Do You Actually Need AWD in Brooklyn?
Fair question, and the answer isn't automatically yes. All-wheel drive adds to the purchase price, adds weight that costs you a little fuel economy every week, and adds driveline components to maintain. Main roads here get plowed and salted quickly, and plenty of Brooklyn drivers go years on front-wheel drive without trouble. Where it genuinely earns its money is the specific stuff: pulling out of a spot the plow buried, getting up a steep garage ramp with ice on it, an unplowed side street at 6 a.m. after a storm, and trips upstate or out east in winter. If those describe your year, AWD is worth it. If they don't, the money may be better spent on a higher trim or a better set of tires.
AWD, 4WD, and What Tires Actually Do
Two clarifications that save people money. First, a small 4 wheel drive SUV and a small AWD SUV usually mean the same shopper but different hardware — true four-wheel drive with a low range is truck equipment, built for trails and towing, while the automatic all-wheel drive in these crossovers is designed for exactly the wet and snowy pavement you drive on. AWD is the right system for New York. Second, all-wheel drive helps you accelerate on a slick surface but does nothing for braking or cornering — that grip comes entirely from your tires. An AWD crossover on worn all-seasons will not stop as well as a front-wheel-drive car on good winter tires. Budget for the tires either way.
Compact AWD Crossovers on Our Lots
At the smaller end, the Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona and Kia Seltos offer available AWD in a footprint that parks almost anywhere. A size up, the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage add cargo room and are the volume choices in this class — the RAV4 and CR-V hybrids make AWD standard rather than optional, which is worth knowing if you want both efficiency and traction. For a premium interior in the same size, Acura of Brooklyn has the ADX and RDX. Because AWD is typically an option, check each listing individually; two of the same model on the lot may differ on exactly this point.
New, Used, Certified Pre-Owned — and Financing
Browse new vehicles, used vehicles or certified pre-owned SUVs with factory inspections and extended warranty coverage. For the full compact class including front-wheel drive, see small and compact SUVs. Plaza Auto Mall has been family-owned on Nostrand Avenue since 1975, and our finance team works with all credit situations: excellent credit, first-time buyers, past credit challenges and everything in between. Get pre-approved online in minutes, estimate your payment, or get an instant cash offer on your current vehicle. Visit us on Nostrand Avenue in Brooklyn, NY 11210, or get directions.
