Ask TFL: What’s the Best AWD System? (Part 2)

Ask TFL
Ask TFL

Are you looking for the ultimate winter or off-road ride? If so this story maybe just for you.

As you may recall last week on “Ask TFL” we answer this reader question below HERE.

Your recent review of the 2014 Regal made me wonder if my Subaru is still the best AWD vehicle out there.  We have found our 2011 Outback to be great in snow but not the best driving or most technologically advanced car.  Is the Haldex system from GM, Ford’s AWD system or any others just as good?  It comes down to one thing; is the price premium to get AWD from a Subaru worth it or have the others caught up and/or surpassed them?

Sincerely,
Jos

This week we’ve heard back from Subaru about their Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive System and why it is better than the competition.

Subaru writes:

Subaru produces a full line of all-wheel drive  vehicles as well the rear-wheel drive BRZ sports car.
Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive has the engine mounted in-line with the drivetrain, helping provide a seamless transfer of power to all four wheels. Other AWD systems need additional drivetrain components to route the same power to the wheels, often using complex designs. More components tend to reduce vehicle efficiency and could add to higher maintenance costs. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive offers better stability, efficiency and a quicker response to slippery conditions.

The balanced design of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive helps add control through uniform stability. With power being distributed to the wheels with the best traction while sending power to all wheels simultaneously for maximum traction and acceleration. In slippery conditions, that power is actively distributed to the wheels with the best traction.
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, working with a suite of other Subaru active safety systems like Electronic Brake Distribution and the Anti-Lock Braking system, helps to give you greater control and confidence on the road in almost any weather condition.”

Subaru also sent us this video which also explains how Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive works.

We’ve also found from independent tests and reviews that many Subaru models have one the highest ground clearance metrics in the car biz.

This means that you’ll be less likely to get high-centered when the snow or mud gets very deep.