Any SUV's comparable to a Taco?

Subaru does AWD right for sure. None of that "wait for front wheels to slip before engaging rear" nonsense that so many other manufacturers try to pass off as all wheel drive.

 

Very true. They have different setups between the automatic (CVT) and manual transmissions, but both are far above the competition, if you can call them that. I went with the manual specifically because they still use the tried and true viscous coupler with 50/50 torque split. The CVTs use a much more advanced system that is supposed to be more proactive than reactive, but I guess I just like simpler.

 

Yeah, MTs are 50/50 with what essentially amounts to a limited slip center if I remember correctly.

4-speed autos and CVTs are a 60:40 split under "normal" conditions but can vary from 90:10 to 50:50 and are always changing. Over on the Outback forum, they played with FreeSSM and found it never really sends less than 20% power to the rear, even when coasting, and accelerating was always an even or very close to even split.

5-speed autos and the 4-speed auto in the '01-'04 Outback VDC are 45:55 (rear bias) and can split to a more even 50:50 if necessary.

Then there's the STI (maybe WRX too?) system that allows you to dial in the torque to the front and rear.

 

4Runner

 

As other people have said, the 2010+ Outbacks are great cars. We bought a 2010 when they were first released and have been very satisfied with the reliability. Getting around 26mpg in town and up to 32 on the highway. I think that's pretty great for what is basically a midsize SUV with some off-road capability. The AWD is not meant for rock crawling or really rugged roads, but it does great in snow and rain. It does drive a little boaty, and does not hug corners all that great.

 

Yes, I had replaced most of the front-end parts on my '08 Outback before 100k. Suspension, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, ball joints, control arm bushings, etc.

No all weather package on that Baja? '00-'04 Outbacks got a limited slip rear diff if they had the all weather package. Not sure if Bajas were the same. I think they did away with the rear LSDs completely by 2009 in favor of electronic methods. I think my '08 still had one, but even by then it was relatively unusual. They were known for wearing out relatively quickly, but my '04's still worked at 130k.

 

The MTs have an open center differential, so front and rear wheels are driven all the time (ie 50/50 torque split, aka "full time AWD"). The viscous coupler locks the open differential when wheel slippage occurs.

The autos, from what I understand, dont have a center differential but instead use a multiplate clutch to transfer torque to the rear. The clutch is ECU controlled and is always variable based on a multitude of sensors. Supposed to be proactive and safer, but again, I prefer simple.

Also, I've heard that the 4th gen Outbacks have purpose built suspension components, whereas previous gens were essentially lifted Imprezas. This is based on hearsay, so not sure if true.

 

I should have said, "with proper tires".

 

I think part of the problem is they based it on the 2nd gen Outback which was already half way through its run. The Gen 3 Outback was out while the Baja was around, and the interior was dramatically better.

 

If we exempt behemoths like the Sequoia and Expedition (the sheer size of which could be a limitation off road), I think that just leaves the Xterra and 4Runner. I can't think of any others. Unless you call the Wrangler an SUV, then I guess that counts too.

 

80 series Land Cruiser , not too big , not too small . Available with front/rear lockers and center diff lock . Runs forever , bulletproof parts and great aftermarket support . I've considered switching from the Taco but I need the pickup .
Sarge