resale and may need it occasionally.
My prior SUV did get stuck in the wet grass one time and I did use 4WD to get out. Worked like a charm. I doubt I will ever use 4 low.
Calidad
Full Access Members
The wagons with independent suspension and softer more sticky passenger type tires will always be better on icy slick pavement VS a empty pickup with hard off road tires.
2wd drive is fine for most people especially in flat land country. I bought 4x4 with heavy tow package to have the most capabilities when dealing with Sierra Snow in mountain country. We use it many times a yr. I run 2wd pretty much all the time other wise. I also tow but my trailer isn’t a weight issue.
2wd drive is fine for most people especially in flat land country. I bought 4x4 with heavy tow package to have the most capabilities when dealing with Sierra Snow in mountain country. We use it many times a yr. I run 2wd pretty much all the time other wise. I also tow but my trailer isn’t a weight issue.
sjwhiteley
Full Access Members
I'll only consider 4wd in a truck. I know a couple of people who regret getting a 2wd truck. One of them traded it in for 4wd.
If you can afford to buy this kind of vehicle at this price, you can afford the few extra bucks for 4wd (resale has already been noted).
If you can afford to buy this kind of vehicle at this price, you can afford the few extra bucks for 4wd (resale has already been noted).
StealthyBulldog
Full Access Members
I live in Manitoba, Canada, nuff said 
Red Raider
Active Member
I’ve never regretted getting 4x4. Very few people need a true lock it in 4x4 because it’s only beneficial in a limited number of conditions. However, auto-four-wheel drive can be used everyday, in any conditions, and still get a lot of the performance of a regular 4x4’s. Ford should offer the auto as a lower priced option compared to the 4WD.
I have two Acura MDXs and they got sh-awd which is the best awd in their class. When I bought a boat, MDX could tow fine up to 5000 lbs but they were struggled to go up the ramp or up hill.I didn't want to burst that tranny. I was looking for 2wd expedition but my buddy told me that I need 4wd to tow my boat comfortably up the wet ramp. He was right, I didn't have any issue with my 4000 lbs boat at all and 4wd was useful in couple snow and ice days in my state. I usually leave it on 2wd until big rainy days or ice/snow days. I think it's worth it
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