As one Subaru Crosstrek owner recently learned the hard way, it bears repeating that all-wheel drive is not the same as four-wheel drive. A Subie owner posted a warning letter they received a month after driving on Colorado River Overlook Road in Canyonlands National Park to the r/NationalPark subreddit. The letter notes that this particular road is restricted to 4WD vehicles only, and the Crosstrek is equipped with AWD, not 4WD. It also warns that they may face serious consequences if they’re caught taking an AWD car on a 4WD-only trail again.
That’s splitting hairs, tbh. Especially in the case of a Subaru. Though I guess it scares off anyone with a shitty AWD system from going on the trails.
Imagine a Cybertruck there. It’s “4WD”.
And as a longtime owner of both 4WD and AWD vehicles, it’s not splitting hairs
Now that the locking differential was released, is it not 4wd now?
Just because you don’t know the difference doesn’t make it splitting hairs.
I know the difference. Subaru has, arguably the best AWD system on the market. That’s what I mean. It’s obviously dumb AF to say, take an AWD Equinox or some shit up a trail, but Subaru is a lot more capable than GM’s AWD system.
And neither AWD system has a low range gearbox like a 4WD system, which is the point of the NPS rule.
Subaru has x-mode for difficult terrain, which is different/low gearing. They also have hill descent. https://www.sportsubaru.com/subaru-x-mode.htm
Why would you want 4wd with wasted energy when you could have symmetrical awd and get all the power to wheels that have traction, skipping those that don’t have traction?
I only see awd outperform 4wd when it comes to a subie, but other awd systems from other manufacturers are probably not up to snuff.
Edit: 4wd people are a cult their own too… awd (subaru’s version at least) is superior. Downvote me! I’m spitting facts with sources lol
You keep repeating this but it doesn’t change the fact that this article/change and added signage is meant for people like you
Signage can of course not make sense. I copy and pasted where relevant so others see…nothing wrong with that.
This is getting heated so I’d like to take this chance to say you’re both wrong and the best off-road vehicles only have two wheels with a constant lock on one of them at all times. Hope this helps.
I think there are a lot of factors here. We would actually need to be on the trail to point out where a 4x4 would be required and why. I take my awd suv off road all the time in places where it gets a bit hairy and I haven’t had a problem. However, I know when to stop and say “that’s a bit too uneven for me.” I think that understanding is the main difference for the people who get stuck.
Oh yeah, driver skill and awareness is the most important thing. Especially knowing what your machine is capable of.
If there’s only a cluch pack between the secondary axle and the prime mover, it’s AWD and will overheat when you need it most. 4WD has dogs in the transfer case and the front and rear driveshaft are locked at the same speed.
I say a dual motor EV counts as 4x4
Not to mention clearance of cars doesn’t match that of trucks.