4x4 vs AWD?

[DOGFISH]

"This is exactly worth the price of a Dennali or SLT trim level - worth every penny."

Lower trim models of GM have the auto option as well, not just Denali and SLT.

[Colin_r6]

You can get an older model 4Runner that has a center locking diff...

2WD, 4WD (Hi and Lo) and AWD!

My bro has one, it's awesome in the winter, especially with studded tires.

(Edit: My wife has a newer model Limited 4Runner with AWD - it doesn't have the 2WD option so it's AWD all the time - gets about 12 to 13L/100km on average)

[ward]

Anyone have any thoughts on Subaru AWD ?

[Dean2]

The best AWD systems for high speed handling and robustness in on road, paved or gravel, use are, Acura SH-AWD, Lexus GS and other primary rear drive versions like the LX, Subaru, Audi, Mercedes (but you have to put up with owning an Audi or Mercedes). That however is against pretty limited specifications. So much depends on what you truly want it to do that it is near impossible to recommend one over the other unless you can specify the operating parameters pretty tightly.

[Velvet]

4x4 manual hubs and a winch

[EZM]

There is no doubt that a vehicle with both AWD and 4x4 is the ticket.

Even just driving in AWD on icy streets, based on what I'm seeing is far better compared to just 4x4.

This is based on my current 2017 F150 (with 4x4 only) versus my 2015 GMC 1500 (which had both AWD and 4x4). It certainly seems to me the GMC was far better in the city roads.

I'm not sure why, from a technical perspective on how that actually works, but it certainly was significantly better - better control, less slide outs, less issues accelerating or starting left turns across intersections and slipper curves.

Maybe I'm wrong and maybe the tires, suspension, etc.... are what I'm noticing - but certainly my GMC seemed far more capable in the city ice.

[Gerald J]

Originally Posted by ward

Anyone have any thoughts on Subaru AWD ?

About five years ago, I was in the market for a mid-size AWD SUV. I read lots of reviews. If the reviewer was biased towards AWD capability, the Subaru Forester would come in first. Because it's full time AWD. If the reviewer was biased towards gas mileage/comfort, the winner was the Mazda CX5. The Rav4 and CRV always came up in the middle of the pack.

I never ended up buying any SUV, so I'm no expert.

[ATF]

Originally Posted by ward

Anyone have any thoughts on Subaru AWD ?

Yeah the AWD is fantastic. Too bad its attached to a Subaru. Had a Forester and too many electrical glitches for my liking.

[JB_AOL]

Originally Posted by ward

Anyone have any thoughts on Subaru AWD ?

I've had multiple Subaru's with hundreds of thousands of kms, and all of them have been incredibly reliable and sure-footed. It is the best AWD hands down. Honestly. They are only limited by the tires and ground clearance. With the right tires, it is very capable.

[robfraser]

One of my sons has a 2011 Subaru forester with about 200,000 km on it.
No problems so far.
Handles and drives great.