Help me add another car to my comparo - Sub/Suz/Jeep...

[Zoidberg]

AWD and 4x4 is like AIO and Multi-Function for printers. A lot of times, people selling them (re: marketing) think the two terms are interchangeable.

[blusubaru]

My understanding of 4x4 is that it's full power to all wheels at all times it's engaged, 50% front, 50% rear. AWD varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. With Subaru, it's 59% front, 41% rear, and can move the power around as necessary. Now, it won't hold up to the 4x4's offroading, but it's not made to either. Some cars have an AWD system that's more of a traction control in that it doesn't send more power to one wheel, it brakes the others. Some cars are only two-wheel drive and then become AWD when conditions require it. There are lots of combinations.

[Jp!]

I've always thought Sub's awd + traction control + Stability control would be best of all worlds.

But, the Acura's SH-AWD sounds better now, in some ways.

[blusubaru]

Just read about the Acura system... It can move front to back, but only left to right between the back wheels, not the front. The Direct Yaw Control may be something that the Subie doesn't do, but I'd have to read up on it. Subaru's AWD is real, full-time, all-wheel-drive, that can move front to back, side to side, while still getting good gas mileage. That, to me, is the best of both worlds. If a Jeep is to run 4x4 all the time, you could probably expect around 18mpg at best. Besides, the Acura is way out of your said price range! $45k for the cheapest sedan with the sh-awd.

[SteveO]

What about a Mitsu Outlander (used?) or Lancer AWD?

FWIW, my gf has an '03 Suzuki XL-7 and it has been very, very reliable. 50k miles now and no mechanical problems. The interior is featured up amazingly well; some of the plastics are a little on the cheap side. The paint job looks nice, but unfortunately it seems to scratch very easily. She has a lot of scratches that look to be from people getting into their own cars and rubbing their satchel/purse up against her car. Maybe she just got one with not enough paint coats, I dunno.

The other caveat with buying what I call "Tier 2" vehicles -- Suzuki, Kia, Hyundai -- is the resale. It drops like a stone, much more so than "established" brands like Toyota, Honda, etc. The upside is that *sometimes* you have more room to bargain on a Tier 2 which can somewhat alleviate resale value. My gf's XL-7 listed out at 28k msrp with all the options she got -- power sunroof, heated leather, 6-cd, etc. -- but she paid 22k for it.

OTOH, Subarus (a higher quality brand imho) can also be had at invoice or below thanks to factory incentives. Google for some Subie forums and find out what people are paying. My gf's next ride will likely be a Subie. My understanding is that Subie's AWD system is also superior to most others. Exceptions include Acura's SH-AWD but then you're getting into big bucks.

OF NOTE: If you drive in anything approaching a spirited manner, the Subie's mpg will likely hold out better than the 'Zuki's. (I can't speak for the Chrysler.) I have talked to many Subie owners who flog their vehicles and still get the stated EPA mpg or better. And my gf's previous ride, a '99 Subie Forester, was also a mpg champion...and she drives like a bat out of hell. Not so with the Zuki: she still drives the same, but the mpg is well below the mfr's stated numbers. Hence for her lead foot, only a Subie will suffice!

If you want a total bargain, buy a used Tier 2 and let someone else take the depreciation hit. [Certain domestic models might also qualify as a Tier 2 imho.]

You might consider adding a Chevy Equinox to your mix. I don't know if the mpg plays out, but it might. Also: Saturn Vue, Honda CR-V and Element (might go used to hit your price point). Ditto the Matrix/Vibe.

Another consideration (looks like you're on it to your credit) would be to go smaller rather than larger given the choice. Mfrs are now going smaller (better mpg) and imho this will play out in consumer wants when it's time for resale.

[michaelb]

This seems like AWD week on MR. Here is a site that has some good basic info explaining the terms.

http://4x4abc.com/4WD101/4WD-AWD-autoAWD.html

You don't mention why you need a 4x4 or AWD, or what you are looking for in an SUV. The pre2006 Rav4s have full time AWD, so they would be comparable system to the subies, although you would be getting a used vehicle.

[spearmint]

Years ago in sportscar racing they banned Porsche AWD's because they were running away from the pack. I drove a Subaru nearly cross country a while back and it is a kick. You find yourself accelerating on off ramps with loops just because you can do it.

[Jp!]

interesting on Mitsu's upcoming system.

http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/WebX?14@@.f0d6812/39

[JEBB]

You can compare more than 4 models here:

[Filliam H. Muffman]

I like the AutoTrader comparison a little better. While it will not select similar models for you, it is a lot faster to pull up models.
http://www.autotrader.com/research/compare/index.jsp