AWD on 2010 4Runner

[Thai]

I suppose because they have been doing it for so long. And it might also be because they design their cars around the AWD system from the ground up.

Have you seen the videos of the Forester on the slip track making its way up incline when other AWD and 4WD vehicles can't?

Well, given that you do not understand 4wd systems at all, maybe you should stay away from making general WTF statements. :wtf:

The "video" that you talked about is comparing Forester vs. other AWD vehicles (Highlander, RAV4, and maybe CRV). The video did NOT compare Forester to a vehicle like the 4runner. The Forester has a very good AWD system, but it does nothing that the 4runner's full-time system cannot do. In fact, in the video, the 4runner can make up the slippery incline just as well as the Forester because it has:

1. full-time 4wd...allowing for power to go to front AND rear axles at the same time...something that the other AWD vehicles (except Forester) in the video had trouble doing. And this is why the Forester is superior to the other vehicles...but also explains why Forester's fuel economy is not class-leading either.

2. ATRAC...4-wheel traction control...allowing for proper power flow between the left and right wheels in the front and rear axles.

The ONLY possible advantage of the Forester over a vehicle like the 4runner is that it is lighter (in weight)...and possibly better proportioned. But, in terms of 4wd/AWD sophistication, it is nothing special when you compare it to higher end systems. (But, yes, Subaru's AWD system is far superior to other AWD vehicles in its class.)

EDIT: here is the video of Subaru AWD vs. others: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooQRxlChvMw
Not sure if there is any bias in the video or trickery...note that they did not compare the Subaru AWD system with other true full-time 4wd system vehicles...it would be a cool comparison if they did that.

 

[4Funnr]

Hey guys, thanks for your clarification, probably the best I've read so far. It makes a ton of sense.

I'm still curious if there is a risk running the part-time 4WD in Hi even on dirt roads or rocky/boulder conditions. For example, if you traverse a rock slab while turning, is there still some risk of driveline bind up?

 

[M1911]

Hey guys, thanks for your clarification, probably the best I've read so far. It makes a ton of sense.

I'm still curious if there is a risk running the part-time 4WD in Hi even on dirt roads or rocky/boulder conditions. For example, if you traverse a rock slab while turning, is there still some risk of driveline bind up?

Certainly not on dirt roads. I don't think it would be a problem on rocky or boulder conditions -- before long you'll have a wheel in the air and the drivetrain will be able to untorque.

 

[Thai]

Hey guys, thanks for your clarification, probably the best I've read so far. It makes a ton of sense.

I'm still curious if there is a risk running the part-time 4WD in Hi even on dirt roads or rocky/boulder conditions. For example, if you traverse a rock slab while turning, is there still some risk of driveline bind up?

You should be fine...remember, the transfer case locks the front and rear AXLES. So, either front wheels or rear wheels will likely be slipping in the situation you mentioned above to unbind the driveline.

 

[Martinjmpr]

That's a good point. Because full-time 4WD from Toyota isn't quite the same thing as AWD from Subaru.

If you are only driving around in snow, AWD from Subaru is a far superior performer than is any full-time 4WD system.

I have to disagree with this completely. The only advantage I can see to the Subaru system is that you are probably less prone to rollover simply because Subarus sit lower to the ground and have a lower COG.

I'm at work otherwise I'd post the photo of my 1999 Subaru stuck in the snow during our 2006 December blizzard. It was stuck because the snow packed up under the body of the vehicle meaning the tires couldn't even reach the ground ("Traction" was a moot issue at that point.)

In such a situation a vehicle like the 4runner that sits higher off the ground and has bigger wheels is a superior platform. About 2 weeks after that photo was taken I traded my Outback in for a 2004 Tacoma 4x4 and that thing rocked in the snow. My current 4runner does as well.