[mstep18]

Hello all,

I recently purchased a 2018 Terrain AWD and try as I might I cannot find anything detailing the specifics of the AWD system in this particular vehicle beyond the vague promotional details GM puts out. I was curious if anyone has any technical documents, personal experience, or links to any articles/papers that may explain what the system in this vehicle is doing. I have heard a variety of different things about it (front wheel bias, has a transfer case so it's actually technically a four wheel drive, is limited to only sending 50% power to the rear axle, etc) and am just curious as to what's really going on.

I am by no means a car expert, perhaps a car enthusiast, but right now more than anything else I'm confused. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[kowal_joe]

When you switch to AWD/4 wheel its still fwd drive biased. I can't find any where its says percentage of power per axle. I can tell you from experience in AWD in snow all 4 wheels can spin. So its probably gives the power to wheels with most traction using the traction control and ABS. If you still have the Hankook factory tires they suck in the snow if you are in fwd only. Better in AWD but still not good tires. I will be replacing mine this year before winter even though they might only have 40k on them by then.

 

[mstep18]

When you switch to AWD/4 wheel its still fwd drive biased. I can't find any where its says percentage of power per axle. I can tell you from experience in AWD in snow all 4 wheels can spin. So its probably gives the power to wheels with most traction using the traction control and ABS. If you still have the Hankook factory tires they suck in the snow if you are in fwd only. Better in AWD but still not good tires. I will be replacing mine this year before winter even though they might only have 40k on them by then.

Thanks! Yeah when we purchased the vehicle it came with some Bridgestone Ecopia All season tires that seemed to really grip in the bad weather in either mode. I assume the previous owner had similar issues. I hope your performance goes up when you replace them!

Thanks!

 

[NXR71]

I recently purchased a 2018 Terrain AWD and try as I might I cannot find anything detailing the specifics of the AWD system in this particular vehicle beyond the vague promotional details GM puts out.

Perhaps these links will get you pointed in the correct direction.

GKN awd vs the Haldex in my Chevy Equinox

I currently have a 2016 Equinox with a Haldex AWD system that works well for my needs. I don't go rock crawling or even off road for that matter. The awd is mainly for peace of mind in snow. It has no torque vectoring. But to the best of my knowledge it starts up from a standstill with some...

bobistheoilguy.com

GKN Automotive | Systems and solutions | All-wheel drive systems | Booster modular AWD system

Modular all-wheel drive systems

www.gknautomotive.com

 

[mstep18]

Perhaps these links will get you pointed in the correct direction.

GKN awd vs the Haldex in my Chevy Equinox

I currently have a 2016 Equinox with a Haldex AWD system that works well for my needs. I don't go rock crawling or even off road for that matter. The awd is mainly for peace of mind in snow. It has no torque vectoring. But to the best of my knowledge it starts up from a standstill with some...

bobistheoilguy.com

GKN Automotive | Systems and solutions | All-wheel drive systems | Booster modular AWD system

Modular all-wheel drive systems

www.gknautomotive.com

Thank you! These are fantastic resources and answer nearly all of the questions I have!

 

[mstep18]

Just a quick update,

I had the opportunity this past week when helping out someone with landscaping to properly use the AWD in my Terrain. I had loaded up approximately 750 lbs of pavers in the back so the car was loaded down. In order to get out I had to drive over a ditch which meant that at one point the car was only on two diagonal wheels (passenger front and driver rear). There was minimal slipping and the car was quick to engage, although there was some grinding noises which I assume were the free-spinning wheels braking to transfer power. After a little throttle the car eased out of the ditch and all was well. Overall I was impressed especially since AFAIK this is the new GKN system as opposed to the former Haldex system which was tried and true.

On another note, in the winter weather we had this past year the vehicle handles incredibly well and offers a significantly better feel in the snow than my 2011 Equinox did.

Just wanted to put this out there in case anyone else was still unsure how well the system worked due to the lack of details released by the manufacturer.

- M