AWD System Question (and other questions for potential buyer)

BrianV · #1 (**permalink**) 12-26-2007, 12:05 PM

I'm considering the Rogue as we're looking for a smaller, sportier, and more frugal SUV to replace our MDX.

We're in Austin, TX now but may move to Colorado in the coming years. Regardless, we want AWD.

One of my MDX's complaints is that the AWD system is VERY FWD biased. I don't mind FWD, but if it's wet and I give it a bit too much gas around a corner, the front slips and torque steers intensely. Power does go to the rear which helps to track the car but it's nowhere near as good as my mom's RX330 AWD or the 06 RAV4 we rented in Tahoe earlier this year.

How is the Rogue? The MDX has all of this marketing around how it detects slip before it happens and sends power back before the front wheels start slipping, but in reality I don't experience that. This is one of their big selling points of the MDX's system over that over the CRV which in their words, "Adjusts after slip is detected."

Other cars we're considering:
- Rav4
- Santa Fe
- Vue (maybe?)
- Tiguan (I'm really excited about this one, especially if they release a TDI version).

I'd appreciate any feedback from those who cross-shopped the Rogue.

Squid · #2 (**permalink**) 12-27-2007, 08:13 PM

Anyone here with an AWD Rogue because I'm interested in the answer too?

Squid · #3 (**permalink**) 12-27-2007, 08:28 PM

Here's what I found in the service manual about the 08 Rogue AWD.

System Description
• AWD controls distribution of drive power between front-wheel drive (100:0) and 4-wheel drive (50:50) conditions
according to signals from sensors.
• By receiving the steering angle sensor signal and G sensor signal, vehicle with VDC corrects a torque distribution
for front and rear wheels according to a driving operation and a behavior of the vehicle during cornering
and improves driveability and safety on a slippery road surface.
• It transmits/receives each signal from the following AWD control unit via CAN communication line (without
VDC).
• It transmits/receives each signal from the following ABS actuator and electric unit (control unit) control unit
via CAN communication line (with VDC).
• It transmits/receives each signal from the following AWD control unit via AWD communication line (with
VDC).
in conditions close to front-wheel drive.

AUTO Mode

• Electronic control allows optimal distribution of torque to front/rear wheels to match road conditions.
• AWD mode makes possible stable driving possible with no wheel spin, on snowy roads or other slippery surfaces.
• On roads which do not require 4-wheel drive, AUTO mode contributes to improved fuel economy by driving
in conditions close to front-wheel drive.

• Sensor inputs determine the vehicle's turning condition, and tight cornering/braking are controlled by distributing
optimum torque to rear wheels.
LOCK Mode
• Front/rear wheel torque distribution is fixed, ensuring stable driving when climbing slopes.
• Vehicle will switch automatically to AUTO mode if vehicle speed increases. Vehicle automatically returns to

direct 4-wheel driving conditions if vehicle speed decreases.

TigerLil · #4 (**permalink**) 12-31-2007, 07:46 PM

I'm trying to convince my honey to let us take the Rogue to Tahoe this weekend rather than his Chevy Tahoe. If this happens, I'll post the results because we should be driving right through a snow storm.

In automatic mode, the AWD comes on when it is needed but you can always put the car in AWD rather than wait for it to take effect when needed. For example, if the roads are slick, I'd stick it in AWD just for the sake of it rather than wait to feel the treacherous roadways.

TL

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