[skyking]

good tires and a light foot will get you by in the flatlands and on well plowed roads. In the steep areas and unplowed, the extra drive axle does wonders for both control and forward progress.
It is important to make the distinction between 4wd and AWD.
4wd is just that, and has a selectable transfer case to engage the front axle drive.
AWD has several flavors that each have some benefits and disadvantages, but all share the common feature of some sort of fluid or friction coupling between the power and the rear axle.
We have an AWD honda pilot that is great below 30 MPH in any condition, but at 30 it will take power off the rear axle. Should be no problem, right? Over the years I have had several instances of unplowed mountain passes I could easily drive 40 on, except for that lovely little feature. Most people won't get into that situation.
It also had a locking button that would lock the center differential AND the rear diff in reverse or 1st gear only. I only ever played with it but wow, it was a nice 3 wheel goat at that point. I tried it out and it turned those three in perfect harmony. Don't try to turn as it will probably damage the light axles and components that are typical in 'lite' car systems.