Selectable All Wheel Drive. (part 4)

The Selectable AWD is my favourate one which is mostly used by Jeep Grand Cherokee with SelecTrac transmission.
A Selectable AWD system might not be so popular, but it is considered one of the most useful systems for drivers.
This system incorporates more than standard technology for rendering and distributing power to all wheels. In this system, the driver has to manually select if he wants a two wheel drive or a four wheel drive. One major aspect is that it also enables to select between two types of all wheel control. The driver can select between all wheels being powered with the same amount of torque or the power being automatically distributed to all wheels individually when required. Technically put, you can select between a part-time four-wheel drive or a full-time AWD. And this is the fun part to be a actual driver in a 4x4, but a moving couch. 

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Automatic all wheel drive (part 3)

This is an "on-demand" all wheel drive system. Under normal driving conditions, only one axle is powered. When wheel slipping occurs (the driving driveshaft rotates faster than the driven driveshaft), a multiplate hydraulic clutch, viscous coupling, or other similar traction device locks and engages another axle. The torque gets transferred to another axle. As soon as the difference in the front and rear axle speeds is eliminated, the device unlocks and the vehicle goes back to the two-wheel drive mode.

The difference between the traction devices that are used in full-time all wheel drive and automatic all wheel drive systems is that the device used in automatic all wheel drive system replaces the center differential.

Advanced electronically controlled all wheel drive systems can be proactive and lock the traction device even before wheels start to slip - the need of all wheel drive is determined in real-time, based on the information that is collected from different sensors (i.e. g-force sensor, accelerator pedal position, etc.).

Some vehicles let the driver to lock the multiplate hydraulic clutch manually when the driver feels that he needs all wheel drive engaged permanently and before wheels start to slip. For example, in Nissan X-Trail, this is accomplished by pressing a button on the dashboard console. In Subaru Legacy, the clutch is locked when the automatic transmission gear shift lever is at the position "1".

In comparison with traditional AWD and RWD, the Automatic AWD system is more practical on-road and occasionally off-road, however it depends largely  on advanced electrical control which may not be as reliable as traditional AWDs.

Best Small SUVs Reviews ( Part 3 )


Making a lot of "best" lists for many reasons is the 2013 Honda CR-V. It has one of the roomiest cabins you will find in a small SUV, packed with a nice balance of family friendly and high-tech features. Top crash scores make it a preferred choice as a family hauler, and its exceptionally smooth ride quality and commendably steady handling make it a pleasure to drive.

The 2012 Jeep Liberty is another one of the best small SUVs. Useful towing capacity and considerable off-road capabilities beg you to put it to work and get a little muddy. It also offers not one but two different four-wheel drive systems.











Finishing off the list of best small SUVs is the 2012 Nissan Xterra. Innovative cargo features, tons of ground clearance, a body-on-frame construction and an available four-wheel drive system that features low-range gearing will catch the eye of anyone who enjoys taking the path less traveled. If the 66 cubic feet of cargo space is not enough for you, then the standard gear basket and roof rack should help you out. There are even designated storage spaces to hold your water jug and first aid kit.

Although the 2013 models of the Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage, Ford Escape and Mitsubishi Outlander Sport did not make the list of best small SUVs, they certainly deserve a glance as well.

Best Small SUVs Reviews ( Part 2 )




Premium cabin materials, composed handling, a smooth ride and lively turbocharged engine earn the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguana a spot on the list of best small SUVs. It is available in three trims and offers optional all-wheel drive, which manages to return an average of 23 mpg.












No one can deny that the 2013 Ford Escape is one of the best looking vehicles on this list, but there is more to it than just a modern and sporty exterior. Its outside appearance may lure you in, but it will be the comfortable seating, fantastic fuel economy, abundance of high tech features, strong performance and composed handling that will close the deal.











Next is the 2013 Hyundai Tucson. Sharp styling on the outside is complemented by good fuel economy, sporty handling and exceptional crash test ratings. When you slip behind the wheel, you immediately notice that the cabin is much more upscale than many of its competitors, which is surprising at a base MSRP of only $19,245.