I grew up in a rural area with gravel roads. You can totally drive 55 mph with an automatic. I will agree with you on the traction control features; they are no

I grew up in a rural area with gravel roads. You can totally drive 55 mph with an automatic. I will agree with you on the traction control features; they are not very helpful when they engage on gravel or in any significant accumulation of snow. However, if the traction control is engaging regularly, you might be driving a bit too aggressively.