Does a Kuga count as a 4x4??

[Reenen]

If we are talking REAL 4x4 offroads, by some of the guy’s definitions, then only SFA’s with difflock front, rear and center with lowrange should qualify. And I can only think of a hand full of examples. Wrangler Rubicon, Geländewagen, Pinzgauer, Steyr Puch and of course the boss of all 4x4 vehicles the Unimog!

Steyr puch is voor en agter independent, en geen low range

[Henko88]

What is the mistake? So I dont make it again

Not all Fortuners are AWD. If it doesn't have the 4x4 sticker on the back, it's just a 2x4, driving the rear wheels.

[Haggy4x4Bedinges]

Not all Fortuners are AWD. If it doesn't have the 4x4 sticker on the back, it's just a 2x4, driving the rear wheels.

Only the d4d 4x4 was AWD with low range

The GD-6 4x4 is not AWD it has 2wd with selective 4x4 and low range

[Rojas]

Probably the most accurate post here.

I have the Kuga and I have done the Groenkloof route. I skipped a few obstacles and also the mountain pass due to ground clearance.

If it was not for that I think the Kuga would be able to do most of it.

I have driven it in sand and it handled very well. Sand is all about tyre pressure and the driver. I drove where a Land Cruiser double cab and Discovery 3 got stuck. Their tyres were really hard. So the vehicles can do a lot more than we think.

Which Kuga do you have?

[Henko88]

Only the d4d 4x4 was AWD with low range

The GD-6 4x4 is not AWD it has 2wd with selective 4x4 and low range

Jip, the original comment read as follows:

All models of fortuner are all wheel drive but the 4x4 has low range the transfer box is what makes it a 4x4.

Hence my reply.

[shaggy]

Not all Fortuners are AWD. If it doesn't have the 4x4 sticker on the back, it's just a 2x4, driving the rear wheels.

Ah. Thank you . I got that wrong . My bad

[Andrew123]

Which Kuga do you have?

The 2.5 turbo. The oooooold one.

[Kortgat]

Sand is all about tyre pressure and the driver. I drove where a Land Cruiser double cab and Discovery 3 got stuck. Their tyres were really hard. So the vehicles can do a lot more than we think.

Sand is also about weight, and I suspect the Kuga is nice and light.

[lizardalpha]

I like these sort of debates.

Let's go back the OP's question. Is the Kuga a 4x4.

Well, from a technical perspective I can't say, as I don't count myself qualified. But it does have a AWD system.

So, compared to a Ford Focus, yes, the Kuga is a 4x4. Compared to a Jeep Wrangler modified, lifted, and so forth, no, it is not a 4x4.

Now, I drive a FL2. For me it is a real 4x4, as it can go places where a 2wd car cannot go. Is it a rock climber? Hell no. Can it do trails, yes, to a degree.

Further more, you have different types of 4x4 vehicles.

Not all 4x4's are rock crawlers. Not all 4x4's are mud slingers. Not all 4x4's are sand drivers. And then, let's throw a spanner in the works. You have a Ripsaw EV2. Is that a 4x4? I can bet you it can go where most 4x4's go, but it is a tracked vehicle, so what is it technically?

So, in a nutshell. If you wan't to go a bit of the beaten track in your Kuga, and you wan't to try some trails, go for it. I'm sure the vehicle is capable of doing some stuff, and if you like that stuff, you can classify it as a 4x4 for your purpose.

Btw, I have seen places where some guys won't take their "real" 4x4's as it might cause damage, and that is the same reason I won't do some stuff with my FL2. I want to have fun, but I don't want to damage the car.

Anyway, this is my view on it. This is not a technical bulletin.

[4ePajero]

Eish!

This is supposed to be the "go-to" 4x4 forum in SA, and the members fail to distinguish between

1. Drivetrain configuration (refer my post #18)
2. Offroad ability

The OP's question was

"Does a Kuga count as a 4x4??"

Most of the answers are as if the OP's question was

"Does a Kuga count as a proper off-roader?"

Another question could have been

"Does a Kuga count as a rock-crawler?"

[JJJ]

Kuga, XC60, Evoque and Freelander 2 shared the same underpinnings

Probably the most topical comment here and worth investigating. If the Kuga is indeed grouped together with the other vehicles above - and taking into consideration the pedigree and time line it may well be - lifting it by 20mm would be a formality. Another 10mm with one tyre size/profile increase and you should be good.

Hi Rojas - original poster, should someone care to know: I sympathize with you for stumbling across the "Green Kalahari Dune Bashing Community" , which then - as could be expected - went off into presenting theories, ideologies, definitions and finally veered completely off topic. In hindsight, the Softroader group might have been more capable to sensibly help. Also, perhaps avoid using the term "4x4" in a thread title when discussing SUVs ....

Shady will send you a PM - other than the general invitation on the forum - for the next Softroader outing, where you can evaluate the Kuga under expert guidance. If you don't like a specific obstacle, you skip it and learn from the others.

We have had two very successful/educational meetings. This is mostly because although we go a bit nuts, our balls are all about the same size.

PM me if you would be interested in lifting the Kuga, then I'll guide you where to look and take pics so it can be determined if it is just a straight Freelander 2 spacer installation.

I recommend you direct further questions to the Softroader section.

[Yster1979]

In my practical experience I have come to the following conclusion wrt the 2 vehicles we own:

Renault Duster 1.5 4wd
Our first off roader we bought and we took her out on a couple of trips and I was very impressed with her capability as we did Groenkloof mostly, I think we didn't do the Hippo hole and the climb just left of this obstacle.
It was according to me at that stage a very capable vehicle that suited us a couple for holidays especially the fuel consumption part.

Mitsubishi Triton 2.5 4x4 Super select
Totally different league to the Duster, low range and diff lock is just better especially technical obstacles.

So to answer your question wrt the Kuga capability I would answer that it depends on what your needs are?
I would find some open spaces with some ups and downs and see how it goes, maybe join a Fb group the Soft roader group for more advice.
Also maybe watch some YouTube videos on the Kuga and watch what the people are actually attempting in them.

[JJJ]

Also maybe watch some YouTube videos on the Kuga and watch what the people are actually attempting in them.

You might strike a bit of a blank here. I had the same issue with the Volvo and earlier, the Tiguan.

The general - overseas - public does not regard that one should even try. "Offroad" to them is "unpaved" or potholed tar to us.

The rare videos of showroom cars being taken up a rutted hill, did demonstrate though that in that condition it would not take long to suffer damage or become stuck, especially while you are still getting used to the car. But it is useful in sensitizing what the shortcomings are and where precautions should be taken. Also how little some salesmen know about offroad driving techniques.

So do not let the lack of content put you off.

[Pietsweis]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJR5M7RvW5M

This is well worth a look...

I have Absolutely NO idea what she says but I believe her, Oh and there are some footage of the Kuga doing a bit of offroading as well...

[Mr.G]

That video pretty much shows what these crossover suvs can do.
I think the answer to the original question is a kuga a proper 4x4..NO
I think the criteria for good 4x4s are

ground Clearance
Low range gearing (or as the auto rok a low first...before i get taken down)
diff lock and or decent traction control
Proper offroad tyres
approach and departure angle

What else can one add?

[Rojas]

Probably the most topical comment here and worth investigating. If the Kuga is indeed grouped together with the other vehicles above - and taking into consideration the pedigree and time line it may well be - lifting it by 20mm would be a formality. Another 10mm with one tyre size/profile increase and you should be good.

Hi Rojas - original poster, should someone care to know: I sympathize with you for stumbling across the "Green Kalahari Dune Bashing Community" , which then - as could be expected - went off into presenting theories, ideologies, definitions and finally veered completely off topic. In hindsight, the Softroader group might have been more capable to sensibly help. Also, perhaps avoid using the term "4x4" in a thread title when discussing SUVs ....

Shady will send you a PM - other than the general invitation on the forum - for the next Softroader outing, where you can evaluate the Kuga under expert guidance. If you don't like a specific obstacle, you skip it and learn from the others.

We have had two very successful/educational meetings. This is mostly because although we go a bit nuts, our balls are all about the same size.

PM me if you would be interested in lifting the Kuga, then I'll guide you where to look and take pics so it can be determined if it is just a straight Freelander 2 spacer installation.

I recommend you direct further questions to the Softroader section.

I dont know how to search for groups

Id definitely be interested in checking out a softroader outing, just need all the details and what not.

Thank you for the information, really appreciated!

[tashtego9]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJR5M7RvW5M

This is well worth a look...

I have Absolutely NO idea what she says but I believe her, Oh and there are some footage of the Kuga doing a bit of offroading as well...

She is right when she says that those soft-roaders are basically all the same vehicle, and that if the brand badge wasn't there you would't be able to tell them apart.

[Lxv]

My explanation is not about the technicalities of the vehicle but what it is intended for by the designers.

Think of Touareg, ML, GL, D1-5, Cruiser 200, Lexus, Patrol, etc.
Yes, they have all the tools but not intended for serious off-roading and bundu bashing. Consider their front bumpers. Can any of them take on a 40mm thick tree stump without damage?

This one can

[schoemie]

No,it’s AWD.
For me a 4x4 has a low range transfer box.

[ZuluCowboy]

The answer to the OP is simple. Of course it is a 4x4. Power to all 4 wheels is the definition.

Apply this scenario... my vehicle has a load bed of 3/4 ton. Is it a truck? Yes it is. It is not a 33 ton interlink but no less a truck.

Ask a road train truck driver if a 33 ton interlink is a truck, he will say a real truck can carry 120 tons.

So, if I want to take 500 pieces of braai wood with me on holiday, will I use the road train, the interlink or my truck?

Just like the OP, if he never does rock crawling, why would he want a rock crawler?

He's vehicle is no less 4x4 than the rock crawler, low range and transfer case or not.