182RG
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- May 9, 2011
- Messages
- 878
- Reaction score
- 24
- City, State
- Winchester, VA
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- '11 XLT / '13 Touareg TDI
All you need is the present AWD EX with a locking differential.
You make all good points, however this simply isn't the vehicle for this. Look at the ground clearance, tire and wheel options, soft suspension. It's no more an off road vehicle than a Taurus is.
In car-like CUVs, and other AWD vehicles, the locking diff has been replaced with electronic traction management, or in the case of the Ex, Terrain Management. Using the braking system to control traction is a lighter, less expensive alternative. Perhaps not as effective, but it is the direction most manufacturers have taken in a world of appliance drivers.
North America is simply going the other direction. Even the latest generation Touareg is stripped of all it's true off-road fitments. No locking axle or center diffs, no air suspension, no dual batteries anymore. There's simply a knob that says 'Off Road / On Road' to change the electronic traction management.
The Everest is very compelling...4WD, manual tranny, diesel options, etc....but it will only see the shores of Australia, Africa, and the Far East. The biggest off road challenge in this country is not getting stuck parked outside the soccer field.