2009/2010 vibe/matrix AWD system

[blackphoenix]

I am curious about the AWD system on my vibe. Who makes it, how does it work in detail, what type of differential it uses, and how should it be serviced (specifically changing the fluid if at all).I have a brochure telling me it's an intelligent system that always has some power going to the rear wheels and in low traction conditions it engages all wheels seemlessly. I still want to know the details, as I never had an AWD car before and it seems to me that it's operating an even torque split. I can't believe I'm only getting 25mpg average even with a 4 cylinder!

[ou.grizzly]

Quote, originally posted by blackphoenix »I am curious about the AWD system on my vibe. Who makes it, how does it work in detail, what type of differential it uses, and how should it be serviced (specifically changing the fluid if at all).I have a brochure telling me it's an intelligent system that always has some power going to the rear wheels and in low traction conditions it engages all wheels seemlessly. I still want to know the details, as I never had an AWD car before and it seems to me that it's operating an even torque split. I can't believe I'm only getting 25mpg average even with a 4 cylinder! Well considering you have a 2.4L engine and AWD, 25 mpg is fair mileage. What type of numbers are you expecting?

[Caretaker]

The AWD system uses all Rav-4 components. Research what that system does, and you'll get the same answers for our Vibe.

[blackphoenix]

As I said, I never had an AWD car before, so I didn't know what to expect- upper twenties? But considering my previous car (01 Grand Am GT V6) was averaging 26, I'm not complaining at all.

[SinisterMind]

You see upper 20s on highway. 22-24 mixed driving. AWD kills the efficiency, but being able to floor it in the snow and take off like a bat out of hell makes me forget about the mediocre fuel consumption.