TJRam
Junior Member
No no no
Auto 4wd is not AWD. Auto 4WD can simply detect slippage in rear and allow the front to be engaged. It does not transfer from slipping wheel to the gripping wheel like AWD. Subaru is famous because they used to offer exclusively 50/50 split AWD in all models. I think they have gone to some other combos now like 60/40 too but could be wrong. An AWD system is amazing on ice and reasonable depth snow. 4WD with limited slip or even better a locker will be better for crawling and really tough going but not likely as good on ice. Auto 4WD is pretty bad for slippery conditions because there is delay before it engages and depending on your gear setup (mine is 4.56) the wheels are already broke loose and causing fish tailing before it even kicks in. Might be okay with lesser gears since tires cannot break loose as easy but then again might be worse. Not sure but auto sucks compared to AWD I have had in Durango and Journey for that matter.
Yes yes yes
Most AWD systems in many crossovers work the same as the Ram 4WD auto, except backwards. They run in front wheel drive then transfer power to the rear as slippage occurs. There is many different AWD systems that operate different ways.
I get what you're saying that it is not as advanced as some of the other AWD systems that put power to the tire that needs it and that the Ram 4wd Auto just throws the power out to the wheel with the least resistance in the front...but that is an even worse setup. Not exactly something that should sell anyone on the 4wd Auto.
I mean I guess if you want to call it Auto 4wd instead of AWD, be my guest. But in the interest of brevity I'm calling it AWD, and apparently the aftermarket agrees with that sentiment.
e. lmao, I'm arguing semantics on a message board