You didn't mention what part of the country you are in. I would say that is the most important consideration for whether you want AWD or not. I live near Boston (80-90" annual snow) but in general they keep the roads fairly well cleared. Both of my Escape Hybrids are FWD only and I haven't had a problem yet. I live on a hill and have had some wheel spin when the streets haven't been plowed yet but I have never been stuck. I'm usually more worried about stopping and these things stop great in snow....The next hardest decision is color.....