Darren

Greetings all.
I am new to this group. I am considering buying a 2008 Honda CRV when
the new models come out in the fall.
I bought a 2000 Toyota Echo in the fall of 1999. It is a good little
car with good gas mileage,but when I bought it I was commuting to work
in New York City by train, and didn't do very much driving. Now,
however, I work much closer to home and have to drive to work every
day.
I average driving around 150 miles a week, and have to drive on one of
Long Island's busiest highways. The Echo doesn't have much "pick-up"
and I sort of don't feel that safe in it while driving amid all the
trucks and SUVs. So, I kind of want to upgrade to a larger, sturdier
and driver-friendly vehicle. I have narrowed down my choices to the
Toyota Rav 4 and the Honda CRV. They both get excellent ratings all
around, but I like the design of the CRV better.
I will test drive one of each.
My questions relate to the AWD(all wheel drive).
First, for what drving conditions is it for? Off road? Icy, snowy
conditions? Driving in a hilly setting?
Is it crazy to get a CRV without it?
I just wanted to hear some thoughts on it before I buy.
Thanks in advance.

Darren