I was watching a video on youtube about the AWD system of the Subaru. In the video a few cars were not able to make it up an incline when 3 wheels were on simulated ice and only 1 wheel had traction. The VW and the Subaru made it up no problem. I was wondering this about our 19" RDX AWD. Is this AWD system full time 4x4? how much power is distributed between the front/rear wheels?

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SH-AWD

 

https://youtu.be/qRQTMf1DddA
The 19 RDX should have a newer shawd system than the mdx in the video.

 

I know that video, and I also used to own a Subaru. Subaru (and any other manufacturer) will design a test specifically to showcase the specific capabilities of their vehicle and the shortcomings of the competitors so take that video with a big grain of salt. On the Subaru forums there were (and probably still are) owners complaining about the AWD capabilities. Based on my experience the Subaru AWD is good but nothing earth shattering. The Subaru claim that 'symmetrical' AWD is better is nothing more than marketing hype and has absolutely no bearing on how well the system works.

I had an '11 Outback and an '11 Toyota Highlander AWD and they were both just as capable in real life. If pressed I'd have to give the advantage to the Toyota because it was heavier and would not get tossed around as much when plowing through stuff like snow, sand, etc. Tires have as much to do with traction as the drive system - summer tires on a true 4WD vehicle in snow would be useless.

 

Agreed! Don't take video too serious. I love my 2010 SH-AWD. The RDX SH-AWD is the latest version and I am sure it's improved and performs better than 2010.

Also, I drive my wife's CX-5 in the winter and i have to say that it's excellent. I live in Montreal, Quebec and the winter is serious here. My point is all the AWD systems are good but I think SH-AWD and Quattro.