I love my AWD Yukon. Even though this is TX (ie. 70's in Winter), it is nice being able drive how ever you want regardless of the weather conditions. AWD isn't just for snow covered roads. For a daily driver, the more power you have, the more you appreciate having all 4 wheels working hard get you where you want to go.

If this was my "race" or weekend vehicle, I'd go for a RWD vehicle. I've driven the RWD TBSS quite a bit and that is one fun vehicle to drive. But as I recall from the last time it rained rather hard, stability control kicked in 3 times during a 10 mile trip. And I wasn't even pushing it that hard. While I do blame a lot of that on the crappy tires, we are talking about a 400hp RWD V8 with 4.10 gears.

So considering the OP was wanting a vehicle for the wife... and unless she is planning on throwing on a blower and going to the track... I'd lean towards the AWD TBSS if one can be found cheap enough.

But regardless of which one, do replace the tires ASAP.