To me it always feels like the AWD is partially engaged, so it may act a little bit like true 4wd where the axles have to rotate at the same speed, which helps the driver approach threshold braking without engaging ABS? But its a pretty small effect on the Outback, as I find its very average at stopping once the fronts start doing the grip and slide ABS dance...So enlighten us, those who do not know, what AWD has to do with two MOST important aspects of winter performing vehicle: stopping and handling? How many people died bcs. their car did not go forward fast enough?
If you go play around in a true 4wd vehicle in the snow, you will find you can stop shorter more easily in 4wd than in 2wd without engaging ABS as much, at the expense of possibly having the rear end move around on you as the rear are under rotating as much as the fronts, which never happens without a mechanical fixed linkage, as a manufacturer would always over brake the fronts wheels just for a safety margin and most part time AWD systems disengage the AWD to let the ABS and stability control do its thing.