I have been on the beach in Corolla, NC and every Subaru out there was tearing it up. Even the smaller sedans. Escape and CRV's were buried and getting towed out. Signs on beach warned that AWD was a no no. Also supposed to lower air in tires. Audi AWD also did well. No other AWD that I saw could make it. My Montero did quite well even without lowering the tire pressure. Contrary to popular belief including my own tire tread did not seem to matter much. Bald tires worked fine with lower pressure like 8 - 10 lbs. Ground clearance was important too in the soft sand but the subies really surprised me. Best things on the beach were the lifted jeeps by far followed by the lifted trucks. Probably more to do with the big flotation tires and ground clearance than anything.
Most reliable, economic and capable AWD vehicle?
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All depends on the sand. Out at Glamis Dunes you'll need fat tires and plenty HP. Oregon Dunes, not so much - just low pressure. Grain size and water content will set the conditions. Ain't any AWD that will climb a slip face at Oceano Dunes.
Why not just get a real 4x4?
Why not just get a real 4x4?
For beach duty? A used Colorado ZR2 with a locking front and rear diff.
Originally Posted by spk2000
I have been on the beach in Corolla, NC and every Subaru out there was tearing it up. Even the smaller sedans. Escape and CRV's were buried and getting towed out. Signs on beach warned that AWD was a no no. Also supposed to lower air in tires. Audi AWD also did well. No other AWD that I saw could make it. My Montero did quite well even without lowering the tire pressure. Contrary to popular belief including my own tire tread did not seem to matter much. Bald tires worked fine with lower pressure like 8 - 10 lbs. Ground clearance was important too in the soft sand but the subies really surprised me. Best things on the beach were the lifted jeeps by far followed by the lifted trucks. Probably more to do with the big flotation tires and ground clearance than anything.
Subarus have 50/50 AWD and the others have asymmetrical? Is that the difference? I know the Audis have Torsen? AWD but I'm not sure about the Subarus. Either way that's pretty awesome.
I have been on the beach in Corolla, NC and every Subaru out there was tearing it up. Even the smaller sedans. Escape and CRV's were buried and getting towed out. Signs on beach warned that AWD was a no no. Also supposed to lower air in tires. Audi AWD also did well. No other AWD that I saw could make it. My Montero did quite well even without lowering the tire pressure. Contrary to popular belief including my own tire tread did not seem to matter much. Bald tires worked fine with lower pressure like 8 - 10 lbs. Ground clearance was important too in the soft sand but the subies really surprised me. Best things on the beach were the lifted jeeps by far followed by the lifted trucks. Probably more to do with the big flotation tires and ground clearance than anything.
Subarus have 50/50 AWD and the others have asymmetrical? Is that the difference? I know the Audis have Torsen? AWD but I'm not sure about the Subarus. Either way that's pretty awesome.
Originally Posted by BrocLuno
All depends on the sand. Out at Glamis Dunes you'll need fat tires and plenty HP. Oregon Dunes, not so much - just low pressure. Grain size and water content will set the conditions. Ain't any AWD that will climb a slip face at Oceano Dunes.
Why not just get a real 4x4?
I agree with BrocLuno. By your original post it sounds like you will be on the beach a fair amount or more.
I would look at the Tacoma. If you don't need a powerhouse engine, their 2.7 four banger is bulletproof and will surprise you.
All depends on the sand. Out at Glamis Dunes you'll need fat tires and plenty HP. Oregon Dunes, not so much - just low pressure. Grain size and water content will set the conditions. Ain't any AWD that will climb a slip face at Oceano Dunes.
Why not just get a real 4x4?
I agree with BrocLuno. By your original post it sounds like you will be on the beach a fair amount or more.
I would look at the Tacoma. If you don't need a powerhouse engine, their 2.7 four banger is bulletproof and will surprise you.
Originally Posted by OVERKILL
Originally Posted by buster
No I like Subaru Al, I had an 05 Forester that was a tank and was great on the beach, even in deeper sand. That's my concern with something like the CX-5. Can it handle the beach? I used to go to Avalon NJ in the offseason months with the Subaru and it was great.
Tacomas are great as well and the new Rav4 is getting a new AWD system that is more advanced across the board.
Cherokees are nice, but reliability concerns me with Jeep.
The Grand Cherokee has a pretty decent track record from what I recall. It shares a platform with Mercedes still, and it's pretty mature. The Pentastar would get good mileage and still provide reasonable performance backed by the 8spd. It also has an excellent 4WD system.
Thanks OVERKILL I will look into those.
Originally Posted by buster
No I like Subaru Al, I had an 05 Forester that was a tank and was great on the beach, even in deeper sand. That's my concern with something like the CX-5. Can it handle the beach? I used to go to Avalon NJ in the offseason months with the Subaru and it was great.
Tacomas are great as well and the new Rav4 is getting a new AWD system that is more advanced across the board.
Cherokees are nice, but reliability concerns me with Jeep.
The Grand Cherokee has a pretty decent track record from what I recall. It shares a platform with Mercedes still, and it's pretty mature. The Pentastar would get good mileage and still provide reasonable performance backed by the 8spd. It also has an excellent 4WD system.
Thanks OVERKILL I will look into those.
Originally Posted by buster
I did see some Subarus doing extremely well in the Outerbanks, NC several years ago.
The Crosstrek is severely underpowered, but quite capable and cost efficient.
Hmm Tacoma with the 2.7....I'll have to check those out too.
I see those same beaches littered with CUV parts. Body parts, undercarriage parts. Subaru, Acura, doesn't matter. Any CUV is at risk. They don't have the ground clearance for deep ruts... and you'll burn up the torque converter in deep sand.
If you're serious about driving on the beach, get a truck. A real truck, with a frame and ground clearance.
I did see some Subarus doing extremely well in the Outerbanks, NC several years ago.
The Crosstrek is severely underpowered, but quite capable and cost efficient.
Hmm Tacoma with the 2.7....I'll have to check those out too.
I see those same beaches littered with CUV parts. Body parts, undercarriage parts. Subaru, Acura, doesn't matter. Any CUV is at risk. They don't have the ground clearance for deep ruts... and you'll burn up the torque converter in deep sand.
If you're serious about driving on the beach, get a truck. A real truck, with a frame and ground clearance.
"Hmm Tacoma with the 2.7....I'll have to check those out too."
As much as I like the Mazda, it and other crossovers are not made for these kinds of situations.
On the Tacoma, everybody wants the V6. You might get a good deal on the four cylinder. I used to own one. It's a very gutsy motor.
As much as I like the Mazda, it and other crossovers are not made for these kinds of situations.
On the Tacoma, everybody wants the V6. You might get a good deal on the four cylinder. I used to own one. It's a very gutsy motor.
Originally Posted by buster
I've been thinking about my next car, which will likely be some type of vehicle that can handle driving on the beach with ease. Tacomas, CrossTrek and the new Rav4 due out in early 2019 are on my list. What other economical, reliable vehicles are out there with capable AWD sytems that will handle light trails and beach use? Mazda's AWD seems decent, but I'm not sure it can handle the beach.
I don't see anything beating the Crosstrek and new Rav4 for value, reliablity and AWD performance.
Anything from non domestic auto makers. #Bulletproof, #lasts forever, # unicorn
I've been thinking about my next car, which will likely be some type of vehicle that can handle driving on the beach with ease. Tacomas, CrossTrek and the new Rav4 due out in early 2019 are on my list. What other economical, reliable vehicles are out there with capable AWD sytems that will handle light trails and beach use? Mazda's AWD seems decent, but I'm not sure it can handle the beach.
I don't see anything beating the Crosstrek and new Rav4 for value, reliablity and AWD performance.
Anything from non domestic auto makers. #Bulletproof, #lasts forever, # unicorn
Originally Posted by oilpsi2high
For beach duty? A used Colorado ZR2 with a locking front and rear diff.
There seems to be an epidemic of those things blowing all their airbags for no reason whatsoever, while crawling along smooth trails. Lots of hemming and hawing from GM, and frustrated owners out there.
For beach duty? A used Colorado ZR2 with a locking front and rear diff.
There seems to be an epidemic of those things blowing all their airbags for no reason whatsoever, while crawling along smooth trails. Lots of hemming and hawing from GM, and frustrated owners out there.
Nick1994
$100 site donor 2024
Need to air down for the sand. My 4x4 Jeep sucks in the sand unless I air down the tires.
The Subaru Crosstrek has a very weak CVT. 14% of the CVT Crosstrek fleet experiences CVT problems. If you decide on a Crosstrek, you would be well served to choose a manual transmission.
I had a Crosstrek with 2400 miles FRY the CVT. It was on cruise control going up a long, gradual highway incline in NY. (Not a mountain or anything like that) the CVT chain-belt failed due to overheating. I know many here at BITOG will claim this particular CVT's is reliable, not so. It's a known problem. Reliability is only acceptable as long as grandma is driving and remains below the speed limit.
I had a Crosstrek with 2400 miles FRY the CVT. It was on cruise control going up a long, gradual highway incline in NY. (Not a mountain or anything like that) the CVT chain-belt failed due to overheating. I know many here at BITOG will claim this particular CVT's is reliable, not so. It's a known problem. Reliability is only acceptable as long as grandma is driving and remains below the speed limit.
A truck may be the way to go. The beach I've been on with the Subaru doesn't get that deep and a good AWD like Subaru will handle if fine. Tacoma is probably a better bet. The new Rav4 looks really good too but would be comparable to the Crosstrek.
Originally Posted by Astro14
I see those same beaches littered with CUV parts. Body parts, undercarriage parts. Subaru, Acura, doesn't matter. Any CUV is at risk. They don't have the ground clearance for deep ruts... and you'll burn up the torque converter in deep sand.
If you're serious about driving on the beach, get a truck. A real truck, with a frame and ground clearance.
My cx-5 does great in the snow and even some mud. But, I would not take my cx-5 on the beach, I'd want a real 4wd for that. I know that Subaru as a great awd reputation but does that relate to the current models? They are all cvt unless its a manual trans. Somehow a cvt awd on sand just does not sound like a good idea. Even if it goes well, I would be concerned about longevity.
I see those same beaches littered with CUV parts. Body parts, undercarriage parts. Subaru, Acura, doesn't matter. Any CUV is at risk. They don't have the ground clearance for deep ruts... and you'll burn up the torque converter in deep sand.
If you're serious about driving on the beach, get a truck. A real truck, with a frame and ground clearance.
My cx-5 does great in the snow and even some mud. But, I would not take my cx-5 on the beach, I'd want a real 4wd for that. I know that Subaru as a great awd reputation but does that relate to the current models? They are all cvt unless its a manual trans. Somehow a cvt awd on sand just does not sound like a good idea. Even if it goes well, I would be concerned about longevity.
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Originally Posted by maxdustington
Subarus have 50/50 AWD and the others have asymmetrical? Is that the difference? I know the Audis have Torsen? AWD but I'm not sure about the Subarus. Either way that's pretty awesome.
Symetrical refers to the fact that the front drive shafts are equal length due to the boxer engine installed inline. Audi "can" be called symetricl but it does this in a more complicated way. Very few AWDs can get 50/50 (front/rear) subaru can. Again it is one of the best AWDs if not the best.
Subarus have 50/50 AWD and the others have asymmetrical? Is that the difference? I know the Audis have Torsen? AWD but I'm not sure about the Subarus. Either way that's pretty awesome.
Symetrical refers to the fact that the front drive shafts are equal length due to the boxer engine installed inline. Audi "can" be called symetricl but it does this in a more complicated way. Very few AWDs can get 50/50 (front/rear) subaru can. Again it is one of the best AWDs if not the best.
Can't believe this has been overlooked...not sure you will find a more capable and affordable AWD than the Jeep Renegade...especially if you spring for the Trailhawk version.
Suzuki Samurai (used of course)
Originally Posted by buster
I've been thinking about my next car, which will likely be some type of vehicle that can handle driving on the beach with ease. Tacomas, CrossTrek and the new Rav4 due out in early 2019 are on my list. What other economical, reliable vehicles are out there with capable AWD sytems that will handle light trails and beach use? Mazda's AWD seems decent, but I'm not sure it can handle the beach.
I don't see anything beating the Crosstrek and new Rav4 for value, reliablity and AWD performance.
You list the Rav4, want economy and reliability but don't list the CR-V?
It's price and capabilities are in line if not arguably ahead of the Toy and it gets best in class MPG making it more economical. My 08' excelled in deep snow and laughed at 2 track trails... the 4wd system while not as renowned as some is sturdy and capable. I had mine in sand, not on the beach, but it never missed a beat.
I've been thinking about my next car, which will likely be some type of vehicle that can handle driving on the beach with ease. Tacomas, CrossTrek and the new Rav4 due out in early 2019 are on my list. What other economical, reliable vehicles are out there with capable AWD sytems that will handle light trails and beach use? Mazda's AWD seems decent, but I'm not sure it can handle the beach.
I don't see anything beating the Crosstrek and new Rav4 for value, reliablity and AWD performance.
You list the Rav4, want economy and reliability but don't list the CR-V?
It's price and capabilities are in line if not arguably ahead of the Toy and it gets best in class MPG making it more economical. My 08' excelled in deep snow and laughed at 2 track trails... the 4wd system while not as renowned as some is sturdy and capable. I had mine in sand, not on the beach, but it never missed a beat.
Originally Posted by Al
Originally Posted by maxdustington
Subarus have 50/50 AWD and the others have asymmetrical? Is that the difference? I know the Audis have Torsen? AWD but I'm not sure about the Subarus. Either way that's pretty awesome.
Symetrical refers to the fact that the front drive shafts are equal length due to the boxer engine installed inline. Audi "can" be called symetricl but it does this in a more complicated way. Very few AWDs can get 50/50 (front/rear) subaru can. Again it is one of the best AWDs if not the best.
I may be wrong, but I am pretty sure symmetrical AWD has nothing to do with the length of the driveshafts, but more that equal torque can be applied to all 4 corners equally...as in, not biased to the front or rear.
Originally Posted by maxdustington
Subarus have 50/50 AWD and the others have asymmetrical? Is that the difference? I know the Audis have Torsen? AWD but I'm not sure about the Subarus. Either way that's pretty awesome.
Symetrical refers to the fact that the front drive shafts are equal length due to the boxer engine installed inline. Audi "can" be called symetricl but it does this in a more complicated way. Very few AWDs can get 50/50 (front/rear) subaru can. Again it is one of the best AWDs if not the best.
I may be wrong, but I am pretty sure symmetrical AWD has nothing to do with the length of the driveshafts, but more that equal torque can be applied to all 4 corners equally...as in, not biased to the front or rear.
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