[ARES45]

So depending on where my next PCS is going to be, we will be getting rid of the wife's 98 civic for something a little more all-weather friendly. Been looking at many small-mid size SUV's with the new toyota venza being on the top of her list. We are trying to determine if we want and AWD or if a FWD would work. I think the fwd would work fine 98% of the time even with just All-season tires on all the time. Her vehicle would be our 'we have to get somewhere in the snow vehicle.'

My question is this: In the snow/adverse conditions which would be better- a suv with awd and all season tires or a fwd with winter tires?

Growing up in Nebraska, I never really had any problems with fwd cars with all-seasons in the snow and I drove some unplowed gravel roads with 6 inches of snow in a buick regal. Is it really necessary to have awd?

Thank you for your knowledge and experience.