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.
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
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.
