All-wheel drive offers better traction than front- or rear-wheel drive, making it a great option for those who take their car onto mountain backroads or other dicey road conditions. But it’s also generally less fuel-efficient, and it’s more expensive than other drivetrains, so you should be sure it’s what you want before you opt into AWD on your next car.
Hope this helps your decision-making process—and happy birthday to Daddy-O!