Considering Rogue - how does the AWD stack up against 4WD?

[Southpaw75]

I am considering the Rogue because I love it's value. It seems to have a lot of features for the price. I would look at getting an SL AWD model. I live in Wisconsin where it snows of course. I am a bit concerned about the automatic AWD and how it handles snowy roads. I was wondering if I might get some opinions/feedback from owners of the AWD model that used theirs in the snow this past winter.Also, any comparisons to a natural 4WD system that requires the driver to engage it? Thanks.

[philipa_240sx]

The AWD system in the Rogue is different from the part time 4WD systems common to most large SUVs and pickups. It's quite sophisticated and uses a lateral G sensor, speed sensors on all 4 wheels, and a steering angle sensor to calculate what the vehicle is doing and where you are steering it. The computer then controls a multi plate clutch which can infinitely vary the torque split the from 100% front and 0% rear to 50/50... it's not just an on/off system. Since it's computer controlled, it reacts to wheel slip very quickly... in 10ths of a second or less. It also defaults to a 50/50 split when starting from a dead stop to prevent wheel spin. There is also an AWD Lock button that sets the torque split to 50/50 at low speeds to help you in the rough or slippery stuff. The benefit to all this computer control is more grip, better drivability, and better fuel economy than a conventional part-time 4WD as the system only engages when needed.

I think there is alot confusion about 4WD and AWD systems. All of these systems power all 4 wheels, they just do it in different ways. There are pros and cons to each. Any Rogue owner here will tell you that the AWD models are amazing in snow and on loose surfaces. This is what it was designed for. Just don't expect to go rock crawling in one!

[kerrton]

I believe there are very few options these days for true 4WD systems on small crossover and even small SUV's - pretty much all of them that I looked at have the computer-controlled AWD system, and only a very few give you the controls to actually lock into 4WD (I think the new Santa Fe has this feature), but even then I think it's still an AWD computer-controlled dynamic system, but I could be wrong. Anyway, it sounds like you don't need to worry about the AWD on the Rogue, although mine is FWD I've heard nothing but great things about the performance of the AWD!!

[Southpaw75]

I appreciate the detailed responses. You have alleviated many of my fears. I remember reading a professional review when the Rogue first hit the dealers and it remarked how good it was in the snow. I just needed to hear it from everyday users.Anyone else care to comment on how their Rogue handled the snow/ice?

[MagicM]

AWD systems are only as good as the tires that are using it

[Wannabe08]

I've been very pleased with the way my Rogue handles on snow and ice. I live about 30 miles from "town" so have a 60 mile round trip commute to work. We had a very snowy winter this year, in fact the snow is just finally melted from the ground.

The last 4 miles to my house aren't paved or regularly maintained (sanded/plowed). In spite of that my Rogue did very well. I was pleased that it was able to handle that last mile to the house which is quite steep and gets pretty icy. I just used the paddles to "gear her down" and did just fine. I'd planned on getting studded tires when I bought the Rogue, but found I didn't really need them.

Before getting my Rogue I drove a Durango 4WD. My AWD Rogue does better than my Durango did, but I think that's partly because the Durango had big wide tires on it which aren't great on snow and ice. Also, the mpg is a WHOLE lot better.

[Goblin]

OK, so my ?; can I take my Rogue to the Outer Banks and drive on the beach? I know I can drive on the beach!, but will the Rogue weather the deep sand with the AWD LOCK? Unlike my friend above, my 4X4 Durango loved the deep sand at the beach and I drove with 265X60X17's. Thx.

[SkiHound]

AWD systems are only as good as the tires that are using it

I agree. Tires make a huge difference. Good winter tires beat the heck out of all season tires in snow and ice. I think the AWD system in the Subies MIGHT be better; it's one of their specialties. That said, last year driving home from a ski trip we hit really bad roads (like 17 mostly minor accidents in a 6 mile stretch) I didn't really notice the road had gotten that bad till we started seeing vehicles in the ditch. So the AWD in the Rogue seems to work pretty darn well. I'd also add that AWD helps you get going and keep going, and coupled with the computer accident avoidance systems can help you maintain control -- but NOTHING really helps you stop on ice. I'd also add that I wouldn't buy the Rogue if I was planning to do any real off roading. Just don't think it's designed for that.