Hi - I'm looking to buy a '11 xc90. I live in Los Angeles, but make a few ski trips a year to Mammoth Mountain where the snow can be considerable. How does this car do with all season tires and FWD? Is it worth getting AWD?

 

I am not speaking from experience however, I have driven a AWD SUV, it was a beast. I'm sure it would do better in snow. What are you coming out of?

 

'02 v70 cross country. It's awd and is unstoppable in the snow. However, day to day driving is a bit rough and in LA, I only need the AWD when I'm in the snow - and not even all the time then. The FWD xc90 is a smoother ride, but I wonder if anyone has any experience w/ it in the snow?

 

Surprised you thought the fwd was smoother than the awd XC90. I drove 05's of both a few years back and didn't notice that. For this year/model can't speak to the difference in snow, but otherwise in general have always found awd to make a difference. Esp getting started from a standstill, and cruising down the highway in a snow storm. I could always feel the difference in traction and in traction recovery when hitting a slick spot. Also true in rain/hydroplaning. Good luck in the decision.

 

We used to go there all the time when we lived in Bakersfield.

FWD with snows should not have problems, but that might be a chore for you.

They clean the road pretty good, but sometimes a blizzard on the way back is not fun.