looking to buy a 2008-2010 ford escape.What is the difference between AWD & 4WD? I need something dependable on snow and ice,also I have a long steep driveway I have trouble getting up in the winter. My current car has neither AWD or 4WD.

the difference is with AWD there is no choice to go to 2WD...most 4WD vehcles have the option to disconnect the half for efficiency~ subies are always AWD~

While the Full Time AWD in Subarus are great in the winter and during heavy rainstorms..during the summer and dry road conditions, it's not needed and hurts fuel economy, IMO. Like Operator 13 was eluding to, Unless you live in Siberia or Alaska, I would go with an 4WD SUV that gives you the option to switch from 2WD to 4WD. However, NOT all AWD vehicles are Full Time AWD...The AWD in the Escape powers the front wheels ONLY until slippage is detected and then reroutes torque to the rear wheels to regain traction. Electronic Stability Control is a must have in an SUV as well to help avoid tipover during cornering at speed among other scenarios. According to Consumer Reports reliability ratings, the 2008 Escape looks good...2009 is a really bad year in several areas of the car, 2010 has minor transmission issues and 2011 and 2012 are both good years (so I'd avoid 2009 and 2010 models). Good Luck!

Both above answers are correct, I have an '08 Mazda Tribute AWD, which is a twin to the Ford Escape. The biggest difference between the '08's and newer, is the '09's and newer have 40 more horsepower and a six speed transmission, so they're a little better on gas than on '08. I live in Canada and my mileage averages around 28 mpg highway(imperial gallons). Once you drive AWD in winter, you'll never go back to 2 wheel drive.

thanks for straightenin' that out Rex~ it's only nomenclature....question, do you want to be totin' all the weight needed perhaps 2 percent of the time? Some folks do not care about 7mpg~

Hey Operator 13...hope you're having a good Sunday! As you know I have a RWD Sportscar with Stability & Traction Control (MX-5) and a 4WD SUV with Stability Control (Mitsu Outlander)...and on top of that, I live on the East Coast. Do some people here drive an MX-5 year round...sure...does it make sense..nope, not IMO. I've had too many experiences with fishtailing, 45, 90 degree spin-outs and even a complete 180 degree spin-out (near death experience with a Fiero in a rainstorm) with RWD cars in the past, so yes, I'm paranoid! -----> To answer your question: The extra 200 lbs or so for the 4WD in my SUV does hurt fuel economy, but since we've been plagued by abnormally heavy rains and with winter coming up, I have much more peace of mind with 4WD and Stability Control, while other folks are driving in fear with blinkers on extra slow ....I can maintain a steady speed and keep control. However, with winters becoming milder (due to global warming, I suppose)...I may just reconsider getting another 4WD vehicle...we'll see...maybe opt for a FWD sedan or SUV with stability/traction control instead. Nissan Altima, maybe??

I found this article to be very enlightening (I have a subscription, but looks like you can view this without a CR subscription): http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/12/2wd-awd-or-4wd-how- much-traction-do-you-need/index.htm

well yessir, when the computer starts applying brakes to keep 'er steady...begin to wonder about your intimacy with the vehicle...some people feel as though a "commanding view" of the road is more favorable and just let the traction control system take over all logic and knowledge of the car's behavior on the road...Racer_X, personally suffered at least 19 years of the icy tundra known as Milwaukee, Wisconsin....escape to where every day is a sunny beautiful day and we don't have to concern ourselves quite so much with weather telling you when and how to drive (and which vehicle is best) clearly you're gonna want to isolate yourselves from the elements....Honda Elephant...they discontinued that sucker despite it's rubber floor...dog washing permitted interior....a good idea...just didn't sell~

Lancelot Link is not linkin'~