@ Siena,
I don't think mileage difference between FWD and RWD is that much from what I have seen when comparing same size and engine http://autos.msn.com/research/compare/default.aspx?c=0&n=3&i=0&tb=0&ph1=t0&ph2=t0&dt=0&v=t109068&v=t111139

@ VolvoS60
I think the part that is still unclear to you affect all of us because we have not owned cars with all these systems to see and feel how they work.

When most drivers finally get away from the world of the FWD econoboxes the first thing we find is the 4x2 system then the 4x4(part time and full time). The tricky thing here is (when roads get nasty)to you know when you are going 4wd or changing to lo range 4wd.
So when buying a 4wd you need to know how your transfer case(front-rear drive) works and the type of differential(s) you have(front-rear ends). These control the way the wheels drive on a left-right basis; if they are open, slip, or limited slip.

For more information read this
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four-wheel_drive


My first experience was test driving a Grand Cherokee 4x2 I stopped and I went to the 4lo without going to neutral first on transmission. the whole thing locked up I just left the jeep there my bet was the transfer case was bad.

Joabgaje,

Sorry for the late response. Been meaning to reply for quite a while - hope this helps and isn't coming too late. Unfortunately, i've never owned or driven the FJ Cruiser - never even seen one at really close quarters. From what i've been able to glean though, it seems (the 4WD version at least) to be very capable off road since it is based on the Platform of Toyota's FJ 40 (distant ancestor of today's Landcruiser) introduced in the middle of the last century.

The 2007 model came with 3 drivetrains: RWD with auto transmission, part time 4WD with 5 speed auto transmission and permanent 4WD with a six speed manual. Features are briefly described below:

RWD: (normal two wheel) RWD drivetrain, but with traction control.

Part time 4WD with 5 speed autobox: RWD is the default mode in normal driving conditions. Torque is routed to the front wheels in poorer road conditions. The driver engages 4WD by means of a switch on the dashboard. For even tougher off road conditions, the 4WD autobox has an (optional) lockable rear differential (controlled by a switch on the dash). 4WD is not to be used on dry pavement.

Permanent 4WD with 6 speed manual: Also has a RWD bias, with 60% of torque sent to the rear wheels in normal driving. On poorer roads, up to 53% of torque may be (automatically) sent to the front axle when rear wheels start losing traction. Also has low range gearing and a lockable centre differential. 4WD is active on all surfaces including dry pavement.


I don't know which model year you are interested in but it seems the 6 speed manual with the manual box is the best for serious off roading. Its set up is slightly more sophisticated than that of the 5 speed autobox with the electronic (dashboard operated) 4WD button. Once I'm able to get any reviews on the 5 speed autobox with the auxiliary gearstick, i'll post.

Perhaps i should add that both the part time and full time versions of the car got good reviews and either version should meet the needs of most buyers.

@volvoS60
Thanks a million.

@ Siena - thank you so much for listing the AWD cars. More options