How is the FWD in snow?

[kbz1960]

Sorry if this has been talked about several times

[philipa_240sx]

Just fine. The Rogue has both stability control and traction control as standard equipment. It's decent with the stock all seasons. Add a set of snow tires and there isn't much that will stop it.

BTW, I have an SL FWD equipped with snow tires. We had a lot of snow this year and I routinely drove through 4-6" of snow during a few bad storms. Never got stuck and never lost control.

Remember:

AWD/4WD better distributes the engines power to avoid wheel spin. It does not improve traction. Overall traction or grip is determined by the tires.

AWD will not help you turn or stop any better than a FWD or RWD vehicle, for this you need better tires. I am a strong advocate for using proper tires for the conditions:

Spring/Summer/Fall (no snow): All Season or summer tiresWinter: Snow tires

[pedror]

I have to say, I was not impressed with the stock tires in winter. I did not get a lot of confidence in handling and braking, so I think a beefier all-season or full winter tires would greatly enhance the experience.

[philipa_240sx]

Brand new, the stock Continental 4x4 contact tires are OK. After a year of driving on them, it's a different story... You should see how worn mine are. Most of the siping is worn away... they would be downright scary in snow:

Continental tire wear

Other owners comments:

Continental tires

[daytrippr]

We just completed one year with our OE Dunlops. Except under very icy conditions, they stopped, started and turned just fine. AND, after 20,000 miles, the dealer says we have 75 % left!

[kerrton]

It's awesome, there are very few situations where the AWD helps out, for me that would be really deep snow where the FWD may get stuck. For all other driving conditions the Rogue was absolutely amazing this past winter, in my opinion, and like everyone pointed out this has a lot to do with your tires. That's why I saved myself a few thousand bucks and gained a little fuel efficiency by going FWD.