Let's talk about the Prius AWD

Very interesting. How effective is the system compared to a full AWD with gas engine power going to all wheels. It doesn’t seem like there is much power available to the rear wheels if there is no linkage to the engine. Also, is there anything maintenance related needed in the Prius AWD besides having to replace the rear electric motor if it fails?

 

Sounds like what you really want is a winter beater; a full size truck or the like.

 

i see quite a few subbies here in orlando. i guess awd isn't just for northerners

 

It's going to have a different wheel bearing than the FWD model, and those need periodic replacement. It may have different rear brakes, and if so they may not be the same part number or price.

AWD tends to wear tires differently than FWD cars, and usually brings the requirement that all four tires match, which sometimes causes extra replacement expense when you've got one tire destroyed while the other 3 are still useful. Now, an electric AWD may get around that rule but I haven't seen any confirmation yet.

It's going to cost more, therefore being more expensive to insure the risk, and with more expensive parts on the back of the car there's one more way a moderate collision could turn into a total loss.

 

Yes, as long as it gets at least 30mpg and priced below $10K. There isn't one on this planet that would satisfy those criteria. lol

 

The fence I was thinking of was only installed for the season; it was right in the middle of a farmer's field. Extra work, but may work out with reduced dealings with snow on the road.

If the electrical AWD never fails, it still comes with the cost of lower fuel efficiency. It's tiny on the Prius, but AWD never just costs you the price for the option.

Effective depends on why you need it. The system on the Prius is low power, and only works at low speeds. Which is plenty to help get the car going on slippery roads, and it will help if you end up crawling along in a blizzard. Which is all Toyota intended it for.

The systems on the Highlander and Rav4 hybrid are more powerful, but I recall a comparison of the first highlander and Escape hybrid. The Escape used the same mechanical system as on the ICE model, and the car was deemed more capable off road. Which may have nothing to do with the AWD system.

My ideal car for long trips, times I have to drive through a snow storm, light off roading, and can tow is a last gen XC70.

You can find a Volvo for that price, but its best fuel economy is around 26mpg combined.
But a used Escape or maybe Highlander hybrid would meet your criteria.

 

BINGO! Yes, I am on CarGurus notification list for any used Highlander hybrid. If that doesn't workout, I will have to look at new RAV4 Hybrid.

 

I wouldn't discount the Escape hybrid for your use.

 

Those things rule. I've rented a few over the years and really admired them. I made a serious effort towards buying one about 10 years ago and couldn't find "the one." I wound up in a turbo Outback and had a great experience with it on that same task list.

 

Chains? Naaaa, them's not chains, now these are chains

 

Thanks, but no thanks. FORD and Hybrid just do not go together in the same sentence in my dictionary. If I have to go FORD, I will look for a good old Ranger still running (not the new one).

 

Any specific reason why? I don't recall Ford hybrids having issues.

 

No, the underfloor tray was nixed on 4th gen in general, the floor dropped, either a bit or a lot, depending on presence/absence of temp spare. And the components for the AWD occupy the spare tire well area IIRC.

Some 4th gens still have the spare, and for ones that don't (expect the AWD version) it is possible to retrofit for the spare, but it's not trivial: it's more than just the spare, various surrounding pieces need to be changed, and you're looking at at least a grand (US).

I happened to notice the attached the other day, an instruction and parts list for dealerships, to accomodate customers looking to have spare on levels without it. It's maybe telling: they stress that dealerships should not do this unless expressly asked by customer.

 

No particular reason other than the fact I didn't even know that Ford made hybrid until fairly recent. To tell the truth, I knew of Ford Escape SUV before you mentioned it, but did not know they made hybrid version. It's been that long since I had eyes on Ford, which was 1990 Taurus, IIRC. LOL

 

The hybrid actually made it through 2 generations, and was a popular choice for a taxi at one time. Including it on your watch would improve your chances of finding a suitable car for your needs. The Mercury Mariner also had a hybrid option. The Escape PHEV may also show up in time for your consideration.

 

Yeah, just out of curiosity I did CarGurus search on Escape Hybrid. They must not be very popular here or maybe people are holding onto them a long time, I did not find any within 100 miles. If I extend the search 500 miles, I found a few. I have read just a few reviews on them, but sound like it is well received. Seems like, to get the best fuel efficiency I will have to look for the 2nd Gen 2008- models. OK, I will keep looking HiHy and EsHy.

Just read a wiki, Tribute Hybrid is also mentioned, but it was dropped 2009? Seems like a short-lived model. I don't mind trying a Mazda, make I have never driven before.

 

Unfortunately, Mazda Tribute Hybrid must be such a rare vehicle on market, the model is not even listed in CarGurus for search option.

 

What boxes do you have checked? With this very limited AWD system (full time up to about 8 mph, then part time to 42 mph), 110 lbs additional weight, $1000 - 1500 extra cost (depending on trim), 0.2" additional ground clearance, NIMH battery and the same crappy OEM eco-squealer tires, this car isn't going to do much more in the snow than what you have. For a lot less money, you can pick up a set of steel wheels or take-off OEM wheels, get a good set of snow tires and do much better in the snow than that AWD model ever will. Then, you won't be hauling the extra weight all year round, and as a bonus, your all/season or summer tires will last a lot longer since they will typically get only 3/4 the number of miles on them each year (the snows are on the other 1/4 of the miles).

I have a Prime here in Nebraska and I haven't put snows on it yet. It climbed the gravel road to my daughter's place with just a bit of slippage (I had to carry the plumber whose Ford Transit Van was stuck dead in the snow). When it snow deeper than the Prius can handle, we go in the Subaru Outback with four snow tires on it.