Van recommendations

[Patri]

I want to buy a van, SUV or crossover. We have a driveway with a slope, and with ice or even a layer of snow, it can be hard to get up. Of course, good gas mileage is a plus. Recommendations?

 

[DeniseM]

Do you mean a 4-wheel drive?

 

[Luanne]

A have a Honda CRV AWD. I bought it when we moved to New Mexico since I got stuck on the road to our driveway twice in my Prius during the winter. I've been very happy with it. My dh has an Acura RDX AWD and he likes that as well, but he's considering buying a diesel SUV in the near future.

 

[Passepartout]

Toyota Highlander. It's available as a hybrid. Nice 4/AWD SUV. Very dependable.

 

[Patri]

I don't know the difference between braking systems, so tell me what has worked for you!

 

[DeniseM]

I don't know the difference between braking systems, so tell me what has worked for you!

My apologies if you already know this, but 4-wheel drive means that all 4 wheels are powered. This gives you better traction in slippery conditions.

Standard cars are 2-wheel drive.

All Wheel Drive originally meant that all 4 wheels were powered all the time, but now there are variations on that.

 

[Luanne]

My apologies if you already know this, but 4-wheel drive means that all 4 weels are powered. This gives you better traction in slippery conditions.

Standard cars are 2-wheel drive.

Most, or maybe it's more, vehicles have AWD (all wheel drive) as opposed to 4 wheel drive.

All-Wheel Drive (AWD): A drivetrain that employs a front, rear and center differential to provide power to all four wheels of a vehicle.
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD): A drivetrain that employs two differentials and a transfer case to provide power to all four wheels of a vehicle.

And more than you possibly would ever want to know:

http://www.motortrend.com/features/consumer/1105_4wd_vs_awd/viewall.html

 

[DeniseM]

Hi Luanne - 4WD and AWD are similar, but different options, but since the OP responded with a questions regarding braking systems, I wasn't sure if she was familiar with 4WD, and that's what i was addressing.

 

[Passepartout]

As to braking systems, all passenger vehicles sold in the U.S. now have anti-lock brakes. Meaning they won't skid, and will provide maximum braking power and just go straight while the operator steps on the brakes. Some offer 'Vehicle Stability Systems' -usually optional or on higher end models- that will actually cause individual skidding wheels to brake independently (a computer does it) to keep the vehicle going straight without operator input.

Both are great, those with enhanced stability systems are better.

 

[mtngal]

How big do you need? There are lots of different sized vehicles with AWD or 4WD. Some of the current Subarus are fairly large and all of them are AWD and excellent in the snow and ice. I happen to have a Jeep Grand Cherokee that I love, but just bought it so don't have experience with it in snow yet.

 

[Patri]

Don't want too big. Will have to get out and test drive. Usually will be two of us and a wheelchair, but we have grandkids.

 

[Marathoner]

Traction is much more dependent on having good snow tires rather than the 2wd vs 4wd drivetrain. For my situation, the utility of a minivan is important so I would get a Honda Odyssey and pair it up with good snow tires like blizzaks.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Luanne]

Traction is much more dependent on having good snow tires rather than the 2wd vs 4wd drivetrain. For my situation, the utility of a minivan is important so I would get a Honda Odyssey and pair it up with good snow tires like blizzaks.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Even with the AWD both dh and I are going to invest in snow tires this year.

 

[DeniseM]

Traction is much more dependent on having good snow tires rather than the 2wd vs 4wd drivetrain. For my situation, the utility of a minivan is important so I would get a Honda Odyssey and pair it up with good snow tires like blizzaks.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I don't know about other states, but when chains are required in CA and NV, you must have 4WD or AWD. If you don't have the 4WD or AWD - the Highway Patrol will make you put chains on.

 

[isisdave]

My brother lives in Bellingham, WA , which is basically a mountainside in a snow zone.

The town looks like a showroom for Subaru Foresters.

 

[antjmar]

Toyota sienna with awd more passenger space than most suvs and decent mpg!

 

[tompalm]

I want to buy a van, SUV or crossover. We have a driveway with a slope, and with ice or even a layer of snow, it can be hard to get up. Of course, good gas mileage is a plus. Recommendations?

Subaru is top of the list for reliablity this year, or maybe ranks second. I like the Outback or Forester and both have four wheel drive (AWD) all the time which is great for snow. Gas mileage is good. But if you don't have a dealership in your area, go with a different company.