Quote:
Originally Posted by RWebb
I need to check out those Lexus RX things also.
I've had (leases) 2 Honda Pilots (which I figure are about as good as the Acura MDX) - they are the best compromise for the price out there but just cannot handle fire roads very well. I'd say they are about at the mobility level of an Outback but are larger (bad, since I no longer need to move sheet goods and have the Westy to camp in) and cost more.
I drove the new Outback a few months ago & the hesitation in the transmission (e-gas or some reason) drove me nuts. I'll take another look at them and the 6 cyl motors tho.
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It's not ONLY about ground clearance, you've also got to consider the ways in which the four wheel drive systems work.
The Lexus RX, Ford Escape, Honda Pilot, and many other CUVs are front-drive car-based unibody platforms that have an option to be all-wheel-drive. They are still front-drive biased and will transfer power to the rear only when they sense slip. And then it is still less than 50% of the power, although up to 95% of the torque.
The Subaru and Audi are all-wheel-drive but 50/50 biased. It makes a huge difference to its capabilities.
The Grand Cherokee, Touareg, and Cayenne (and other spinoffs) are also unibody (unlike most big SUVs) but rear-drive inherent and also 50/50 biased. Some have low range and part-time settings that Subarus and Audis do not.
A Grand Cherokee with Quadra-Lift (air suspension) and Off Road Group II has the ability to be 80% rear-drive with lowered suspension in Sport mode for better handling and sport dynamics. Or, by turning a dial, 50/50 locked with electronic rear limited slip (and even a low range for Rock mode) gives it incredible off-road capability.
Also, the underside is smooth and protected. It's not like the old Jeeps. Not much to hang up on:
