I'm considering buying an XC90 and since I use it off road , up steep hillside land for my work, I want a vehicle which is good off road. I have been told by some people that the XC90 is not a *true4wd* and lacks low ratio gearing. Can anyone comment on this vehicle ? I like the look of it and it seems to drive ok around normal roads but I cannot yet test one up in hillside land .
XC90 good 4wd or not ?
Apr 26, 2005
4 Replies
- There is no low range.
- The AWD is disconnected at low speeds, to eliminate drivetrain windup during parking, so would not be useful crawling over rocks.
- It's a "slip and grip" system - power goes to the rear wheels only when the front wheels start spinning.
I was interested in buying one of these but if I understand you corrrectly, the XC90 has no low range AND doesn't have 4WD in low speed for example, crawling over rocks which is exactly what I need to do . Or have I misunderstood you here?
Yes, you understand me correctly. It's not an off road 4WD system. Read all about it:
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My experiences at work illustrate the difference between 4WD and AWD well. My 4WD truck crawls up rock off-roads I'd swear a truck can't climb, but I can't use 4WD on icy streets; it slides when I turn the steering wheel. My partner's AWD van has to stay off the rocks altogether, but on icy streets it is sure-footed.
Mike
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