I am looking at a new Murano and trying to decide if AWD is worthwhile. We live in SC just south of Charlotte NC. We only get bad driving conditions a couple of times a year. We do go up to the NC mountains several times a year. My question is assuming that we don't really need AWD very often does it improve overall handling when driving in areas with a lot of curves?

Won't affect handling unless you're pushing it to its limit, and in a Murano, yeah, no. Personally, I probably would get it, but just because I'm one of those "have but don't need" people rather than a "need but don't have" type. It will affect MPG though, so take that into consideration as well.

I read something like this next quote.