Learn the key differences between all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive so you can find the right fit when shopping for your next vehicle at Ed Hicks INFINITI.
When it comes to choosing your next INFINITI SUV, one decision can quietly shape every mile: all-wheel drive (AWD) vs. front-wheel drive (FWD). At first glance, the choice between the two might seem purely technical. But in reality, this choice influences how your SUV handles Corpus Christi’s sudden rainstorms, long stretches of sun-baked highways, and those spontaneous weekend trips across Texas.
The good news? INFINITI gives you options. Whether you’re leaning toward the agile efficiency of FWD or the confident grip of AWD, there’s a luxury SUV that fits your lifestyle. Read on to learn which wheel-drive system is right for you.
The Difference Between AWD and FWD
Front-wheel drive systems send power to your vehicle’s front wheels only. This means fewer moving parts, less weight, and typically, better fuel economy — all things you notice when you spend a lot of time on city streets. Take the 2026 INFINITI QX60, for example. Its standard FWD setup feels nimble and efficient, perfect for daily commutes or errands around Corpus Christi.
All-wheel drive, on the other hand, combines the best parts of FWD and rear-wheel drive by delivering power to both the front and rear wheels, maximizing traction in adverse driving conditions. INFINITI’s Intelligent AWD — which is offered across the INFINITI SUV lineup, from the nimble QX50 to the more spacious QX60 — is a bit more advanced than your run-of-the-mill AWD systems, though. It constantly evaluates factors like throttle input, wheelspin, and vehicle speed to determine where power is needed most.
When road conditions are clear, the system sends all power to the rear wheels for a more responsive, performance-oriented drive. However, the moment traction drops, such as during a sudden Gulf Coast downpour, it can seamlessly shift up to half of that power to the front wheels. The result is enhanced grip, stability, and confidence, without you needing to lift a finger.
AWD vs FWD Pros and Cons
Every drivetrain has its strengths. The right choice depends on what matters most to you — fuel efficiency, performance, cost, or versatility. Let’s take a look at the major pros and cons of each system:
FWD Pros
- Better Fuel Economy: With fewer moving parts and a lighter structure, FWD vehicles are typically more fuel efficient — a real advantage for those long Texas commutes.
- Lower Upfront and Maintenance Costs: Fewer components mean that FWD vehicles are cheaper to produce, and therefore tend to have slightly lower MSRPs than their AWD counterparts. Additionally, since there are fewer components to maintenance, FWD cars may be marginally more cost-effective to maintain.
- Smooth Handling on Dry Roads: In dry or unchallenging conditions, FWD systems can offer comparable traction and stability to AWD vehicles.
FWD Cons
- Reduced Traction in Adverse Conditions: FWD systems are more likely to lose traction in heavy rain, mud, or the rare cold snap of snow and ice.
- Less Off-Road Capable: If you frequently find yourself off the beaten path, FWD may feel limiting.
AWD Pros
- Superior Traction in Variable Conditions: AWD systems automatically balance power between front and rear wheels, helping you stay in control when the pavement gets slick.
- Extra Confidence for Adventures: Whether it’s a gravel road leading to a campsite, the shore of Mustang Island, or a muddy mountain trail, AWD can get you to your destination.
- Enhanced Performance: Thanks to their extra traction, AWD vehicles often deliver a more planted, high-performance feel during acceleration and cornering than their FWD siblings.
AWD Cons
- Slightly Lower Fuel Economy: The extra moving parts and added weight in an AWD system can result in a modest decrease in fuel efficiency. For example, the PURE FWD INFINITI QX60 gets 22 MPG in the city and 28 on the highway. The PURE AWD QX60 also achieves 22 MPG in the city, but only 27 MPG on the highway — a tiny difference, but one nonetheless.
- Higher Initial and Maintenance Costs: Since AWD vehicles have more components, they tend to be more expensive than their FWD counterparts. In the same vein, their more complicated system has more parts to maintain, so maintenance costs may be slightly higher in the long run.
Is AWD Better Than FWD for Texas Driving?
Texas isn’t known for blizzards, but anyone who’s lived here knows that weather doesn’t play by the rules. Here in Corpus Christi, driving conditions can change quickly, and that’s why choosing between AWD and FWD should start with how you actually use your vehicle.
Choose AWD if…
- You want extra confidence in unpredictable weather. Sudden Gulf Coast rain showers can make highways slick in minutes — especially if road oils have built up after a long drought — and occasional winter cold fronts can come with patches of ice that catch drivers off guard, even if they’re riding on winter tires. AWD’s ability to shift power between wheels can give you added traction and control in these situations.
- You often travel beyond the city limits. If weekend getaways, rural routes, or road trips are a regular part of your life, AWD offers reassuring stability on unpaved roads, gravel, and uneven terrain.
- You prefer a performance-focused feel. AWD delivers a more planted, responsive drive when accelerating or cornering — something you’ll notice on both winding roads and open Ocean Drive stretches.
Choose FWD if…
- Your driving is mostly in town. For everyday commuting, errands, and well-maintained city streets, FWD is efficient, smooth, and more than likely all you need.
- Fuel economy is a priority. With less rolling resistance, weight, and moving parts, FWD typically offers better gas mileage than AWD vehicles.
- You want to keep costs down. FWD systems generally have a lower upfront price and reduced long-term maintenance compared to AWD systems.
Experience the Difference Yourself at Ed Hicks INFINITI
From coastal rainstorms to wide-open highways, the right drivetrain makes all the difference in how your SUV performs. Visit Ed Hicks INFINITI to explore the AWD and FWD options across our SUV lineup. We’ll help you choose the right configuration based on how and where you drive — so every trip feels smooth, confident, and completely in control.
