As one Subaru Crosstrek The owner recently learned the hard way, which is worth repeating. four wheel drive not like four wheel drive. ONE Subie The owner posted a warning letter they received a month after driving on the Colorado River Overlook Road in Canyonlands. National Park arrive r/NationalParksubreddit. The letter notes that this particular route is restricted. 4WD Vehicle only, and Diagonal equipped Full-time four-wheel driveAre not 4WD. It also warns that they could face serious consequences if found using it. an AWD car on 4WD only road again.
The letter gently reminds Crosstrek owners that future violations could result in a lien, fines of up to $5,000, up to six months in jail, and/or other penalties. While the distinction between AWD and 4WD may seem like a rhetorical one, it’s an important distinction that could potentially save lives on remote and technically challenging trails. Sure, the Crosstrek was able to traverse this particular trail with success, but vehicle restrictions are in place for a reason, and they’re enforceable. Despite the wilderness-themed marketing tactics, AWD-equipped vehicles are likely to be very different from 4WD-equipped vehicles despite sharing the same nomenclature.
The most important difference between an AWD system and a more capable 4WD system is that most 4WD-equipped vehicles have one or more locking differentials, which greatly aid off-road traction. While AWD systems are great for increasing driver confidence on slippery surfaces and in light off-road conditions, they can be a little confusing in more difficult off-road terrain, especially low-speed, low-traction situations.
A locking differential on the axle forces power to be distributed evenly to each wheel. Some AWD systems have brake-based limited-slip differentials, but they are not a substitute for the locking differentials in traditional 4WD systems. The vehicle’s wheels can often spin at different speeds when the differential is unlocked, allowing the wheel without traction to spin freely while the wheel with traction does nothing. This can cause an AWD vehicle to get stuck in a position that a 4WD vehicle with a locking differential can easily get out of.
While experience, skill, and a host of other factors affect an off-roader’s chances of getting stuck, the National Park Service just wants to keep all visitors safe. For reference, Subaru, Tesla, Honda, Hyundai, and Kia do not make any 4WD vehicles. Toyota, Ford, Chevrolet, Jeep, and many others make some AWD vehicles and some 4WD vehicles. If you’re planning on visiting a national park in the near future and aren’t sure whether your vehicle has AWD or 4WD, find out to stay safe and avoid getting ticketed.
