A Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness owner recently received a stark warning from the National Park Service (NPS) after driving on a restricted trail in Canyonlands National Park.
The incident has sparked heated discussions about the capabilities of all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles in off-road conditions and the regulations enforced by the NPS.
Incident overview
The incident occurred on June 22, 2024, when a Subaru Crosstrek was observed driving on the Colorado River Overlook Road in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park.
According to a letter from the NPS dated July 13, 2024, the trail is restricted to four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles due to its challenging terrain. The letter cited a violation of 36 CFR 1.5(f), which pertains to closures and public use limitations in national parks.
Significant penalties
The NPS warned the vehicle’s owner that future violations could result in significant penalties. These include fines of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or other legal consequences.
Vehicle capabilities vs. regulations
The Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness, equipped with Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD (all-wheel drive) system, is designed and marketed as being able to handle a variety of terrains.
The owner, who shared their experience on Reddit’s National Parks subreddit, stated that the vehicle performed well on the trail without any difficulties. However, the NPS’s concern lies in the distinction between AWD and 4WD systems, which have different capabilities in off-road environments.
All-wheel drive
AWD systems, like the one in the Subaru Crosstrek, are full-time. They automatically distribute power to the wheels that need it most. This makes them highly effective on a range of surfaces, from paved roads to light off-road trails.
4-wheel drive
4WD systems, however, are required for certain trails like the Colorado River Overlook Road. These systems offer manual engagement of all four wheels for maximum traction, which is critical on more extreme off-road conditions.
X-Mode
The Crosstrek Wilderness also features Subaru’s X-Mode. This system enhances traction on difficult terrain. Subaru claims X-Mode optimizes engine output, transmission ratio, and AWD engagement, providing better control on low-friction surfaces. Wilderness trims like the Crosstrek also include dual-function X-Mode with settings for Deep Snow/Mud, further enhancing off-road performance.
Ground clearance
In addition to the drive system, ground clearance is another key factor for off-road vehicles. The Crosstrek Wilderness offers 9.3 inches of ground clearance. This is slightly more than the standard 8.7 inches found in other Subaru SUVs. While this raised suspension improves the vehicle’s off-road capabilities, it may still fall short of the clearance provided by specialized 4WD vehicles, which the NPS might consider essential for the most rugged trails.
National Park Service’s position
The NPS’s regulations are in place to ensure the safety of park visitors. They also aim to protect the natural environment from damage caused by vehicles that are not adequately equipped for certain trails.
While the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness has advanced features that make it capable in many off-road situations, the NPS categorizes it with other AWD vehicles, which they consider unsuitable for trails designated for 4WD vehicles only.
Conclusion
This incident highlights the importance of understanding and adhering to National Park Service regulations when driving in protected areas. While vehicles like the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness are designed to handle challenging conditions, drivers must be aware of the specific requirements of the trails they intend to explore.
As discussions continue among off-road enthusiasts and Subaru owners, the incident serves as a reminder that even the most capable vehicles must comply with park regulations to avoid penalties and ensure the preservation of these natural landscapes.
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Interesting. This past April we visited Big Bend National Park. There are several roads in the park with ‘4wd only’ signs. We took them as recommendations and not bans. But in 100F+ heat, we were not going to take chances without some discussion. One of those rough roads was very likely a primary route well before the NP existed. Distance-wise it was much shorter than the scenic paved road. We talked to the park ranger at the Rio Grande end of the road and he told us he had been through several times with his Toyota Rav4. Our Subaru Ascent has better off-road capabilities than the Crosstrek in the article, and I have off-road experience. We took the road. <continued in the reply>
The road was rough and I could see where some AWD cars’ suspensions or clearance may not be up to the task. And there were a few spots someone with no off-road experience may have found tricky. Still, we got to see exhibits in the park otherwise unavailable. In spite of the 15mph max speed (self imposed), we still saved time and fuel. Bottom line, I believe the Canyonlands ban is a bureaucratic move to avoid trouble and singling out different AWD models. Was it wrong? I can’t say. Maybe the park doesn’t have enough knowledgeable staffing to make the decisions of that type. Or they simply don’t want to argue with AWD owners. Do keep in mind, I ASKED before taking the road.
I call B.S. and heavy handed incompetent government stupidity that will NOT stand up in court! The difference between AWD and 4 wheel drive is no more than the 4 wheel drive is a heavier version of AWD. They are the same thing. And 4 wheel drive, without lockers installed, is only one wheel on the front and one wheel on the back that is taking the loads. Those wheels that have the lesser traction are turning.
Bill, think about how AWD gets all the wheels to turn instead of just the one with least traction.
AWD applies the brake to the “loose” wheel until the opposite wheel with traction rotates. It doesn’t add torque, it brakes it.
As my Jeep spits loose rock and traction varies accordingly, the available torque isn’t limited by my brakes but rather, alternates between wheels. It might look the same but here’s the difference – My loosest front wheel MUST go the same speed as the loosest rear wheel due to the transfer case. AWD has no such requirement which means your front axle can be braking the whole time you’re trying to climb. Not good, hence why some trails limit to 4×4 only.
“AWD applies the brake to the “loose” wheel until the opposite wheel with traction rotates. It doesn’t add torque, it brakes it.” Well, if that’s the standard, then maybe you should look at one of the most capable offroad vehicles built to date – the Jeep JK and JL. They use a “Brake Lock Differential” too. I know, its works very well on our 2011 JK which we wheel frequently. Jeep Brake Lock Differential System.
I would prefer true lockers (at times) but my wife also liked the Sahara trim better than the Rubicon. By your description then, the AWD system can be equivalent to the top-of-the-line 4WD. Just less ground clearance in most cases.
Apologies, let me clarify – AWD is akin to the traction control in your JK. It’s certainly a decent option on slick surfaces but its limits become obvious in sand and climbing in loose shale.
Drive your JK into deep sand with your automatic traction control (ATC) on but make sure you have a buddy nearby or a way to winch out. Take the same route with your ATC off and you’ll see the difference real quick indifferent to clearance.
Not saying AWD is bad, just saying it has its place and the backcountry might not be one of them. There’s some NPS trails that even lockers struggle…..
Safe travels!
Thank you, Gail! 🙂 Vehicles with 4-wheel drive and automatic transmissions can be towed 4-wheels down, so that describes our tow vehicle; 4-wheel drive. This situation you describe does demonstrate that federal regulations are made slowly while technology tends to change more quickly. Revisions, similarly take seemingly inordinate amounts of time. Thus, one may expect federal regulations will often be out-dated, sometimes before they are even finalized. Thanks again, have a great weekend, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂
My definition of 4 wheel drive is…both axles have a tire/wheel that is propelling the vehicle. AWD does just that as does 4 wheel drive. Sounds like the NPS is nit-picking. The signage should also state…high clearance vehicles only, although we know that there will always be people that ignore the warning.
I think the policy has been in response not only to Subaru like vehicles but the plethora of Sprinter vans trying to negotiate these rougher trails. I have personally pulled out 2 Sprinter vans and one Subaru who were unable to negotiate a steeper uphill section in Canyonlands NP. If you just look at the street tires these vehicles come with you can see they aren’t designed for anything more than graded Forest Service roads…
Kinda fun to listen to the “AWD” owners proclaim “sameness” with 4-wheel drive. With 4-wheel drive, all 4 wheels drive (not just 1 wheel on each axel). AWD (by any other name) is a computer controlled, sorta “all” wheel drive with “slippage” controlled by computer braking. Works ok for most average situations, unfortunately, when the chips are down…you’ll need a real 4WD to pull you out. I’ve personally had 2 “AWD” /4WD vehicles, and they only did very well in “tough” terrain when the (real) 4WD was engaged. AWD is swell on paved roads and “simple” gravel, but IMHO (and clearly by experience and history at the NPS) NOT up to the task in ANY tough terrain. 😉
I too have pulled some of these AWD vehicles out of places they shouldn’t have been.
Bottom line, did the Crosstrek make it without issue? If so, more data needs to be collected before putting all AWD vehicles in the same category. I’m sure there are AWD vehicles that can do what the big wheelers can do without the environmental impact.
AWD vehicles are not as capable as 4WD vehicles. Watch some Ronnie Dahl videos on YouTube. He does a great job of explaining the difference. He’s a professional over lander and knows his stuff. It’s amusing that people buy something with “4 wheel” in the description and think they can go anywhere. They Can’t.
We own a mid 2000s Ford Explorer with 4×4 Auto, 4×4 High and 4×4 Low dash mounted selectors.
To be honest, this truck is classified as a 4×4,…but until we have off-road tires installled and at least a 2” lift, I’m not going on a 4WD trail.
You’re wise.
Good reading from the NPS, regarding 4×4 use in Mojave Preserve.
https://www.nps.gov/moja/4×4-vehicles-and-off-pavement-travel-safety.htm
Thanks for the link, Dennis. I’ve added it to the post itself, in case readers don’t notice it below in the comments. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
AWDs are not all the same. Subaru has the best AWD system and is superior to most 4WD systems. The main limitations of cars with AWD are:
1- Ground clearance – less than most trucks
2- Street tires. Not going to do well in sand.
3- Driver error. Gunning the engine and spinning the tires to get out of a jam, instead of slow acceleration.
I thought stability control systems used braking, but all wheel drive systems worked like positraction to send the torque to the wheel that had traction, and 4WD sent the same torque to all the wheels. Driver knowledge is also important, when I was doing construction inspection I routinely drove my rear-wheel drive Ford Pinto past 4WD vehicles stuck in snow, mud, or soft sand.
I’m almost 74 and have my first 4wd truck. I’ve owned it for 6 years and I can go farther out before I get stuck (hasn’t happened yet, though).
To me the biggest difference between AWD and 4WD vehicles is the true 4WD drive train will have a low range and high range transmission selection. Driving challenging terrain/technical road conditions in low range allows the use of the engine’s torque and the vehicle’s speed to be finely controlled.