Truck Sales May 2018 Taco surges 21%

Comparing the ridgelines torque vectoring awd to and older basic system in the crv seems a bit unfair.

So much of the performance in snow is tires too. Most stuck SUVs are riding on worn all seasons. Needing a Tacoma to "not get stuck in snow" is a weak reason imo.

 

Did you guys hear the building blocks of life were recently discovered on Mars?

 

The Ridgeline awd system would own Mars.

 

Do you think the rover is AWD, 4WD, or just a prerunner?

http://start.att.net/news/read/arti...locks_of_life_found_on_mars-afp/category/news

 

I’m from California but even I know that not all snow is the same. For several years we had an AWD Subaru and an AWD/4WD Land Cruiser 80 Series (full time 4wd with a center diff that was viscous “limited slip” in high range, locked in low range). Up to a few inches of snow on roads, the Subie was far superior even on all-season tires. Lower CG, more precise steering, etc. In really deep snow the 80’s ground clearance, and if needed, low range, obviously helped. BFG M/T’s sucked in snow. The older Subarus’ simple AWD was much better than tricky “on demand”systems like older CRV’s that stayed in 2WD and shifted power to the rear when slip was sensed, but I think most modern AWD’s like the Ridgeline are supposed to be pretty good. Honestly, for the price we pay, I think at least OR and Pro versions of the Taco should have a full-time transfer case option like older T4R’s and FJ’s. Once you’ve experienced full-time in variable snow/ice conditions it’s hard to go back to a part-time with locked transfer case. Otherwise I love my 3rd Gen, but would like the Ridgeline’s wider bed, more underseat storage, and better fuel economy ... and I even LIKE the styling.

 

Shit it has 6 independently powered and articulating wheels, 4 wheel steering, 24in of ground clearance and runs on plutonium.

Puts all terrestrial trucks to shame lol.

 

I want one

 

But is it body on frame or unibody?

 

Only set you back a cool $2,500,000,000

Probably unibody










For the weight savings

 

But it DOESN'T have JBL nor a Pro shift knob !

 

Don't know where you live, yes, AWD is great on "normal" snow covered roads that are just slushy or only have a few inches of snow. Where I live, we have multiple days of 12"+ snows. 4WD+ Good tires+ Ground Clearance is a must. My wife drives an AWD Highlander. My son drives an AWD Subaru Crosstrek. When we have a heavy snow (that sometimes can be 3-4 days before it is plowed out) then the Subie and Highlander sit. The 4WD is crucial in this case.
Perfect example: Last year, we got around 12" of snow one night. My son was leaving to go back to college the next day. He made it maybe 100 feet down the street before he got stuck. I took the Tacoma out, pulled him back to the driveway, drove the Tacoma the 1/2 mile down our street to the main road a few times to give him a "path" and then he drove back to school.

 

Yes, tires are a MAJOR factor, I will agree. But, the ridgeline is FWD / part time AWD, unless it starts to slide or wheel spin, just like my POS CR-V, correct? So, you in 6+" snow, which happens a few times a year here and you slide. The ridge line will drive like a fwd car - correct? Now, if I'm making tracks in 4wd and I slide, the Taco drives and behaves like a 4wd truck, which I find much easier. I will take real AWD (Subaru / Audi) over any "part time" AWD crap any day. Again, I help stuck people a few times a year, I live in the sticks. Can a Ridgeline yank a stuck car out of a bank or will the front tires simply spin and over heat the transmission

 

What's wrong with Subaru's? They're pretty capable off-road and gets great MPG. Rear seats are much bigger than the Tacoma DC's as well. I'd have no problems driving one as well as a Ridgeline.

Some of you dorks only seem to have bought your Tacoma because it's the cool truck to drive, and scoff at everything else. All vehicles have their purpose, and the two specific that are being looked down on here, do what they're intended to do very well. I'd happily drive either one.

 

That VTM-4 works pretty well (CRV doesn't have this, I believe). Equipped with the same tires, I'd say it would yank a stuck car out as well as a Tacoma.

 

Best post in this thread.

 

I love subies! If the Crosstrek had a little more power I'd be all over it.

 

Yeah, they are pretty anemic, even the new ones. But they are pretty fun to drive, though. You should try it out. Pretty cool little cars. I wouldn't mind one as a daily/commuter. Love that blue.

 

I actually just test drove one. I'm not ruling it out as a commuter. 33 highway miles on regular gas with always-on symmetrical AWD and a cool sounding boxer engine is a tempting platform.

I just wish it had some more torque.

 

The Subie is a great car, definitely fun to drive, but it takes a toll. I know exactly how you feel. Nothing beats the cornering though. I did happen to blow out my steering rack that ended up costing $1800 for a replacement. Thank god for warranty.

Cool story about Curiosity, the tread on the tires spell out JPL in morse code. It's also the size of a car.