SE FWD and SEL AWD

[Tasha_he]

Curious if anyone here has spent time driving both the SE FWD and the SEL AWD trims, like how different do they actually feel on the road? does the AWD noticeably change the ride or handling compared to the FWD, or is it mostly situational (weather, terrain, etc.)?
Just wondering what people have noticed in real world driving especially around comfort, responsiveness, and overall driving feel. I just find it interesting to hear how cars stack up beyond the spec sheets

 

[HeviAvi]

The wife and I test drove an AWD but then ended up buying the FWD. Didn't really notice any distinction in normal street/pavement driving.

 

[neon-narwhal60]

Keen observation from @HeviAvi and it really hits on a common perception about FWD versus AWD for everyday driving. Often, on dry pavement and under normal conditions, the differences can be quite subtle, almost splitting hairs.

My own experience with various vehicles tells me that a car's overall suspension tuning, tire choice and even wheel size often play a bigger role in day to day comfort and handling feel than whether it's FWD or AWD, unless you're really pushing it or the weather goes south. That AWD system really earns its keep when the going gets tough, like in rain, snow or loose gravel, providing that extra grip and peace of mind when the chips are down.

 

[primavere]

Keen observation from @HeviAvi and it really hits on a common perception about FWD versus AWD for everyday driving. Often, on dry pavement and under normal conditions, the differences can be quite subtle, almost splitting hairs.

My own experience with various vehicles tells me that a car's overall suspension tuning, tire choice and even wheel size often play a bigger role in day to day comfort and handling feel than whether it's FWD or AWD, unless you're really pushing it or the weather goes south. That AWD system really earns its keep when the going gets tough, like in rain, snow or loose gravel, providing that extra grip and peace of mind when the chips are down.

Ok you should know, AWD gives you more confidence when the weather gets ugly or you're on loose stuff, but day-to-day on dry roads, you might not feel much of a difference. The ride comfort felt pretty similar to me in both trims.