looking for a real 4x4 suv discussions

[v8only]

So we are casually looking for a suv it needs to be 4x4 and have good ground clearance as snow builds up in our driveway with large drifts that my gmc sierra can have a hard time getting out. We are looking at spending around 15G i feel that the AWD electronic FWD systems that sense slip and then send power to the rear may not work out here but i could be wrong. We really like the Buick Enclave but again the AWD system vs 4x4?

The suvs i can think of with a real 4x4 system are:

GM envoy/trailblazer
yukon/tahoe
Jeep Grand Cherokee
4Runner
Pathfinder
Xterra
Explorer

Any other opinions are appreciated

 

[Looking4new]

I've got an '01 Jeep TJ Sport. [Now, before we go any further I will point out that to put two adults in the back seat is a PITA. AND cargo area with the back seat in the seating position is almost nil. With the back seat folded up is a little better and with it out altogether (it is designed to do this) is somewhat better still.]
The Jeep is lifted 2" with a budget boost and I run 30x9.5x15" mud tires with no problems going through snow. I also put a limited slip front axle in it. Limited slip on both ends would make it almost unstoppable. There are a lot of variables in what you ask, but that is what I have and it works good for me. Even plowing and disking my field.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Cherokee and Explorer are the go to vehicles around here.

The Mitsubishi and Suzuki can both offer a lot of value. I know individuals with both and had good service.

Chris

 

[bandaidmd]

like L 4 N says it has a lot to do with how its optioned, to get the most out of any "4x4" you need a limited slip differential, preferably at both ends. My long wheelbase suburban only has it on the rear but my snow travels are on the road not off, it will push thru drifts over the front bumper and is the most comfortable vehicle to travel in that i have ever owned.
I also have a Jeep Cherokee that pretty much will go wherever its pointed but its more a play toy with a 3" lift ,oversize tires and lockers at both ends but it did good even back when it was stock. Its lack of weight and short wheelbase make it a little skittish on the slipery stuff espessially compared to the Suburban.

 

[v8only]

to keep things clear i under stand that almost all 4x4s are open diffs with the exception of a few with lockers and lsd. I grew up with Jeeps and I know how capable they are in stock form. I would love to find a older Jeep Grand cherokee/Cherokee but around here they have over 300,000 kms and are all rusted out. Therefore the list i have in my first post are my next options so they are lower mileage and in better overall condition.

Are the AWD suvs such as Escapes, CRVs, Honda Pilots that good in snow or do they just spin and not do anything else?

 

[V1Rotate]

Check out Subaru.
They have a great 4wd system that is optimized for snow with limited slip difs front, rear and also in the transfer case. With a good set of snow tires they will amaze you.

 

[econometrics]

My wife drives an Acura MDX. It has Acura's Super-Handling AWD.

Search for it on YouTube and you will see the tests they run on these things in Northern MN against other supposed great AWD SUVs - Audi, eg.

I grew up in MN and lived there a long time through a lot of bad winters. The MDX is better than anything I've ever driven in snow and especially slipper conditions. It will go straight up hills my 4x4 truck wouldn't even dare trying. It's very impressive and I would highly recommend it.

 

[nybirdman]

Another vote for Subaru.We are on our third.We have a 4cylinder ,CTV Outback.Awesome in snow and 30 mpg.Lots of room in the 2010-2014 Outbacks.Forrester would be my second choice.Motor Trends Suv of the Year.Outback won it in 2010.

 

[TomSeller]

Anyone have an opinion of the 05, 06 Xterra? I heard something about a coolant leak into the transmission at 100k, but they sure look to fit what I am looking for.

 

[Woody65]

I have owned a few GMC 4x4 but I currently own a Toyota FJ cruiser. I can say I have never gotten stuck in the snow and have gone past a few of the ones you mentioned that were abandoned on the side of the road. It is a true 4x4 with a rear diff lock, plenty of ground clearance with skids plates. All of the 4x4's that I have owned have been stock and by far this Toyota is the best performer.
I had reservations because I prefer to buy American. After researching, I discovered that Toyota has 9 plants in the USA where they assemble the vehicles. So, it made it easier to purchase. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Diamondpilot]

A week ago we sold our 2007 BMW 335i and picked up a 2013 Ford Edge SEL Sport AWD. It has great ground clearance and while not a true 4x4 it's easily handled the last two storms of 8" and 5.5" last night.

We have put 600 miles on it already and it's turning in 23 mpg.

Chris

 

[Cat_Driver]

I had a HUMMER H1 the big Daddy of the H2 and 3, and then I git a Jeep Rubicon, that could out 4x4 the Hummer in a lot of ways. I was one of the few guys that actually use 4x4's for their intended use. I've had a 4x4 in my life for 50 years, from Toyota Land cruiser, Jeep, Suzuki Samurai, Dodge power wagon, Chevy 3500 SRW, Chevrolet Dually, Ford (Excursion, Explorer, F250), Land Rover, Hummer h1, Hummer H2, and the one I put through the toughest test was the Rubicon, and it passed with flying colors. I will shortly be getting another one.

 

[dave1949]

We've had good results with our 2007 Explorer Sport Trac. It has about 80K miles on it and aside from regular servicing, it has needed two front sway bars. I guess that is a weak point with that model; a plastic part breaks off.

We drive on a lot of messy roads here. The wheelbase length and weight help, it's very stable. The 4x4 works well plus it has traction control. I don't know about plowing through deep snow. I've driven it down to the mailbox and back in 8" without problems.

We used to have a 2000 GMC Safari van with AWD. It would get stuck first, then the AWD would engage. Not real helpful.

 

[Topkicker]

If ground clearance is what your looking for, the Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited (4door) has the most of all SUV's. Has up to 9.7in of factory ground clearance. A Rubicon package has factory front and rear diff lockers. The only disappointment will be the gas mileage. I work for GM but keep a Wrangler in the garage because we don't offer (or any other manufacturer) a SUV with the same off-road capability. I've NEVER been late for work due to snow. I'm out before the plow trucks every morning. My day starts at 4:30am. Aftermarket upgrades are endless for Wrangler's and are probably the cheapest and easiest to modify.

 

[s219]

I have to agree with previous posts about Subaru -- while not a big honking SUV, they can't be beat in the snow. It's one of the reasons they are so popular in ski country.

 

[TomSeller]

If ground clearance is what your looking for, the Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited (4door) has the most of all SUV's.

Very nice Jeep. I am jealous.

 

[Topkicker]

Very nice Jeep. I am jealous.

Thanks. I've really enjoyed it. Got it new 5 years ago. Mods can get addictive for em. Wish Ford would bring back a retro Bronco from the 60's. Two of my buddies had these in high school. One was a 67 half cab w a 289 V8. The other was a 72 full cab with a straight six. These short, live axle 4x4's gave me the love I still have for off-roading. The Jeep Wrangler is the only newer SUV that still has solid axles and the short wheel base that makes the perfect combo for going places other 4x4's can't think of going. Had a 03 Wrangler before this one. Really like the 4 door option that came out in 07. It looked funny at first but quickly grew on me.

 

[bcp]

Check out Subaru.
They have a great 4wd system that is optimized for snow with limited slip difs front, rear and also in the transfer case. With a good set of snow tires they will amaze you.

We now have four 4WD's: a Toyota Tacoma, Subaru Forester, Jeep Cherokee, and Jeep Wrangler. Probably had 15-20 4WD's in my history, and the Forester beats them all in snow up to 8-10 inches or so.

Bruce

 

[Egon]

Don't get confused between AWD and full time 4x4. There will be a difference. You could check out some YouTube videos.

We have a Subaru Forester and a Lexus RX 330, both being full time four wheel drive. The Lexus also has adjustable height control. Gives you an inch or two more clearance.

Both work well on our steep icy streets as well as the highway.

Course if you are real serious go with a 3/4 ton 4x4 with limited slip and a little weight in the back.

 

[dieselcrawler]

Our Excursion is a tank... with good A/T-snow tires it goes great, with diesel power it tows anything we hook up, and comfortably hauls our 5-soon-to-be 6 kids.

sure its old... lotsa miles (272k!)... but thats barely middleaged for these trucks. Not the right vehicle for every body but great for us.