If you shop for an all-new Chevy Equinox at a Chevy dealer like ours here at LaFontaine Chevrolet Buick GMC of St. Clair, our associates will ask you whether or not you want a model with the available all-wheel drive (AWD) system. However, you might not know what that is or if you need it. If you live in St. Clair, you know we see some good snow during the winter and rain during other times of the year. It impacts the roads, making driving to and from your regular activities a little more treacherous (while, admittedly, making for some gorgeous snow days). We love the true four seasons we get here, but we know it presents some driving challenges unique to the area. Because of the weather here, we recommend getting the available AWD, along with some solid snow tires (the experts in our tire center can help).
The conversation around all-wheel drive does lead many of our customers to ask what the benefit is of switchable all-wheel drive. Living in a snowy climate leaves many with the choice between going for AWD, four-wheel drive, or — this newer option — switchable AWD. We often tell our customers that those who spend most of their time on paved roads but do need to tackle snow and rain will do well with AWD. Those who do more heavy-duty towing or spend more time in off-road environments will do better with 4WD. If you have determined that AWD is right for you, here’s a look at why switchable AWD is a great feature to have.
What Exactly Is Switchable AWD?
Switchable AWD is an available feature of the 2024 Equinox that you can activate when you aren’t sure what sorts of surfaces you’ll be driving over. Once activated, it will remain in two-wheel drive as its default but is prepared to send power to the rear wheels when a loss of traction is detected. This is helpful because if one or two wheels are on a slippery surface, the system will ensure that all four wheels are spinning, enhancing the chances you retain a good grip on the road. It’s ideal for wet roads, light snow, and mud.
Some drivers choose to always keep the feature activated. Since its default setting is front-wheel drive (FWD), you can feel confident that, when appropriate, the vehicle will stay in FWD in order to maximize fuel economy. During the fall and winter, when we might see a few days of wet roads with dry days sprinkled in between, it can be nice to have switchable AWD activated so you don’t have to remember to switch between one or the other as the road conditions change. The vehicle will do it for you.
Who Needs Switchable AWD?
Switchable AWD can be a smart choice for drivers whose work or fun takes them to new destinations on a regular basis and sometimes even off the grid. AWD is good for moderate off-road terrain. So, if you need to leave paved roads for dirt ones to get to a job site but won’t be traveling in serious off-road terrain, AWD is appropriate for your needs. We often recommend it to professionals who visit clients in remote areas, where they might not see perfectly paved roads all the way to the front door.
When cruising down the freeway or city streets between neighborhoods, the Equinox will switch back to FWD to get you optimal fuel economy. Once it senses slippery or rough roads, it will switch to AWD mode. You can find the AWD button next to the gear shift switch, so it’s easy to access at any time. Living in St. Clair County makes you a good candidate for switchable AWD. You know that some roads see the snow plow a bit more than others. The more rural and suburban areas might not get it at all. So when you have to take remote roads that have been left a bit slippery with powder, AWD will kick in to keep you in command.
Why Not Just Get a Full-Time AWD Vehicle?
Many drivers ask us, “Why not just get a vehicle with full-time AWD?” The truth is that most folks who live near paved roads don’t need full-time AWD. When traveling down dry roads, you’re better off staying in FWD for the fuel economy. AWD, put simply, causes the transmission to work harder, which can lead to a dip in fuel efficiency. It’s not major, but it adds up over time. You wouldn’t want to be in AWD all the time if not necessary because you’d be paying the price of worse fuel economy for no reason.
The AWD components of a vehicle also require additional maintenance than FWD ones. Full-time AWD vehicles simply need more frequent maintenance for that reason, which can be costly and time-consuming. But if your vehicle has switchable AWD, there might be long stretches of time when it remains in FWD, putting less strain on AWD components. Speak to one of our technicians about how often you drive in AWD, and they’ll be able to recommend the right maintenance schedule for your vehicle.
Full-Time AWD Vehicles Are Usually Pricier
It’s also worth noting that full-time AWD vehicles tend to cost more than part-time ones. Some examples include the Toyota Land Cruiser, Land Rover Discovery, and Volkswagen Touareg, each of which comes with substantially higher price tags than the Equinox. So, we tell our customers, don’t pay for full-time AWD if you don’t need it.
AWD Capable Vehicles Have Better Resale Value
Many experts say that AWD vehicles have better resale value as they are more versatile than FWD vehicles. In fact, they’re more versatile than 4WD ones, as they tend to get better fuel economy while still offering improved traction in moderately slippery situations. So, when you have an Equinox and you’re ready to sell it down the line, you’ll be able to appeal to a larger range of drivers. Buyers who don’t think they’ll ever need AWD won’t mind the feature, since the vehicle can run in FWD full-time. Meanwhile, drivers who need some extra traction sometimes will like the AWD capability.
Experience the 2024 Chevy Equinox for Yourself
Visit us and check out the Chevy Equinox for yourself. We’d love to show you a model with the available switchable AWD feature and take you for a test drive in it. You can experience how the traction and control feel different when the system is activated. We can even go down some wet roads so you can experience the system’s benefits in real time. We’re excited to show this terrific compact SUV to our customers. It offers incredible value and is a practical model for all sorts of drivers, from families with young children to entrepreneurs who have to drive far to see clients.
Its attractive MSPR is undeniable, and its head-turning looks will be right at home wherever you need to go. Our sales representatives know the ins and outs of every Equinox trim. They can help you identify the right one for your needs, whether you’re looking for something basic or more upscale. Once you’ve found your perfect Equinox, stop by our finance center. Our finance experts can help you pick a payment plan that fits your budget. They’ll show you several options and ensure you are informed about the buying process. We think you’re going to love the Equinox. Chevy has put many impressive standard and available features in it on top of the switchable AWD. Come check it out for yourself today.
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