Hard start

Hello,

From what you are describing, it does not sound like a bad alternator. If your alternator was bad then after you start it the car will not stay running for very long. It will stall.

So the issue you are having is that is it does not start the first try you will have to try over and over before it starts?
The time it does not start, what does the engine do? Does it crank? Does is make any clicking noise?
Please let me know little more details.

It sounds like the issue could be a faulty starter or an ignition switch.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-starter-and-solenoid-works

It can even be the crankshaft position sensor. A faulty crank sensor can trigger intermittent starting issue.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-crank-shaft-angle-sensor-works

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-crankshaft-sensor

Please let me know what you are observing.

Thank you.

It will not make a difference if it's a rear wheel drive or all wheel drive, with the issue your are describing.
If you would let me know little more details of the issue that you are experiencing (as from my response above). Thanks.

So all the gauges and dash lights come on as usual. But when you turn the key it just clicks, right?

The clicking sound can be either the starter relay or the starter.
First check the starter relay. The relay is located under the hood in the main fuse box (see diagram below).
Pull out the relay and do a visual inspection. See if there is any burnt pin or corrosion on the connector.
You can also test the relay as well.

Here is a guide on how to do that:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

Next item needs to be checked is the starter. Many times the starter will have this type of intermittent issue when the main wire that goes from the battery to the starter is loose or has corroded terminal. With a corroded terminal the power from the battery does not got to the starter as it should and it will just click. Then as you are trying to start it for few more time it can all of a sudden get enough power to crank the engine and start.
Please let me know what you find.

Thank you.

Interestingly the alternator does typically does not impact the starting in a manner that you are experiencing. If the alternator is bad then your car can just stall and when that happens you will not be able to start it back up. You might be able to jump start it but it will stall again. Also a bad alternator will drain your battery, and it will have the battery light illuminated on the dash.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator