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
First reply
1. There is no low range. 2. The AWD is disconnected at low speeds, to eliminate drivetrain windup during parking, so would not be useful crawling over rocks. 3. It's a "slip and grip" system - power goes to the rear wheels only when the front wheels start spinning.
Read the full reply
- 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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