Which is the best crossover single-wire or all-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive crossovers

The specifics and advantages of front-wheel drive SUVs

There is a fairly large number of SUVs with various drive options. It can be both four-wheel drive cars and cars with a drive to a specific axle. In the latter case, they will cost less than their all-wheel drive counterparts. You need to decide which one you want fit better... However, if you choose a car with a drive on one axle, then you should stop at the front. Since it has greater advantages than the rear one, and even has some advantages that four-wheel drive cars do not have either.

What are the advantages of front-wheel drive crossovers? Let's figure it out:

Front-wheel drive crossovers are much easier to handle under extreme conditions. You just have to press the gas pedal to the floor, and front-wheel drive will do its job. It will be more difficult to drive a rear-wheel drive car, especially in ice, snow or heavy rain, especially if the driver is not an experienced racer.
This advantage is not decisive, but it also contributes. In this case, we will talk about the greater "agility" of the car, and a little more efficiency due to the rear axle. The latter contains a rather ineffective hypoid transmissionwhich gets very hot and requires a special oil.
The front drive is devoid of a propeller shaft, which means that you can not be afraid to bend it on a bump. Thus, the car gets more cross-country ability, which is especially important for an SUV. Even four-wheel drive cars cannot boast of such an advantage.
The increased volume of the trunk and gas tank due to the absence of a rear axle, which is an indisputable advantage. The SUV will not only be big on the outside, but also very roomy on the inside.

Some of the disadvantages associated with the drive are also worth mentioning:
1. Usually, under the hood of such cars everything is tightly located, which will cause some difficulties during repair, since it will be more difficult to disassemble.
2. Weak point front-wheel drive are quite delicate anthers that can be damaged. But, if you monitor their condition, the front suspension will work for a long time and reliably.
3. If you carry a lot of passengers and heavy loads, this will negatively affect the handling and cross-country ability of the entire vehicle. This is due to the fact that without a load, the front axle takes up most of the weight of the entire car, but with a significant load, its share decreases, which will negatively affect grip. For this reason, it is better to drive light when off-road or in bad weather.
Of course, four-wheel drive may seem like a better solution. However, will it actually be that complete? Almost all modern crossovers can be found with the 4WD inscription, but this still does not mean anything. This is due to the leading pair of wheels - either front or rear. The rest do not work most of the time and only connect for a short time. And only then does the car become all-wheel drive. Thus, most SUVs and crossovers can be divided into front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive with their own advantages and disadvantages.

It is also worth noting that these two types of machines have the same disadvantage. This is switching to four-wheel drive while driving. Or rather, the slip that occurs in this case. A fairly large number of factors affect the path the wheels travel. It can be uneven road, uneven tire wear, or even just dirt or water. And in the all-wheel drive mode, there is a rigid coupling between the two axles, due to which some wheels are simply forced to slip at the moment of switching the mode. Because of this, you can observe how the driver who decided to slippery road switch the drive, it will simply lose control and fly off the side of the road. Also, in all-wheel drive mode there is a heavy load on the transmission. To avoid this, cars with permanent all-wheel drive are produced. He does not have this drawback, but there are their own. This is typical, in principle, of any car model.
Popular front-wheel drive crossovers
If you are going to buy such a car, first you need to understand that a crossover is not the same as an SUV. The crossover is a wagon with increased ground clearance. Of course, your cross-country ability will be higher than that of a passenger car, but you shouldn't consider yourself a "superhero".
Consider in one step front-wheel drive crossovers: an overview of expensive and inexpensive cars at the same time. Let's provide them in one list, arranging the models in descending order.
Mazda CX-5
It has one of the highest ground clearance in its class, namely 215 mm ground clearance. The car boasts good driving characteristics, as it is driven by 150 horsepower, as well as a 6-speed "mechanics". Has all the necessary equipment, which is no longer surprising in modern cars above the budget level. These are power windows, air conditioning, airbags, and on-board computer.

However, the car boasts good aerodynamics and low weight, which was achieved through the use of light alloy metals. This has a positive effect on the "agility" of the car.

This car can be found in car dealerships for almost 1,000,000 rubles for the younger model. However, be sure, it will work 100% of its cost.

Toyota-RAV4

It has a less outstanding clearance, but it cannot be called small either, and it is 197 mm. The engine is about the same as the model above, but the power of the RAV4 motor is 7 horsepower more. In terms of equipment, it is also approximately, however, it has an electronic imitation of a differential lock, which will have a good effect on the cross-country ability of the car.

In the past, the Japanese had minor problems with sticking the gas pedal, which led to the recall of a huge batch from the United States, but the problems have been resolved.

You can also buy this car for almost 1,000,000 rubles for the younger model.

It has a good ground clearance of 200 mm. 122 European horses work under its hood in the minimum configuration, but even so, the car drives quite fast.

And also this engine is part of the BlueMotion line, which indicates a moderate appetite for the car.

The car has received the full range of necessary functions, and people who are "always freezing" will find salvation for themselves in heated seats. There is also an on-board computer with a menu translated into Russian. There is no doubt about the German quality, however, for the junior model with only basic options, you will have to pay from 940,000 rubles. Additional options, including a more interesting engine, will cost a lot more.

Quite an interesting machine, but with the smallest clearance from the ones given here. It is only 172 mm. However, this crossover has a good engine, which has 150 horsepower, as well as a 5-speed "mechanics", which gives the car good acceleration characteristics. There is also a good set of built-in functions, which will be enough for a comfortable ride. But this car has a standard anti-theft system, as well as a rain sensor. Of course, this is not what you should choose a car for, but the availability of these options is quite nice. The machine also has a very good salon and even separate climate control.

However, sporting roots make themselves felt, namely a stiffer suspension, which will reduce ride comfort.

This car costs about 900,000 rubles, but you can buy a diesel version for about the same cost.

For front-wheel-drive crossovers, this is perhaps a representative of the mid-price range, which does not have the highest ground clearance. It is only 180 mm, which is not the worst value. The engine is the same in terms of power as in the KIA, however the 6-speed gearbox is slightly better than the previous car. The car has a rather interesting appearance... The latest version of this car has comfortable salon, all the necessary package of options, including navigation systemas well as interesting developments for fuel economy. This car costs from 840,000 rubles, which is generally not much more expensive than the models of the earlier release.

It has a modest ground clearance of 180 mm. Engine this car does not stand out with special power, namely 117 horsepower. However, in contrast, you can indicate a good fuel consumption, which should cover the lack of acceleration speed.

It should be noted that a lot of attention is paid to safety in the car. And the company is proud of it, so if you want a safe and economical family crossover, you can safely take a look at this model.

The rest of the car has all the necessary options for a comfortable ride. Such a car costs from 800,000 rubles.

It has a good ground clearance of 200 mm and a fairly close arrangement of bridges to the edges of the chassis, which will have a positive effect on its driving performanceah off-road. In the junior configuration, the engine boasts only 114 forces, but also good economy in contrast. Has a good set of airbags and a full set of options for a comfortable ride. Such a car costs from 750,000 rubles for the younger model.

It has a ground clearance of 180 mm. The engine of this car is only 105 horsepower.

It has roof rails, as well as a fairly roomy and spacious interior. We can note the thoughtfulness of the rear trunk and rear seats, which facilitates the transportation of goods.

So from this car you can make a good "workhorse" and move even in the countryside. At the same time, without experiencing problems with a lack of comfort or safety. Worth this car from 730,000 rubles, which may seem an overpriced for this car, but other similar crossovers cannot boast of such spaciousness.

It has a ground clearance of 180 mm. The engine of this car is just a little short of hundreds of horsepower. Has a full set of necessary options.

An interesting feature of this model is its unusual appearance, which is especially suitable for young people. On such a car, you will never get lost even in a traffic jam. However, one should not dissemble, it is still worth mentioning that the appearance is really specific and may not please everyone.

This unit costs from 600,000 rubles.

Has 190 mm ground clearance. The engine has 126 horsepower, which for its price is very good result, since usually such crossovers do not even reach hundreds. Otherwise, it has standard equipment and a discreet design. The price for this car starts at 550,000 rubles.

It has 210 mm of ground clearance, which is a very good result for its price. The engine has 102 horsepower. The internal filling does not indulge in a special abundance, since it has only one airbag and a minimum of options. Air conditioning is not included in the standard package, but in addition, you can also install an on-board computer and many other interesting additions.

It should be noted that this car has become a bestseller and has held this position for a long time.

This was facilitated by good driving characteristics and excellent appearance, especially in the latest models, as well as a rich set additional options, which made it possible to decently expand the price range. Thus, the car has a minimum cost of up to 500,000 rubles, which allows it to be considered budgetary, however, taking into account additional functions, its class can be decently raised.

Front-wheel drive crossovers can be found for absolutely every taste and need. Among the presented models there are both expensive and fast cars with chic filling, and family safe cars, and even budget or "workhorses". Each car has its own characteristics.

Recently, crossovers are gaining more and more popularity, and are in constant demand among consumers.

What's the whole secret? And how do you choose the right crossover with the right equipment? Let's try to answer these questions.

Reasoning logic for choosing the right equipment

The crossover, in terms of its build, can be attributed to a light SUV. In one car alone, all the consumer qualities of a car are combined: from high ground clearance to an all-wheel drive system. Using the high ground clearance, the crossover can easily drive up the highest curbs, and using the all-wheel drive system, you can easily drive out of the most difficult snowdrifts.

Each crossover has its own characteristics, some consumers choose high ground clearance, some drive, and some choose a spacious interior. How to make right choice? Crossovers can be either front or rear axle, or can come with permanent all-wheel drive. In order to navigate such a system, it is necessary to consider what kind of crossovers with permanent all-wheel drive are.

Chinese supplier GreatWall has offered all-wheel drive crossovers, among them are Chevrolet niva in the price category 459,000-55,700 rubles and a Lada 4 × 4 crossover with a price of 354,000 rubles. These cars, regardless of the year of manufacture, are always very popular among consumers, with a permanently connected all-wheel drive and the same distribution of wheel torque on all axles of the crossover.

All four-wheel drive crossovers require good driving skills and an understanding of how the vehicle works. Almost all cars come with MCPherson type independent rear suspension. This feature is necessary in order to fully experience the properties of the car.

Usually when a car enthusiast is going to buy a crossover, he pays attention to all-wheel drive crossovers with high ground clearance... In such cars there is no differential lock and reduction in transmission gears. Such a crossover is great for a comfortable ride in winter time, and for roads in the warm season it will delight you with its smooth ride. Large ground clearance does not affect price category car, because basically everyone pays attention to the compactness of the model and its dynamism. Basically, these crossovers are found not off-road, but on a regular highway, which also excludes the choice of a crossover with a high ground clearance.

The list of the most popular crossovers with high ground clearance includes: Opel Moka (with a ground clearance of 19 cm), Chevrolet Tracker (with a ground clearance of 15.9 cm) - we learned about it in some detail from, Nissan Juke Nismo (with a ground clearance of 18 cm), Toyota RAV4 (with a ground clearance 19.7cm), Infiniti JX (with 18.7cm ground clearance), Subaru forester (21.5cm ground clearance), Volvo XC60 (23cm ground clearance) and Range rover E-Voque (21.5cm ground clearance) The Range Rover E-Voque crossover is considered the best in its class for cross-country ability.

Crossovers can hardly be called real SUVs, since ground clearance in SUVs it is 30 cm, but they have less opportunities than in crossovers. Depending on the vehicle configuration, their ground clearance will change. Basically, if the model belongs to microcrossovers (model Chevrolet Tracker), then the clearance will be less here. Microcrossovers, due to their compact configuration, are often referred to as sedans. The main reason that distinguishes crossovers from SUVs is the comfortable ride of the former in urban areas and light off-road conditions.

Plug-in 4WD Crossovers

If the drive is connected through a clutch, in this case the units are called crossovers with all-wheel drive connected. That is, the clutch connects the second axle depending on how the wheels are scrolled from the non-connected axle. This type of drive can rightfully be attributed to the intelligent type. Usually the second axle is automatically connected depending on the road type: road / off road. If you use four-wheel drive on an uncharacteristic road, you can damage the mechanisms in the car.

Therefore, the question "Does the crossover need four-wheel drive?" can be answered in this way: “It is necessary if transport deals with constant off-road conditions, and constant difficult situations on the road, bad weather conditions, snowdrifts and mud. If the crossover is spent most of the time on the road, it is better to use a one-drive car, most often with the rear axle. The ideal option would be to buy a crossover car with plug-in all-wheel drive. "

Among rear wheel drive cars with plug-in front-wheel drive, the following popular crossovers can be distinguished: Suzuki jimny in the amount of 746,000 rubles, UAZ Patriot and UAZ Hunter in the amount of 529,000 rubles and 454,000 rubles. Also crossovers HoverM2, HoverH3, HoverH5, HoverH6 from 549,000 rubles to 749,000 rubles.

A prime example of front-wheel drive crossovers with plug-in rear wheel drive with the help of the clutch, these are: Renault Duster in the amount of 541,000 rubles, Chery Tiggo in the amount of 619,000 rubles and Suzuki SX4 Classic in the amount of 729,000 rubles.

Excluding all-wheel drive for SUVs, single-wheel drive vehicles, mainly front-wheel drive, are emerging, which are called crossovers for use in urban areas. These crossovers have a significantly lower price than their all-wheel drive relatives. Front-wheel-drive crossovers will behave better off-road than rear-wheel drive ones. The drive axle of these vehicles is always under load, since the engine constantly weighs on top, giving the best grip on the road surface. By turning the wheels on the steering wheel, you can easily maneuver in all situations on the road.

Crossover pricing

Usually, front-wheel drive crossovers are obtained from a simplified version of the all-wheel drive unit. To get acquainted with the prices of such a control system, it is proposed to view the front-wheel-drive crossovers review:

Suzuki SX4 New cost 779,000 - 1,019,000 rubles;
Nissan Qashqai cost 789,000 - 1,096,000 rubles;
Nissan Qashqai +2 cost 844,000-1049,500 rubles;
Citoren C4 Aircross cost 849,000 - 1,124,000 rubles;
Kia Sportage cost 889,900 - 1,049,900 rubles;
Hyundai ix35 cost 899,000 - 1,144,900 rubles;
Mitsubishi Outlander cost 969,000 - 1,249,990 rubles;
Peugeot 4007 cost 989,000 - 1,074,000 rubles.

Basically, the price of cars depends on whether it will be equipped with all-wheel drive or not, what ground clearance is set in the crossover, what type of McPherson type front and rear suspension (mostly semi-dependent), what rear and front axle brakes. As a rule, in front-wheel drive crossovers, the ground clearance is at least 175 mm, the wheelbase is 2.5-2.6 m. They can easily pass the curb and pits on the dirt road, which makes them indispensable for Russians.

Front-wheel drive crossovers have the insides of a small to medium-sized gasoline engine. Crossovers come with one engine, only some models use two options at once. Some models of front wheel drive crossovers such as Kia soul go with diesel engine, only the pricing policy goes beyond budget cars.

Due to the fact that the car is equipped with one drive, it consumes 2-3 times less fuel than an all-wheel drive crossover. Most crossovers come with a manual transmission. automatic transmission gear shifting is not included in the category of 750,000 rubles. Mostly in Europe, they choose the opposite mechanical box gears as it uses less fuel.

Thus, the more trim levels are installed in the crossover, the more expensive it costs. If you wish, purchasing a front-wheel drive crossover, you can constantly supply it with new parts and install new packages, thereby the price will not be so expensive when buying. Do you need four-wheel drive? The question is serious, it all depends on the real need or the great desire of the driver. Before buying a car, evaluate the pros and cons of buying the drive you need.

In this detailed test drive, a new Great wall The Hover H6 is absolutely justifiably called "thoroughbred" for its all-wheel drive:

Why do many car enthusiasts choose a front-wheel-drive crossover and what are its advantages? Obviously, the main principle guiding buyers of SUVs and front-wheel drive crossovers is its lower cost. And this is to some extent logical: why buy yourself an all-wheel drive SUV or any other car with all-wheel drive, if its main role will be to travel around the city?
If you need to get from work to home or go to a suburban area, then front-wheel drive SUVs or crossovers will be the most suitable means for this. Let's make a brief overview of the main "heavy" models with front-wheel drive, which are most common on domestic market... Let's note right away: we will not consider such representatives of the SUV family as Pontiac Vibe, Ford EcoSport, Chevrolet orlando or other little-known models.

In most cases, price plays a decisive role in choosing front-wheel drive crossovers. It is she who generates demand and makes any car very attractive. One of the most attractive SUVs in terms of price is the Chinese Chery Tiggo. This is a fairly spacious car that has a pleasant appearance compared to many of its compatriots. Its cost is at least 520 thousand rubles. But I would like to note that in this case there is something to pay for.

Chery Tiggo is a typical five-door front-wheel drive crossover, which has rather big dimensions. The length of the car is 4390 mm, the height is 1705 mm, and the width is 1765 mm. This allows us to judge that the Tiggo has a fairly spacious interior, which comfortably accommodates the driver and front passenger and, albeit with difficulty, but accommodates two rear passengers. The car's ground clearance is 190 mm, which allows you to feel confident even in light off-road conditions.

4-cylinder injection engine The 1.6-liter Tiggo has 126 hp. and allows the 1.7-ton Chinese to accelerate to 100 km / h in 14 seconds. Slow enough, but we're looking at front-wheel-drive crossovers, not sports cars, right? It is worth noting that the car has a top speed of 175 km / h, which is enough to fully exploit the full potential of the Tiggo. The car has a high quality 5-speed manual. Low fuel consumption turned out to be a pleasant moment - only 6.7 liters in mixed mode per 100 km.

What can you say about the appearance of the car? Models recent years production finally got rid of cheap plastic, which was located in the place of the front and rear bumpers, and the design features have become more strict and consistent in comparison with the "blown" predecessors. The general appearance of Chery Tiggo can be rated as a solid four.

This extravagant japanese crossover pleases with the optimal ratio of price and quality. Why is the Juke and not the same Quashqai the most suitable front-wheel drive SUV for most SUVs? The fact is that the basic configuration of the Quashqai will cost the car enthusiast no less than 27 thousand dollars, and the Juke in the initial configuration can be purchased for only 22, 5 thousand dollars.

In addition to the price, the extended basic equipment of the Japanese was also pleased: even the cheapest version of the Juke has four airbags, heated seats, air conditioning and ABS and ESP. Paying additional 3.5 thousand dollars, a car enthusiast can purchase a complete set, which, in addition to the above options, will have curtains, 17-inch alloy wheels, climate control, a variator and a display on dashboard... For 27, 5 thousand dollars you can buy a car, which will be additionally equipped with a rear view camera and GPS-navigator.

Up to $ 28 thousand, Juke versions are available, which are equipped with only a 1.6-liter 117-horsepower engine. If there is a desire to feel more powerful engine, then for 29 thousand dollars you can buy the Juke, which is equipped with a 1.8-liter 190-horsepower engine. However, this is often not necessary for most motorists. For trips to work and back home, 117 hp is enough.

The appearance of the car is estimated rather ambiguously. To some, it seems unusual and even futuristic, while others see only an ugly 2WD-powered crossover. But, as you know, the taste and color ...

This car is one of the most successful examples combination of correct technical solutions and very competent marketing. Thanks to the fresh design and SkyAktiv technology, the car rose sharply to the top sellers from the very first moment of its appearance on the market. This front-wheel drive crossover has a 2.0-liter engine that produces 170 hp. At the same time, fuel consumption in mixed mode reaches only 9.3 liters per 100 kilometers. That's not much given the type and power of the CX-5's powertrain.

The car has excellent suspension, steering well and good cornering, but the 5-speed automatic transmission sometimes fails to keep up with all the driver's commands. The best option the solution to this problem is the use of the Tiptronic system.

Among the disadvantages of the Mazda CX-5, it is worth noting high cost: Only a version equipped with a manual transmission and a 2WD drive will be cheaper than 1 million rubles, while the question of the compatibility of the compression ratio of engines and the quality of Russian gasoline remains relevant.

It was with the release of this model in 2010 that the era of the massive offensive of the automaker KIA to the top sales positions began. At the moment there is an opportunity to purchase a Sportage for only 839 thousand rubles, while basic configuration a petrol two-liter engine with 150 hp is available, front-wheel drive and a 5-speed manual transmission.

Many car enthusiasts should think about purchasing this car. Given the quality of the interior trim and the options available (including separate climate control), this lively Korean is not inferior to such venerable representatives automotive industrylike Toyota RAV4 or Mazda CX-5. It should be noted that a diesel version of the crossover can also be purchased for the given price, which is very rare.

Despite all the advantages, these crossovers also have disadvantages, among which it is worth noting a rather stiff suspension (especially on off-road sections) and excessively high fuel consumption rates.

Front-wheel drive SUVs of this company occupy a special place among all their fellows. They are, of course, not cheap - they make themselves felt by German roots and high quality assembly. The only complete set that is in the range of our interests is called Trend & Fun. Its initial cost is 899 thousand rubles.

The car is equipped with a turbocharged engine with a volume of 1.4 liters, the power of which reaches 122 hp. In addition, the Tiguan has a 6-speed manual transmission, a system regenerative braking, electronic parking brake and many other options.

Only two words can be said about the build quality and appearance of the car: this is Volkswagen. The exterior is distinguished by its laconicism and tradition, which are inherent in almost all german cars... But conscience does not allow calling it boring - high-quality and predatory optics, a radiator grill make a car not so boring. In any case, the car will definitely appeal to those who value quality and good handling above all.

Despite the fact that the start of sales of this car was delayed in domestic countries, Duster set many records, showing an unprecedented growth in sales in just one year of its existence. Needless to say - this crossover is a real bestseller, which confidently took the fifth place in popularity among buyers. This crossover is available in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. But we are only interested in the first option. Considering all its characteristics, interior and exterior, the price for "Duster" is very low - only 20 thousand dollars.

The appearance of the crossover is quite successful for a car budget class... It will not be lost sight of in city traffic, and it looks very good against the background of seasoned SUVs. Of course there are individual elements, which indicate the budget of the car (for example, plastic inserts on the front and rear bumper), but these are the realities of the market. Both the exterior and the interior are characterized by simplicity and quality.

The minimum configuration of the Duster provides for a 4-cylinder 1.6-liter engine with 102 hp. Maximum speed, which the crossover can "show" reaches 165 km / h, and the car accelerates to the notorious "hundred" in 11.2 seconds - a very good result.

Renault Duster chassis has been specially modified for russian market, thereby increasing its survivability and permeability. Front-wheel drive versions of the "Duster" are equipped with a semi-independent spring structure, which has trailing arms connected by a transverse beam.

What do we continue to talk about car drives, today we have a global topic, namely, what is better and what to choose front or all-wheel drive for a SUV or a crossover? As we all know there it is not entirely honest, that is, it is not permanent and often does not have a rigid differential lock, that is, you cannot manually lock it, it is connected only after the front axle starts to slip. And now a completely fair question arises - "is it necessary or the front axle will be enough for the eyes?" Everything is not clear here, let's figure it out ...

Well, to say in general - that four-wheel drive is bad, I will not! Still, I think - quite the opposite, it's even good! There are large and heavy vehicles where he works constantly, which greatly improves cross-country ability. There are also not very large cars, middle class "C", sometimes "D", where it is also permanent or rigidly connected (which improves both cross-country ability and handling under certain conditions), but SUVs or crossovers are completely different. All-wheel drive in them, unfortunately, has now become the property of marketers and dealers, that is, they are trying to prove to you that they are "digging" four wheels, but in the end everything turns out completely wrong. In this article I will try to debunk all the myths, but for a better understanding, you need to tell about each type, and I think it is worth starting from the front.

As we have already said - about this topic, too, a lot of "copies broke", but there the principle of conversation is different, nevertheless, one driven axis either in front or behind, today the essence of the question is different.

The front-wheel drive is very simple in structure, and it has now been practically brought to perfection, that is, it can go for a very, very long time without any breakdowns.

Device :

Engine
Engine-mounted transmission with differential, often in a single housing
From the box (differential) there are two axles c. On each side there are two CV joints (inner and outer)
These CV joints fit the front wheels through special hubs.

The torque is transmitted from the engine - transmission - axles - wheels. This is how a front wheel drive vehicle is set in motion.

It should be noted that transmission fluids there is not much, in the box itself that's all, as a rule, the rest of the connections are dry (well, or almost dry, there is still grease under the anthers in the CV joints, but there it is really minuscule and it does not change) This tells us that it is possible not to follow this construction at all. Of course, all the same, I advise you, because if they break, then the hinge will soon fail, but believe me for the next 70 - 80,000 km, this can not be done. If the manufacturer is serious, then the anthers can walk 150-200,000 km.

The rear suspension in the front drive does not carry any semantic load, that is, it is a banal "support for the wheels", there is practically no weight, it is light here (either a beam or a "multi-link"). And last but not least, the rear part is practically maintenance-free, if only the brake pads are changed.

Four-wheel drive

Even a plug-in four-wheel drive through a viscous coupling has a much complex structure (I am already silent about the constants). There are more parts here that spin (most of the time) idle, there are already two bridges, and not one, also appear cardan shaft and the rear axle is no longer secondary.

Device :

Engine
A gearbox that can be combined with a front differential. However, the front differential can be carried out separately
Front axle with CV joints on the front wheels
Center differential, it can also be in the same case with the box, but it can also be separate (it all depends on the design)
Transfer case.
Rear cardan for transmission of torque to the rear axle
Viscous coupling or electromechanical coupling (hydromechanical) for automatic connection of the rear axle
Rear axle. Can be made in a molded case, from which two axle shafts come out to rear wheel... But now often two axles with CV joints also go from the rear differential, by analogy with the front axle.

As you can see, the structure is much more complex! Here there are two more differentials, center and rear, there is also a transfer case, viscous couplings and so on. All this adds at least 100 kg of weight to the car, and possibly more. There are also a lot of parts here that are spinning in oil and you really need to keep an eye on them. Some manufacturers recommend changing them transmission oil... If any oil seal leaks, the whole assembly may fail. I think everyone understands this, but again everyone thinks that since I have a four-wheel drive, then I'm on some SUV or crossover, on RAV4 or the same Duster, I'll just become an off-road conqueror - “what do I need UAZ, I'm like UAZ myself” ! BUT is it really so?

Four-wheel drive through viscous coupling (electrofusion, hydromechanical coupling)

Well, here we come to the most interesting, for whom is the all-wheel drive of such crossovers, where can it be used? For many, this means that you can immediately go to the forest for mushrooms and berries, that you can fight such off-road that, as they say, "on the door"! Guys, stop, all-wheel drive on crossovers and SUVs is very conditional, I would even say "urban" it is not intended for serious off-road tests.

Why? It's just not designed for this. Often, on many crossovers, it is connected via a viscous coupling or an electrofusion coupling.

Viscous coupling , we have already talked about it (you can in detail). Transmits torque by means of a special fluid contained in the viscous coupling housing. When one axle starts to slip, the fluid quickly hardens, thereby closing the rear axle and connecting it. The disadvantages of such a drive are that it is practically impossible to turn it on yourself or lock the rear differential for work. ONLY AFTER DRIVING. Therefore, the efficiency of such an all-wheel drive is rather low.

As it becomes clear, the work happens a little differently. There is no special liquid, but there are electromagnets that close or open the disks when voltage is applied to them, thereby connecting or disabling the four-wheel drive. This clutch is dry, there are no oils in it, which is both good and bad. The good thing is that you do not need to monitor the leakage of the oil seals and change the fluid. Bad - this clutch overheats quickly. Four-wheel drive is connected after front-wheel drive slips, usually after a second rotation front wheel... In some cars equipped with such a unit, there is a forced blocking, that is, you can physically block the rear axle. It seems to be the DECISION, the control is much better than that of the viscous coupling, HOWEVER THERE IS A BIG SPOON OF TARNESS. Such a drive very quickly overheats and turns off, if you can slip on the viscous coupling for a long time, then the electromagnetic clutch will turn off after 3 - 5 minutes of slipping. They also fail faster due to high temperatures, as the experts say - they just burn.

Hydromechanical clutch. Very similar design to the electromagnetic version. However, here the discs are closed by oil pressure. There is a pump inside that creates pressure to squeeze or unclench them. Pumps now can also be electrically driven, previously it was mechanical.

Actually, such structures are used on a large number crossovers or SUVs, it's very, very difficult to find another here.

Full or front?

As you can see, to call such a full drive - COMPLETE, as the language does not turn! Why are they imprisoned. You know, I once talked with a "seasoned" mechanic about such automatic connections, and this is what he told me - “it will be expensive to meddle in even (average dirt) on such cars, they are simply not designed for this off-road, do not think that you bought a car similar in cross-country ability to our UAZ, THESE ARE DIFFERENT CLASSES! Especially if you have an automatic transmission, because it can also overheat quite quickly (the mechanics are a little better). These cars are designed maximum for the fight against a snowy courtyard in the city in winter, or with a couple of shallow puddles on the way to the dacha "

You know this as a shovel in your trunk or a passenger neighbor - what do I mean? On a front-wheel drive car, you will need to clear the front track a little (using a shovel), or ask your passenger neighbor to give you a little push. And here is such a plug-in four-wheel drive carmobile, can get out on his own. Good? Of course yes! BUT is it worth overpaying for it?

If you take apart the front and full options, you should think about where and how do you get around? It is also worth considering that an all-wheel drive car:

Costs more.
Complete sets with all-wheel drive are at least "mid-range" and "top-end", that is, you will not find it in the "standard".
The car weighs more
More vibrations. Because more nodes are spinning.
Service costs more
More rotating elements, which reduces the resource
More fuel consumption
The modest capabilities of this 4WD car

Actually, if you are a 100% city dweller, the snow in the cities is removed, you go to the dacha where there are not very comfortable several meters of dirt - THEN TAKE SUCH A FULL DRIVE, AS I THINK IT IS OVERPAYMENT, YES IT IS NOT NECESSARY!

If you are a resident of a rural area, you saw the asphalt only on TV, and the snow is filling up, so it is difficult to move around on the tractor - IT WILL NOT HELP YOU ALSO! Here you need to watch a more brutal technique, perhaps on the frame. YES, at least the same UAZ will be more practical.

All-wheel drive in crossovers and SUVs is not exactly what you are expecting - BELIEVE. This is rather a trick of marketers, and not an all-wheel drive car in the understanding of the "off-road conqueror". Of course, there is a benefit from it (for example, you live near the city, in winter the roads seem to be cleaned, but not always), but it is so insignificant that giving 100 - 200,000 rubles more, as I think, is meaningless. YES, it is MORE EXPENSIVE to maintain such a car! Considering all the pros and cons, I personally would not buy! Although you may have other thoughts, write in the comments.

Now a short video.

It has always been a must. Recently, another requirement has been added - an automatic transmission (the share of versions with mechanics already accounts for less than 50%). In this selection, we have included the most affordable crossovers with all drive wheels and automatic transmissions. And in it you will find a number of surprises.

Renault Duster (from 939,000 rubles)

Over the past few years, Duster had no equal in terms of sales - it was the most popular crossover on the Russian market. But this year, it seems, his leadership comes to an end - the attention of our compatriots has switched to the Hyundai Creta. However, Duster did not become an outsider. He finds his buyer among those who need a car combining. Renault has all this in abundance. But there are also disadvantages. First of all, these are errors in ergonomics, insufficient sound insulation and poor quality of finishing materials. Duster has three engine options available, however, only a 2.0-liter petrol engine with a capacity of 143 hp is compatible with all-wheel drive and an automatic machine.

Renault Kaptur (from 1 109 900 rubles)

Kaptur debuted in the middle of last year and has already entered the top three. It was built on a common platform with the Duster, but you can't tell from its appearance - the design is made in a completely different key. Fashionable, fast-paced, sophisticated. It looks especially advantageous with a two-tone body paint and an orange appliqué from Atelier Renault. The salon is free from Duster's asceticism: the seats are more comfortable, the sound insulation is better, the equipment is richer. So, without exception, all Captura are equipped with ESP, a passenger airbag (in addition to the driver's one), air conditioning, trip computer, power accessories, heated mirrors, radio tape recorder and alloy wheels. Like the Duster, the all-wheel drive Kaptur with an automatic machine can only be purchased with a two-liter 143-horsepower gasoline engine.