[chuck4049]

As I live in a state with real winter, I put quite a bit of thought into this. Driving on snow/ice, the bigger issue is stopping - which is not abetted by AWD at all.

So I decided to go with FWD and use the extra money to buy aftermarket wheels and winter tires. I have been very impressed with the winter tires I have used om my prior sedans, and look forward to my first winter driving experience in an SUV.

Here in Iowa, we often joke about the excess numbers of AWD SUVs and 4WD trucks stranded in ditches the day after snow storms.

I agree with gizzdad that winter tires make a huge difference. All Palisades have 4 wheel disk brakes and all season tires will never match winter tires in stopping performance, which is more important to me. IMO that mandates winter tires if you live anywhere that gets significant snow. The best situation is AWD with 4 winter tires - I went through last winter without the slightest hint of a problem with starting or stopping.