I am looking at trading my endeavor for an Outlander XLS.

I have a personal thing about AWD i.e. I really want it! But....the local dealer has what may shape up to be a very good deal on a 2WD loaded XLS.

Its not that I do much off roading or that I'm likely to get stuck (here in FL for the time being!) - but I have had a string of AWD cars including a Subaru WRX Sti and it was the best handling car I've ever had, didn't matter if it was raining, snowing or whatever. Plus I'm reading the motor trend reviews etc who say for spirited driving the AWD is the **** :) - wheras 2WD is disappointing, they say. 2 WD seemed OK to me on a test drive, but you can only tell so much in 20 mins.

You can see I'm fairly much sold on the AWD - but I just wanted to get some real life feedback from you guys as to the driving difference between 2wd mode and 4wd - thanks!

Kwanger,

I have the AWD XLS and live in Minnesota. I haven't used the AWD yet, I just leave it in the 2WD mode since it saves on fuel.

If I were you and I lived where you live, I would go with the 2WD loaded Outlander. Especially if it has the Navigation/Music Server System and Sunroof.

Just my thoughts...I lived in Iowa and Minnesota all my life and 2WD I think would suit you just fine.

Jorris

I drive, shall we say, sprited. I also own an AWD car. A 92 Galant VR4 that is anything but stock. Forged/cryoed/balenced 2.3L stroker, 280 cams, 750cc injectors, 60 trim turbo, etc, etc.

Here is my take on this.

The 2wd mode does get you about 3 more mpg than in AWD mode but there is a more serious issue if you drive like I do.

This vehicle in FWD has a ton of torque steer and if you are not used to it, it will catch you off guard.

Get the AWD, you wont be disappointed.

On a side note - This is the only stock vehicle that when shifted in the "manual" mode, and you have awakin the MIVEC/tranny sport mode (by driving like an A$$) you will get 2nd gear chirp. :banana:

Kind of fun compaired to my old 04XLS Outlander.

Thanks guys.

Well, I went with the "Unloaded" XLS AWD - picked it up on Sunday. I love it - I think I made the right choice. Got it $2.5k under invoice as well after a bit of haggling/rebates so also very happy with the deal.

The loaded 2WD deal actually wasn't as good as they were touting at that dealership, so I'd have paid substantially more.

I can definately notice the handling difference when you are getting on with it around the backroads in 4WD lock mode - WhiteVR4 I suspect I drive a bit like you ;)

Very happy - compared to my Endeavor this is one good handling and hi-tech vehicle :)

Here's the thing, I used to leave my Outlanter in 4WD Auto all of the time for the first 2 months I had the car, but when I took it into the dealer to get some things done, the service tech scolded me and said I was going to wreck the car if I used 4wd for anything other than snow, since then I have left it in 2wd. He also said that 4wd is always there, even in 2wd mode, and if needed, the car will automatically apply torque to a specific wheel. Does anyone have any comments about this? This doesn't seem right to me, why even have 4wd auto mode then? But he is the Mitsu service tech, so I am not sure what to believe...

No, that tech has his head up his a$$.

If I turn off the traction control and am in 2WD, I can roast the front tires.

In 4WD auto, the fronts just chirp ever so slightly before it just goes.

In 4WD lock, absolutly zero wheel spin.

If you want to find out for yourself, Take your Outie to a empty parking lot when it is raining and do the same thing I did. That will show you just what is going on with the drive system.

The 4WD auto can be driven 24/7 if you want. It will not hurt it. Even if it does, it has a 100,000 mile drivetrain warrentee.

The only drawback in running in 4WD is fuel mileage.

Find a new dealership.

smily,

Yep as VR4 says that tech is completely wrong. You could even leave it in 4WD lock all the time and it shouldn't hurt it (apart from your gas miles) - because "lock" isnt a lock at all, as you'd think differential lock with true offroady vehicles, its just the different distribution to the wheels.

4WD is not there at all in 2WD mode - in 4WD auto it is but the bias is normally heavily to the fronts - but it will compensate as needed. Lock puts the split more 50/50 front/rear nearly all the time. As VR4 says, take it somewhere you can slide about a bit when its raining and try the different modes (with traction off if you want a real viewpoint) and see what happens. You'll get a real good understanding of whats going on with your vehicles drivetrain and how it affects traction and stability, even without the traction control.