Kuga/Sportage/Antara/ix35 - which 4x4 for our cleaner?
Discussion
Yep, I recall a video a few years back, comparing a FWD vs a 4WD Kuga trying to get up an indoor ski slope. The 4WD on summers went about 2 feet, the FWD on winters made it almost to the top (and the 4WD on winters did get to the top).
Obviously should point out that of the models mentioned, probably around 3/4 of those on the market will be FWD versions.
Obviously should point out that of the models mentioned, probably around 3/4 of those on the market will be FWD versions.
Quite a vague brief but what's the budget and is this a knee jerk reaction to the 0.006mm of snowfall recently and therefore "Must buy a 4x4" in the belief that a 4x4 is unstoppable and you can charge down a frozen third lane at 90mph on 1.6mm HappyGallop tyres safe in the knowledge you have more grip than Gorilla Glue? I'd also echo that tyres are the biggest factor in wintery weather unless you really need 4x4 credentials... as in diff locks, raised ground clearance and a "proper" 4x4 system and not AWD on demand like a lost of SUV stuff is.
Yes, clearly tyres are critical and I’ll explain that to her but we’re talking about someone who’s only ever used a car as an appliance. I’ll also make sure she checks the cars are the 4WD versions.
We and other clients of hers live at over 1000’ ASL so she has to drive in winter conditions regularly and she’s terrified of snow and ice, I mean paranoid of getting stuck! I was simply checking whether any of her options is more worthy than the others. Also I don’t want to ask about budget as it’s a bit too nosy.
We and other clients of hers live at over 1000’ ASL so she has to drive in winter conditions regularly and she’s terrified of snow and ice, I mean paranoid of getting stuck! I was simply checking whether any of her options is more worthy than the others. Also I don’t want to ask about budget as it’s a bit too nosy.
As per previous replies a set of all season or winter tyres should see her well in whatever car she chooses.
I think to someone who has zero interest in cars they will all be much of a muchness but personally I'd rather spend time sat in the Sportage or Kuga.
Assuming a diesel, all the usual caveats apply as to usage and potential DPF issues.
I think to someone who has zero interest in cars they will all be much of a muchness but personally I'd rather spend time sat in the Sportage or Kuga.
Assuming a diesel, all the usual caveats apply as to usage and potential DPF issues.
Based on the update, then probably agreed that a proper 4x4 isn't needed... so rule out a Bowler or similar. The list of cars given is a bit unusual, as in not the most common models you think of when you say a medium sized AWD SUV - I aside for the Sportage, I can't ever recollect seeing any of the others in years. The Antara wasn't exactly well regarded when it was new and I doubt time and being run as sheds have done much favours.
A budget would help... the Sportage and Kuga are current models and so could be into one for the guts of £30k however the Antara was last dragged off the production line in 2017 and you could probably get one for about £2k these days. So, on that basis I think to best advise, you'd really need to know the available budget. No harm in saying "So, what were you thinking of spending?" as it's a pretty important factor.
Also worth noting a lot fo such cars run a Haldex based AWD system, so are in effect FWD until slip is detected and also worth noting a lot of them that have AWD (many are just FWD) may not have been bought for their AWD and thus may be neglected in that department. Not sure how robust these systems are, but for example I think I'm correct in saying the X1 has sacrificial plastic drive gears for it's AWD. Lovely.
A budget would help... the Sportage and Kuga are current models and so could be into one for the guts of £30k however the Antara was last dragged off the production line in 2017 and you could probably get one for about £2k these days. So, on that basis I think to best advise, you'd really need to know the available budget. No harm in saying "So, what were you thinking of spending?" as it's a pretty important factor.
Also worth noting a lot fo such cars run a Haldex based AWD system, so are in effect FWD until slip is detected and also worth noting a lot of them that have AWD (many are just FWD) may not have been bought for their AWD and thus may be neglected in that department. Not sure how robust these systems are, but for example I think I'm correct in saying the X1 has sacrificial plastic drive gears for it's AWD. Lovely.
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