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Winter driving can be the worst. Last winter just one storm caused 105 crashes here in Utah, contributing to, as the Federal Highway Administration states, over 1,300 people killed and 116,800 people injured in the United States on snowy, slushy or icy road conditions. These winter weather-related accidents, some of which you may have observed during your commute, may have caused you to think, "I should get all-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicle to get around safely in the snow."
But is an all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicle a requirement for safety during the snow-packed winters of Utah? Considering the over 9,000 all-wheel-drive and 21,000 four-wheel-drive vehicles found on KSL Cars, many Utahns seem to think so, but what is the truth?
Let's dive into your vehicle drive type options and which is safest once roads become snowy and slick.
Front-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive dominates as the most common drive type in high-volume vehicles for good reason: it's simple and cost-effective. Front-wheel-drive vehicles keep the essential drivetrain parts near the engine, which reduces overall mass and increases front crush zones and interior space, due to the lack of a long driveshaft dividing the floor and transversely mounted engines.
When it comes to safety in the snow, front-wheel-drive vehicles do fine most of the time, reports Bridgestone. With the heaviest components of the vehicle resting over the front tires, traction on slippery surfaces isn't usually a problem, making it a decent choice for driving in the winter.
Rear-wheel drive
Once the gold standard for most cars before the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975, rear-wheel drive is mostly found on vehicles that lean more sporty, and large trucks and SUVs (except when four-wheel drive is engaged). Rear-wheel-drive vehicles have improved handling and acceleration due to the spread-out weight distribution that a rear-wheel-drive layout affords — much to the delight of track enthusiasts and canyon carvers everywhere.
But where rear-wheel drive falls short is in handling winter weather. Because rear-wheel-drive vehicles transfer power to the rear, the rear end is lighter than the front, so the lack of weight pressing down on the tire increases the likelihood of the back end slipping out or losing control. What these studies have found to be the essential key in making all-wheel drive worthwhile is proper winter tires, as proven by Consumer Reports, Jalopnik, Car and Driver, Motor Trend, Tire Rack, Engineering Explained, and many other reputable outlets.
All-wheel drive
Vaunted by manufacturers everywhere as the must-have feature of any new car, all-wheel drive carries a lot of hype — and assumptions — about what it can do for you in inclement weather.
The all-wheel-drive systems that automakers utilize usually come in two forms: full-time all-wheel drive, and part-time all-wheel drive. Audi and Subaru, often considered the benchmark for high-performance all-wheel-drive systems, employ symmetrical or "full-time" all-wheel drive in their vehicles (the BRZ being the sole exception). Other manufacturers, like Volkswagen and their 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, send power only to the front wheels until the car senses slippage and then immediately engages the other wheels as needed until the front two wheels can get the job done on their own again.
While all-wheel drive offers great acceleration benefits in snowy conditions, without dedicated winter tires, the all-wheel-drive does very little for you when it comes to handling and stopping.
What is the best drive type for Utah winters?
So what is the best vehicle drive type for Utah winters? Well, it's complicated.
If you're assuming that all-wheel drive is the best for Utah snow commutes — you're right. But there's one giant caveat: You have to get your car outfitted with dedicated winter tires. Time and time again, auto news outlets like Utah's own Everyday Driver, and more, have proven that while the advantages of all-wheel drive are amazing, and work as advertised, all-wheel drive will only have you barreling safely through snowbanks if you have the right tires.
Rear-wheel-drive cars like Mazda Miata, traditionally considered the worst option for driving in the snow, if fitted with winter tires, have been shown to handle better than all-wheel-drive cars without winter tires. Concerned about driving your rear-wheel-drive vehicle in the winter? Buy some winter tires and the problem will be 90% solved.
That said, an all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicle with season-appropriate tires will be unbeatable once the snow starts to fly, offering you not only great acceleration but also robust handling and stopping dynamics.
This winter, no matter the type of vehicle that you find on KSL Cars, invest in a dedicated set of winter tires. Winter tires, as described by Tire Rack, are specially made with unique rubber compounds that stay pliable in frigid temperatures, ensuring that you will have traction "where the rubber meets the road" no matter the snowy predicament you find yourself in.
With nearly 50,000 listings KSL Cars is sure to have your next vehicle.
About the author: Having owned everything from a DeLorean to an E46 BMW M3 and a Toyota Land Cruiser, Jason Bell is a lifelong car enthusiast who loves sharing his passions as a teacher, writer, speaker and social media manager. Contact him at jasonbellcars@gmail.com for comments/questions, or just to say "hi."
