Hey all!
Looking into options for my gf with the Mazda 3 GS. Was debating between the FWD or AWD option ($4000 CAD difference between the two but AWD comes with luxury package). She lives out in Montreal Quebec where winters can get a little rough sometimes. Would just FWD with a good set of winter tires suffice with the Mazda3? Or should she try to save up more for the AWD option? Trying to look into the most budget friendly option but also suitable for the area she lives in.
Note: she also commutes 45mins to a smaller city for work if we are taking in gas mileage into consideration as well
AWD offers better traction and stability in snow if that helps.
Most ideal to least ideal:
- AWD with snow tires
- FWD with snow tires
- AWD with all seasons
- FWD with all seasons
Montrealer here, I have no regrets getting the AWD version. I have yet to get myself stuck anywhere, and i have a somewhat steep incline to get out of my parking spot. You can definitely get by with FWD and good winters (they’re legally required anyway), but AWD with good winters is a whole new game. She’ll be looking forward to driving in bad weather with a car that’s not going to let her down.