<p>I am shortish & after driving a mini van for 12 years, I really appreciate sitting up higher. I think being able to see down the road farther prevents accidents ( at least it helps me anticipate trouble up ahead).</p>
<p>I know there is a higher chance of rollover with the center of gravity but I don’t make the sort of maneuvers where that is a risk.</p>
<p>“The best car for bad weather is the car that you can afford to be damaged and trashed.”</p>
<p>This is a good point. OP apparently asked for a new car recommendation. While I would not buy a jalopy for a novice driver in my family, I would not buy a new car either. Every scratch and rock chip on the pristine finish of a brand new car might cause some heartaches. When there are a few dents and scapes already, another little dent is not such a big deal. :)</p>
<p>AWD has benefits in any condition where some wheels can lose some traction so it can be helpful in rain as well. </p>
<p>Acura has something it calls ‘Super Handling AWD’ where the outer tires are able to drive at faster revolutions than the inner tire, as opposed to just relying on the differential like most cars, and it’s supposed to enhance the handling experience even on dry roads. I test drove an MDX and it does handle very well for a vehicle of its type.</p>
<p>Also on dry roads - if more people had AWD they wouldn’t be spinning their tires as they try to go up my steep driveway. </p>
<p>A lot of people really like the higher vantage point an SUV/crossover affords them which no doubt has contributed to their popularity. It adds a safety factor in being able to see further down the road and over the top of some vehicles and more through the windows of other SUVs. It’s easy to get used to the vantage point - especially for females who are typically shorter than males.</p>
<p>The best thing to do is to get out and drive some of these vehicles and decide for yourself. When you test drive them push them a bit to see how they do. With an SUV/crossover go around a curve perhaps a little faster than you normally would so you can see how it might lean a bit more than a sedan would. Also go over some rougher roads or manhole covers and things so you can feel if the SUV/crossover has a rougher ride than you’re used to (typical with truck based SUVs). Pay attention to what it feels like in the driving position of down low or up high.</p>
<p>thankyou, Bunsenburner.
Every so often I get a moment of clarity and write something Most people can understand. Not Often. But it happens. </p>
<p>So after the snow scare we had yesterday northern Oregon, we get a lot of the Pineapple Express rain. </p>
<p>Here we need good rain tires to navigate thru the rutted roads.
Get a beater with good tires.</p>