honda pilot with vtm-4.



about 20-21 hwy, 16 in the city.



265 hp dohc v6.


 

They do actually, our requirements are pretty much the same as Europe now. (that wasn't always the case)

I think someone has already suggested looking at Suburu's offerings.  They aren't "real" 4wd, but I think one of the wagons might be better to sleep in if necessary.

But they are "real" AWD, as opposed to what I know of many of the other "AWD" offerings starting to show up from many other manufacturers.

In a Subaru under normal operating conditions, both front and rear are always receiving some power. Standard transmission Subarus are absolutely full-time AWD, and use a viscous coupling for a center diff. The automatics use a computer-controlled multi-plate clutch pack to send power to the rear but it is always partially engaged - IIRC, you always have at least something like 10%-15% engagement on current models. (There is actually a DIY mod you can do on the four-speed autos to fully engage the clutch pack while fooling the computer into thinking it's still in control, allowing you to get a sort of poor-man's diff-lock.)

My understanding of many of the newer "AWD" vehicles entering the market is that they also use computer-controlled clutch packs like the automatic Subarus, but they start with no engagement and are FWD until the computer decides to shift power back. (Whereas the Subaru always has something going back, sending more back as needed.)

Mazda cx-5 should get a diesel sometime in 2013.

You don't want "real four wheel drive" for commuting anyway.  Real four wheel drive means that the center differential is locked and the front and rear axles must turn at exactly the same speed at all times which means one end or the other must lose traction when going around a corner.  This means either serious understeer or oversteer.  This isn't a problem when crawling around Jeep trails, but it's not something you want on icy streets and highways.  I would much prefer an all wheel drive system for your pourposes, in fact for driving on snowy and icy highways I prefer frontwheel drive and good studded snow tires.

Listen to this man, he is wise.

Shitty tires on a Land Cruiser will get you nowhere when there's 18" of snow on the ground.  A 2WD Ranger with snow tires and a LSD will get farther.  


For those dissing on the Tracker, didn't those have a low range - capable transfer case?  I seem to recall they were pretty good off road, much better than modern cute utes in that regard.