Does RWD vs 4WD really change mileage a lot

Anyone know the actual mileage difference between the GT-Line 4WD and RWD? I live in Florida, so I won’t use 4WD much. But I do want heated rear seats, which I think only come with 4WD (correct me if I’m wrong).

Trying to see if the mileage drop is worth the extra comfort for my kids.

I have a GT-Line AWD. Last year, I rented an EV6 on a work trip (usually, I get a Niro). It was a RWD Wind without the tech package. Maybe if I hadn’t been used to AWD, I wouldn’t have noticed as much, but the slower acceleration of the RWD was frustrating. The lack of self-presenting door handles was annoying too, but that’s another story.

I was glad I got the GT-Line and would recommend it to anyone who doesn’t mind losing a bit of headroom. If you want a car that’s more fun to drive and don’t mind a small range drop, go for AWD. Plus, you get the heat pump, heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. I’m in Seattle where it’s been freezing this week, and I’ll never get a car without a heated steering wheel again.

@TomHenry
I rented a car with a heated steering wheel on a trip to Georgia, and I had no idea how cold my hands actually were until I used it.

If comfort is a priority, switch the GT-Line to 18 or 19-inch wheels. The reduced weight will improve range more than what you lose with AWD.

Meryann said:
If comfort is a priority, switch the GT-Line to 18 or 19-inch wheels. The reduced weight will improve range more than what you lose with AWD.

When my GT-Line was in the shop for a recall, they gave me a Wind AWD with 19” wheels instead of 20”. During late spring, I usually got 3.6-3.8 kWh/mile with my GT-Line. With the Wind’s 19” wheels, I was getting 4.0-4.1 kWh/mile on the same routes at the same speeds. Tire size makes a big difference.

I’ve got a 2024 GT-Line AWD.

Can’t remember my summer mileage exactly, but I never had trouble getting over 250 miles per charge (I drive 80+ mph).

Not sure about the weight difference, but it shouldn’t be much. What I do notice is that when cruise control is on, it mostly runs in RWD mode. In ECO mode, it won’t use the front motor even if you floor it, but it will kick in a little when taking off and turning.

I think you can get pretty close to RWD mileage if you try… or way worse if you don’t lol.

@fabio
Lol, my efficiency is way worse. Every time my wife drives it for a bit, I’m shocked by how good the range can actually be.

I live in Idaho, so I track my mileage all year. Over the last year, I’ve gotten anywhere from 2.77 to 4.19 miles per kWh, mostly city driving with little highway use.

The front motor shuts off in 4WD models depending on speed and acceleration, except in SPORT and SNOW modes.

And yes, heated rear seats (only the two side ones) only come with the GT-Line. You also get the heat pump, heated steering wheel, 20” wheels, and quicker acceleration than RWD.

@SorentoRanger
Didn’t realize the heat pump only comes with 4WD. Not a huge deal since I’m in Florida, but it would be nice to have.

BillSmith said:
@SorentoRanger
Didn’t realize the heat pump only comes with 4WD. Not a huge deal since I’m in Florida, but it would be nice to have.

I got the Wind RWD. If budget isn’t a problem, go for AWD. The way you drive affects range more than the drive system itself.

BillSmith said:
@SorentoRanger
Didn’t realize the heat pump only comes with 4WD. Not a huge deal since I’m in Florida, but it would be nice to have.

I’ll be honest, the heat pump makes a difference for range…