12" of snow vs. Nissan Rogue 360 AWD

[Juelze]

We just got dumped with 12" of snow last night with some pretty big drifts. I'm curious to see how the Rogue will do in it. I have a nice little mount for my phone so I can record some video of it. Do I dare go out and try this?

[Juelze]

Just got back and this thing is awesome! First time in the snow and it performed well. Thought I was stuck at the end of the driveway backing out, but just backed up a bit, went forward and was on my way. I have a 9min video of it (have a car mount for my phone) but I need to edit some stuff out.

[bill875]

Sounds good, I look forward to seeing your trek through the snow.

[Juelze]

Well, so far so good until I got hung up in some deep snow. AWD works well IF the wheels are on the ground. Luckily, some people helped me shovel the snow from underneath my car and I was on my way...in reverse as I was in a cul de sac and the snow ahead was waaay too deep. Also, after having to go from drive to reverse I noticed my rearview camera stopped working and my instrument panel would not show what gear I was in. Awwww crap. Turned car off and on and it still didn't work. Stopped at the grocery store, got back into my car and everything is back to normal. I'll post that video soon.

[philipa_240sx]

Well, so far so good until I got hung up in some deep snow. AWD works well IF the wheels are on the ground. Luckily, some people helped me shovel the snow from underneath my car and I was on my way...

It's great to have fun, but you can certainly look like a fool if you push your luck. I've been there and done it many times myself. Luckily I have gotten away without serious injury.

I am reminded by an old saying I once heard:

"Four Wheel Drive is great... when you go off the road, you will end up farther into the ditch than everyone else!"

Drive safe out there!

[dkwon]

Wow! This sounds like crazy fun, can't wait to see the video!

[Juelze]

Well, here is the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_D89uQtb8U

It's not the best quality since was taken from my smart phone. It's also probably hard to see the actual depth of the snow, but trust me, it was 10"-12" on all the roads except the one was that plowed.

I gotta say, I was a bit scared when my rearview camera stopped working and the dash would no longer register what gear I was in. Glad turning the car off and back on fixed it. Seems like it's almost like a computer in that aspect!

[Importroller]

at least the snow will keep your CVT cool, so it can actually work properly.

[kerrton]

at least the snow will keep your CVT cool, so it can actually work properly.

Not sure what is meant by this statement?

Anyway, your performance in snow will be most affected by your tires. It doesn't matter how good the AWD system is, if you have bad tires you're in trouble - I'd take a FWD Rogue with good winter tires over an AWD with stock all-season tires. In my opinion, AWD is highly overrated in vehicles other than trucks. In trucks you're comparing AWD to RWD, so it is a real benefit to be able to add the front wheels to assist with traction, but in a vehicle like the Rogue where the base model is FWD I think there is little value in adding AWD. In my experience, it makes people overconfident and dangerous in a lot of cases, but that depends on the individual driver.

[Juelze]

at least the snow will keep your CVT cool, so it can actually work properly.

Not sure what is meant by this statement?

Anyway, your performance in snow will be most affected by your tires. It doesn't matter how good the AWD system is, if you have bad tires you're in trouble - I'd take a FWD Rogue with good winter tires over an AWD with stock all-season tires. In my opinion, AWD is highly overrated in vehicles other than trucks. In trucks you're comparing AWD to RWD, so it is a real benefit to be able to add the front wheels to assist with traction, but in a vehicle like the Rogue where the base model is FWD I think there is little value in adding AWD. In my experience, it makes people overconfident and dangerous in a lot of cases, but that depends on the individual driver.

I think he means that you can keep the AWD locked longer as it will turn off if the sensor reads a certain temp. Anyway, I'll have to disagree with you a bit kerrton. While I agree with some of your sentiments, there is no way my Rogue would have made it through the snow that I had if it was a FWD Rogue with good snow tires. If your front tires get stuck or start spinning, having the rear wheels kick in will save your butt.

You're definitely correct about being over-confident as I learned that lesson the hard way. At least I brought a shovel with me just in case. :-)

[Importroller]

My statement is that the CVT is known for overheating, and the cold snow will help keep the temps down so that the transmission will work properly.

[philipa_240sx]

My statement is that the CVT is known for overheating, and the cold snow will help keep the temps down so that the transmission will work properly.

I've never had this problem. Even when towing in hot 90+F temps.

Anyway, I'll have to disagree with you a bit kerrton. While I agree with some of your sentiments, there is no way my Rogue would have made it through the snow that I had if it was a FWD Rogue with good snow tires.

Well, Kerrton does have a point...

AWD is great for acceleration, but this does not equal grip. The grip available is determined by the tire's 4 contact patches alone and not how many wheels are being driven by the engine.

A similar FWD Rogue equipped with 4 proper snow tires will stop faster, corner better, and be far easier to drive in slippery conditions than an AWD Rogue with all season tires. You don't get into accidents accelerating off a stop light (at least not normally)... it's stopping for the light or negotiating a corner that will get you into far more trouble!

Regardless what you drive, please be safe out there! If the weather is bad, just stay home rather than risk your life.

[Juelze]

My statement is that the CVT is known for overheating, and the cold snow will help keep the temps down so that the transmission will work properly.

I've never had this problem. Even when towing in hot 90+F temps.

Anyway, I'll have to disagree with you a bit kerrton. While I agree with some of your sentiments, there is no way my Rogue would have made it through the snow that I had if it was a FWD Rogue with good snow tires.

Well, Kerrton does have a point...

AWD is great for acceleration, but this does not equal grip. The grip available is determined by the tire's 4 contact patches alone and not how many wheels are being driven by the engine.

A similar FWD Rogue equipped with 4 proper snow tires will stop faster, corner better, and be far easier to drive in slippery conditions than an AWD Rogue with all season tires. You don't get into accidents accelerating off a stop light (at least not normally)... it's stopping for the light or negotiating a corner that will get you into far more trouble!

Regardless what you drive, please be safe out there! If the weather is bad, just stay home rather than risk your life.

I still have to disagree. If you had a FWD Rogue with snow tires versus my Rogue with AWD and all-season tires, you'd be stuck and I'd still be driving by you. I've been driving FWD vehicles for years in snowy conditions, and trust me, they would have all been stuck if they dared set foot...er...tire...in the recent snow storm.

[Eikon]

My Rogue is FWD with stock tires with 17k miles on them and I was out and about tonight. We have 10" and counting. I had no problems. The Rogue handles very competently in the snow. The wheelbase is long enough to prevent the rear end from coming around too easily. The vehicle has enough weight to stay planted, and the ride height is sufficient to keep it from wallowing. I'm very pleased!

[Pescakl1]

I still have to disagree. If you had a FWD Rogue with snow tires versus my Rogue with AWD and all-season tires, you'd be stuck and I'd still be driving by you. I've been driving FWD vehicles for years in snowy conditions, and trust me, they would have all been stuck if they dared set foot...er...tire...in the recent snow storm.

Juelze, strangely, Philip, Kerrton and I have all a FWD Rogue, and all of us put snow tires on during winter. BTW, we all live UP NORTH, a place called Canada.
I am in Canada for 11 years now, and I moved from a Subaru (the best AWD car maker) to a RAV4 (AWD) to a Rogue (FWD) during the years. Do you see the trend? I 'd rather have clearance (Subaru to SUV) than AWD, that is my experience. Of course, it is better to drive a Subaru during or after a snow storm, but it is a necessity? Not in my mind.

Also, for the last 3 years, Quebec made it mandatory that every car and truck to have winter tires from Dec 15 to Mar 15.

If you live in a snowy part of the world, I would invest in a good set of winter tires (on steel rims preferably), that is more important that any AWD system in the world.
BTW, I did lose control once with my Subaru and hit a guard rail (covered in snow so no damage, thankfully), and also got stuck (too much snow, not enough clearance, no more wheels on the ground).

Like other said, be safe out there and slow down when conditions degrade.

[kerrton]

In really deep snow, if you're sunk in deep or just trying to get going, I agree AWD will really help get you moving and avoid getting stuck or get you unstuck (but not if you have old bald tires though). But it's still the front wheels doing most of the work mainly because that's where all the weight is.

In a truck or SUV with AWD/4x4, if you're stuck in 2WD it's because your rear wheels have lost traction, so a quick flip of the switch to 4x4 to activate the front wheels will make a world of difference and most likely get you going in a hurry - it's the front wheels that save the day. The key point here is, 4x4 in trucks is helpful because you're adding power to the front wheels and therefore it's "better" for traction. I believe the big scam or sales pitch has been taking this logic from 4x4 trucks and rear-wheel drive SUV's and applying it to car-like FWD vehicles such as the Rogue and other crossovers who push AWD as the "safe and sensible choice". These vehicle already have front drive standard so adding the rear wheels with the purchase of an AWD system does not have the same benefits as in an SUV or truck. I'm not saying that people shouldn't purchase AWD, it does have advantages, it just bothers me that most people don't understand this fundamental difference and are pressured into paying for the AWD system without really understanding what they're purchasing and why.

Good discussion!

[paulvanharte]

Funny how people who have FWD seem to downplay AWD. Its not just safer all around, better handling in snow, at snowy/icy intersections, I feel safe knowing all wheels will have immediate traction enabling me to go through the intersection, where FWD or RWD take some time to get going due to front or rear wheels slipping.
I live in Edmonton, where we gets lots of snow and I have driven RDW, FWD and AWD and I will never go back to FWD or RWD. However, I do agree that proper winter tires are a must when you live in an area with lots of snow. I feel it should be mandatory( as in Quebec)

Paul

[Nick 568]

Also, for the last 3 years, Quebec made it mandatory that every car and truck to have winter tires from Dec 15 to Mar 15.

Now that's nice. I really wish they'd do that up here in Alaska. It drives me crazy when I see someone doing 10 under the speed limit on a clear day with clear roads because they don't have snow tires.

My stance on AWD vs FWD...AWD allows you to go faster basically. Faster up to speed from a stop, faster through a corner, etc. (not denying it doesn't help avoiding getting stuck, that's true too)
Not that much faster than a FWD vehicle since they are much better in the snow than a RWD vehicle, but still faster all-around in the snow with more control.

[philipa_240sx]

I reiterate my earlier comment:

The grip available is determined by the tire's 4 contact patches alone and not how many wheels are being driven by the engine.

I am a big advocate of winter/snow tires. Partly through many years of driving in poor winter conditions... I travel on average 30,000mi per year. I was also active in motorsports for several years. Tires have a huge impact on the handling of any vehicle. Using the right ones for the conditions can make an incredible difference.

My stance on AWD vs FWD...AWD allows you to go faster basically. Faster up to speed from a stop, faster through a corner, etc. (not denying it doesn't help avoiding getting stuck, that's true too)
Not that much faster than a FWD vehicle since they are much better in the snow than a RWD vehicle, but still faster all-around in the snow with more control.

You have to be very careful.... I've seen a few instances where drivers are fooled into thinking they can go faster because they have AWD. And part of this comes from a sense of 'superior acceleration' you get with an AWD/4WD vehicle. It's a false sense of security that sadly some don't find out until they go off the road, run a stop sign, or worse...

I've been there myself with 4WD vehicles in the past and I can relate. I was one of those who felt invincible when driving them. Fortunately I never had a serious incident, but I did have far too many close calls that were purely driver error on my part.

Once again, drive safe out there!

[Eikon]

Funny how people who have FWD seem to downplay AWD.

I'm not downplaying AWD. I'm just saying that FWD is not so bad.

I chose to buy the FWD vehicle because I think it makes more sense. Sure, if the price were the same between the AWD and FWD, I would probably opt for the AWD. But, since they are not the same price, the reduced gas milage and increased maintenance costs over time and the $2k premium in price make the AWD version cost more than I think it's worth. I live in NE Ohio, in part of what is considered the "snow belt" due to lake effect snows. We get about 60" of snow per year. We actually have about 40" so far this year, so it's going to be higher than normal. Still, we have... what... 8-10 days per year that the weather is really bad and you have to get out on the roads before they can be properly plowed and salted? I just don't think the extra costs of AWD are worth it for 10 days of bad weather. The other 355 days of the year make the FWD more attractive in my opinion.

[Pescakl1]

Funny how people who have FWD seem to downplay AWD.

I think you misread us or we did not express ourselves correctly.

For my part, I don't downplay AWD system compare to FWD. As I stated before:

Of course, it is better to drive a Subaru during or after a snow storm, but it is a necessity? Not in my mind.

Yes it is better to have an AWD car than any other (as long as it is a real AWD system which is far from being the case for numbers of car manufacturers).
But like others have said, it gives you a false sense of security (good traction) which could end up badly when it is time to slow down (still only 4 tires and brakes and no grip).

For sure it would be nice to have an AWD car, but maybe not safe for me (and the others?) as I would be too tempted to use this system to its limits. I already drive faster than a lot of other cars (including some AWD cars) when it is snowing, sometimes using lanes not yet plowed because people are way too slow to my taste (driving at 20 mph in city just because it is snowing is ridiculous).

[paulvanharte]

When you say false sense of security, I will not disagree with that at all. However, that's the fault of the drivers, not the AWD. No matter how good the tires, AWD etc etc. is, it is still the driver who makes the difference. There are too many idiots on the road regardless whether they drive FWD or AWD. Here in Edmonton right now we have had a severe winterstorm and the snow will stay here until April. I for one will opt for AWD over FWD, in our area its not a luxury rather a safety issue.

Paul

[Pescakl1]

There are too many idiots on the road regardless whether they drive FWD or AWD.

That is why I choose FWD, it helps me keep my Idiot level to a manageable level .

[TheITsimon]

I'm not disagreeing with anybody here, but the guys here in alberta might remember, last year everybody got snowed in in calgary, while i was at work, and my nissan sentra was not getting stuck anywhere yes 12" and still snowing all the way home, in the neighborhood with fresh snow i felt like i was in a boat, hearing the snow going past the underbody of the car, and the rear wheel not making contact to the road, the weight of the engine kept the front wheels in good traction and even though i didn't have enough clearance, since i didn't come to a full stop i made it safely to the parking spot where it sat for the whole next day due to the feet upon feet of snow that kept falling.

that was 1 month after buying my sentra, and it was awesome!

this year i was telling a friend that same story.. lol he has the new f150, and there is a road that goes uphill, we decided to race up that road, very icy and lots of fresh snow, my front wheel drive car went up straight, he did have all four wheels turning both of us have all season tires, but i stayed on the road and could accelerate a lot faster than him.

because everytime he would slam on it the rear tire spin would move his truck sideways causing him to go off the road.

however here in alberta it's winter most of the year so knowing how to drive your car is what makes the difference.

and my sentra is the 2009 so doesn't have traction control or anything like that just a manual 2.0l mr20de

I used to have a jeep cherokee and yes clearance and 4x4 makes a difference, however on black ice even 4x4 can't save you if you don't know how to drive, i was actually hit no damage except for some dirt removal this winter, by a guy in a new minivan with winter tires.. lol and i have the same all seasons that i'll probably be replacing this next summer since their wearing.. lol

[casperfun]

Well it snowed in hampton rds and everyone down here do not know how to drive in snow. 300 accidents and 1 death so far.

Well I was turning into a neighborhood. Been snowing a good 1-2 hours and I thought it would be okay since it just began. But surprisingly after turning left at light and into the neighborhood which is obviously less driven, my nissan rogue AWD wobbled a bit left and right. I say 6 inches left and 6 inches right give or take.

I was going slow.

Snow was maybe a few centimeters. Mind you this is far from 12 inches.

But after it happened, you can say I was kinda disappointed. Because I said to myself, HEY I have AWD! in my mind.

So I felt a little let down for a milla-second.

I still love my Rogue.

[TheITsimon]

Yeah that's exactly what everybody was explaining, the type of tires you have and the road conditions is what will make a difference in the type of situation you were in, every car has 4 tires.. during that turn your awd was sleeping, things that would kick in would be traction control etc

[kerrton]

Well I got stuck this morning in my FWD 08 Rogue, but it was my fault as I tried to pull over into what turned out to be 2' of loose snow in -20 deg. C cold winter weather....Also, once I became a little stuck in the deep loose snow I did the standard forward-reverse roll move but the mistake I made was forgetting to turn off the VDC. I was caught off guard and didnt' realize until later that everytime I got my wheels turning and making some forward progress the VDC would kick in and cut power to my drive wheels. If I would've hit the VDC-off buttom I would've been able to maintain some wheel spin and keep forward momentum.

VDC is designed to keep you safe on slippery roads but does not work when stuck in deep snow, so my advice is to keep in this in mind if you're at risk for getting stuck in deep snow, the button will be right by your left knee from in the driver's seat, give it a tap and it makes a ton of difference!

By the way, this is definately a situation when AWD would have helped me out, but I don't experience this often and the FWD is still really competant so no regrets but for those of you who have AWD there are some great conditions over much of Canada and the Northern States to put it to the test this week. If this is you, please take a moment to post up here and let us know how the Rogue is treating you out there this winter!!

[Nick 568]

Drove through 1.5 feet of an unplowed parking lot while towing a 1600 lb (Yes, over the capacity, I know, but it's 100 lbs and does fine) trailer with my AWD Rogue the other weekend. Not a problem. :P

[morselicious]

Hi, I have a 2008 SL AWD and we also have had quite a bit of snow these last few weeks. What gets me is when some of the replies involve AWD vs FWD. I was told by my dealer and in my owners manual the AWD is only engaged between 0 mhr and 40 mhr. So if you are up on the highway above 40 you only have FWD working. Yes, my AWD works great getting me going from a stop or driving slower than usual on the side roads but thats it. If you go into a drift and your car rides up onto the snow, you are stuck, AWD or FWD doesn't matter.

[kerrton]

You're partially correct, the AWD does disengage after 40mph but the AWD is more complex and sophisticated than that. The system constantly monitors wheel traction and vehicle orientation conditions at all speeds and if any wheel slip, skidding etc. is detected the AWD will engage instantly and dynamically to help you to regain traction. Basically, the AWD kicks in whenever it's needed regardless of your speed.

And if you do slide into a deep snow bank, the AWD would be great to have because you'll have power to 4 wheels to hopefully get you unstuck rather than just the front wheels as with FWD vehicles.