The biggest decision that must be made by the drivers of Ontario and especially in Toronto is whether to buy the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) or Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) because of snow, icy roads and unpredictable winter conditions.
Whether you’re commuting within the GTA, driving along rural Ontario roads, or navigating snowstorms, understanding how AWD vs RWD performs in winter can help you choose the right vehicle with confidence.
This guide dissectionalizes the actual differences of the AWD and RWD, their behavior during Ontario winters, and which one will be the most logical choice in terms of your driving requirements.
AWD vs RWD: Difference between AWD and RWD
All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
AWD systems can distribute power to all four wheels, either continuously or automatically when traction is lost. It has the advantage of increasing traction during acceleration in slippery conditions, e.g. in the snow or ice (but does not affect braking):
For Ontario drivers, AWD can be helpful when:
- Pulling away from stops on snow-covered roads
- Driving on unplowed side streets
- Navigating icy hills or cottage roads
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
RWD vehicles deliver power to the rear wheels, which can provide balanced handling and a more performance-oriented driving feel. According to Traffic Injury Research Foundation, equipped with adequate winter tires, RWDs may be driven during winter.
RWD vehicles are common in:
- Sedans and luxury vehicles
- Performance-oriented cars
- Many modern electric vehicles
AWD vs RWD: Winter driving in Ontario
AWD in Ontario winters
AWD can help improve traction in snow or icy environments during acceleration, which is handy during the winter season in Ontario.
However, AWD does not reduce braking distances or replace winter tires:
Key takeaway: AWD assists to get you moving, winter tires assist with halting and controlling.
RWD in Ontario winters
RWD vehicles are safe to drive in Ontario winters with proper preparation. High-quality winter tires installed on all four wheels improve traction, braking, and control on snow and ice traction, braking, and control, which makes RWD appropriate to most urban drivers and GTA residents.
RWD may work well if you:
- Drive mostly on plowed city roads
- Commute within the GTA or Southern Ontario
- Adjust driving behaviors in storms
Are Winter Tires More Important Than AWD in Ontario?
Yes, winter tires can be a greater consideration than the choice of drive train. Winter tires are able to decrease the braking distance by a margin of 25% as compared to all season tires. This is an enormous enhancement of the specially designed tread patterns as well as rubber compounds of snow tires, both designed to work at low temperatures, wet, snow, or in icy conditions.
AWD vs RWD for Electric Vehicles in Ontario
Electric cars act differently because of the immediate torque and superior traction control devices.
According to CAA, EVs, with winter tires on them, can handle Canadian winters reliably:
- AWD EVs use dual motors for enhanced traction
- RWD EVs are more efficient and have a higher frequency of use in the GTA as a day-to-day commuter.
The RWD models can also be driven year round by many owners of EVs in Ontario who have prepared their vehicles during the winter.
Which Drivetrain Is Better for Ontario Drivers?
AWD may be the better choice if you:
- Drive frequently during snowstorms
- Travel on rural or unplowed roads
- Want added traction confidence
RWD may be the better choice if you:
- Drive mainly in urban Ontario
- Install quality winter tires
- Prioritize efficiency and smooth handling
Final Opinion: AWD or RWD for Ontario Driving?
Both RWD and AWD are safe and effective in Ontario when they are combined with:
- Proper winter tires
- Safe driving practices
- Modern traction and stability systems
Instead of emphasizing merely on the drive train, the professionals always suggest that the priority be given to winter tires and reasonable driving in Ontario.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is AWD better than RWD for winter driving in Ontario?
AWD provides better traction when accelerating in snow or ice, which can be helpful in Ontario winters. Nevertheless, winter tires are of greater significance than choice of drive train in overall safety.
- Is RWD safe to drive in Ontario during winter?
Yes. RWD vehicles can be safely driven in Ontario winters when equipped with proper winter tires and driven carefully, especially in urban areas with plowed roads.
- Do I need AWD if I live in the GTA?
Not necessarily. A significant number of GTA drivers utilize RWD or FWD cars in winter using winter tires. AWD will be more useful in rural driving or when travelling a lot in winter.
- Are winter tires mandatory in Ontario?
Winter tires are not legally required in Ontario, but they are strongly recommended for safety and significantly improve traction and braking in cold conditions.
- Are AWD electric vehicles better for winter?
AWD EVs offer improved traction in winter, but RWD EVs can still perform well in Ontario when paired with winter tires and modern traction control systems.