I’m currently driving around Iceland. I have seen a Renault Megane, a plethora of newer Yaris’, one Yaris Cross (I lost my damned mind) and a crap ton of Suzuki Jimnys. Now, I’ve driven in some awful conditions in the states. Blizzards in Montana, Tornadoes in Texas, hail storms in the South and ridiculous wind in Arizona. I have driven in all of that in this tiny country, all in a short wheel base Kia Sportage. I was also outpaced by a fucking Yaris today, absolutely bombing down the mountain in 1c weather. Mind you, it was not a GR so AWD was out of the question.
I am so impressed by this Kia and all of the insanely capable Jimnys I am seeing coming off of F-roads.
If a harsh place like Iceland can coexist with RAM 2500s and modern Yaris’, why can’t we?
Oh, and when I say around I don’t mean poking around Reykjavik, I am literally driving the Ring Road around an entire country. Coolest experience ever.
People are constantly surprised when I tell them my GTI is great in winter with snow tires. These are the same people who tell me their SUVs are perfect for snow rocking bald all seasons cause FoUr WhEeL dRiVe.
I’ve been driving front wheel drive hatchbacks for almost 20 years in 62+ degrees north latitude. This winter was the first time I got stuck when we suddenly shattered the october snowfall record and it overwhelmed the snow removal capacity. I’d still want a AWD, but it’s really not necessary. It’s probably faster and safer to ski to work in conditions where AWD is a must.
I don’t doubt that at all; I had a civic si that was the best car I’ve ever owned in the snow and I only had all-seasons on it. One time, I stayed at work way later than I should have when a blizzard was hitting and made the 20 mile drive home without an issue. As I got within 5 miles of my house there were very few other vehicles on the road except for an occasional truck and they weren’t having any easier of a time than I was.
It’s pretty uncomfortable to drive around the city in 4x4 mode. I’d much rather have an AWD drive vehicle unless you’re really driving through deep snow or going off-road. The clearance on trucks is nice though.