For use as dd in your climate, does AWD become a requirement?

 

For 4+ months, yes... maybe not everyday, but FWD and AWD take RWD as I'm not prone to switching wheels/tire set-ups if I have a sports car down the road... snow/icy roads start December, can be an issue into April if it's a bad/long winter.

Example- today, 1 " new snow but melting snow yesterday and cold night made it an ice fest, so FWD of the Sonata saved my ---!!!

AWD eases stress that much more and beneficial on long commutes...

 

Got it. I myself always own a 4wd/AWD SUV for occasional trips to the high Sierras (real snow country) as a 3rd vehicle, but obviously the climate around Silicon Valley itself does not justify this kind of vehicle.

 

AWD is not just a boon on snow/ice, but rain, mud, sand (almost any kind of poor-traction surface) as well. And, it becomes even more of a boon when combined with a good amount of ground clearance, like the 8-9" on an Outback.

 

Also tires play a big or even bigger part.