Is AWD Worth It on a Luxury SUV in Colorado?

Is AWD Worth It on a Luxury SUV in Colorado?

For many Colorado drivers, all-wheel drive (AWD) is worth having on a luxury SUV because it can provide needed traction and control when road conditions change. AWD can be especially useful for drivers who regularly encounter snow, wet roads, mountain travel, and Colorado’s unpredictable weather.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: All-wheel drive can be worth having on a luxury SUV in Colorado, especially for drivers who regularly encounter winter weather, changing road conditions, or mountain travel. AWD can provide additional traction when conditions become slippery, while four-wheel-drive systems can add capability to larger SUVs. Explore how Intelligent AWD in the 2027 INFINITI QX60 and QX65 and All-Mode 4WD® in the QX80 can complement different Colorado driving needs at Mike Ward INFINITI in Highlands Ranch.

Whether you need AWD might depend on where and how you drive. Someone who primarily travels around the Denver area may have different needs than a driver who frequently heads into the mountains.

How Does AWD Help in Colorado?

All-wheel drive is designed to distribute power to more than one axle, helping the vehicle respond when additional traction is needed. This can be beneficial when accelerating on slippery surfaces or traveling in changing road conditions.  Colorado drivers may encounter dry pavement, rain, snow, and changing elevations during the same trip. Having an AWD system that can respond to road conditions can provide additional confidence when the weather becomes less predictable.

It is important to remember that AWD doesn’t make a vehicle immune to slippery conditions. Appropriate tires, safe speeds, allowing enough stopping distance, and driving for current road and weather conditions are important.

Do I Need AWD If I Mostly Drive Around Denver?

Not every Colorado driver needs AWD for every trip. If most of your driving consists of maintained city streets and highways, a front-wheel-drive luxury SUV may meet your everyday needs. However, AWD can become more appealing if your daily driving includes winter weather or if your weekends frequently take you beyond the Denver metro area.

The 2027 INFINITI QX60, for example, is offered in both front-wheel-drive and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive configurations. This gives luxury SUV shoppers the opportunity to choose a drivetrain based on their individual driving needs.

Is AWD Helpful for Colorado Mountain Driving?

AWD can be particularly useful for drivers who regularly travel into the Colorado mountains, where elevation and weather can provide changing road conditions.

The 2027 INFINITI QX65 comes exclusively with Intelligent AWD. INFINITI designed the system to help prepare the QX65 for diverse road conditions, complementing its responsive 9-speed automatic transmission and selectable drive modes.

For drivers who regularly combine Denver-area commuting with trips to the mountains, an AWD luxury crossover, like the QX65, can provide versatility for both types of driving.

What About 4WD on a Full-Size Luxury SUV?

Drivers looking for a larger SUV may also encounter four-wheel-drive systems.

The 2027 INFINITI QX80 features INFINITI All-Mode 4WD®, which continually adjusts power distribution between the front and rear wheels to help provide optimal control across changing conditions.

Combined with the QX80’s full-size accommodations, 450-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6, and substantial towing capability, All-Mode 4WD® can be appealing to Colorado drivers who travel with passengers, gear, or recreational trailers.

Explore AWD and 4WD Luxury SUVs at Mike Ward INFINITI

Colorado drivers don’t all have the same needs, which makes choosing the right drivetrain an important part of shopping for a luxury SUV.  Visit Mike Ward INFINITI in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, to explore the 2027 INFINITI QX60, QX65, and QX80. Compare available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and All-Mode 4WD® configurations and find an INFINITI luxury SUV that complements the way you drive in Colorado.

FAQ

Is AWD worth it on a luxury SUV in Colorado?

AWD can be worth considering for Colorado drivers who regularly encounter snow, wet roads, changing weather, or mountain travel. By distributing power to more than one axle, AWD can provide additional traction when road conditions become challenging.

Do I need AWD if I mostly drive around Denver?

Not necessarily. Drivers who primarily travel on maintained city streets and highways may find a front-wheel-drive luxury SUV meets their everyday needs. However, AWD may be beneficial if you regularly drive in winter weather or frequently travel from the Denver area into the Colorado mountains.

Is AWD helpful for driving in the Colorado mountains?

Yes, AWD can be useful when traveling through Colorado’s mountains, where elevation, weather, and road conditions can change quickly. The 2027 INFINITI QX65, for example, comes standard with Intelligent AWD, making it an option for drivers who combine everyday commuting with frequent mountain travel.

Verification Disclaimer
All information in this overview was sourced directly from the official manufacturer website and is accurate to the best of our knowledge.