Quote:
Originally Posted by lucky1
I beg to differ my friend, 4wd is NOT AWD....AWD is a setup that will transfer varying amounts of torque to the front differential according to detected loss of traction at the rear...it is always biased to the rear differential. 4WD has a simple transfer case that shows no bias either front or back and simply splits the torque evenly via the transfer case...and only when 'locked in'....there are some 4wd systems that come close to an AWD version by putting a viscous coupler in the transfer case, but it is still not considered AWD. There are also some AWD systems that will let you 'lock' the transfer case, putting an even split between the front and the rear. 4wd systems also have a 2 speed transfer case while AWD systems generally do not...
to the OP...the RAV4 is an AWD vehicle, not 4WD...the bias on the Rav4 is to the front wheels, with a split to the rear during slip conditions.Toyota calls it 4WD but its not.I dont think there are any CUV's with a true 4wd set up..
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Exactly correct. The Honda uses a very simple hydraulic system to engage the rear wheels when the fronts slip.
To the OP
My wife had an 04 CRV and my mother in law had the same thing but an automatic. Strangely enough the auto was rated for better mileage than the standard. My mother in law now has a 2007 which is the latest incarnation. Some observations i have from both vehicles. Honda does not make a comfortable seat. If you are going on long trips or are going to be spending a lot of time in it consider that. Pay attention to how comfortable you find it when test driving as if you don't find it all the great it doesn't get any better over time, trust me. I hated taking trips over an hour long in that vehicle. My other major complaint with it and Honda's in general really(i've owned a few) is the road noise. Brutal.
Other than that they really are excellent vehicles. The power is fine as well. You certainly don't need any more in something like this. It is after all a practical vehicle.
My wife just traded her 07 Sante Fe. That was the first year of the redesign, I honestly have nothing but praise for that vehicle and for what Hyundai has accomplished in the last 4 or 5 years. They have truly improved to the point where they are now at the Japanese level in quality. Take a look at quality ratings on Hyundai's. They are even ahead of the Japanese in a lot of cases. From my experience with my wife's it is justified. Smooth, extremely quiet, refined, top notch fit and finish. It impressed me every time I drove it actually. The last time i had it in for it's service I looked at the new Tuscon in the showroom. I would definitely check them out. Nice little units. Far better than the previous model, which is what Hyundai has done with every car in their line up now.
I really like the VW Tiguan as well. I haven't driven one but it is essentially a Rabbit/Golf with more ground clearance and awd. I drove a Rabbit a few years back when they resurrected the name as I was feeling nostalgic having had a couple when I was younger. What struck me was how well built it FELT. It is hard to describe but it just felt so solid.