Imagine you take your Subaru Crosstrek to Canyonlands National Park. You enjoy a day of off-roading, navigating rocky terrain and soaking in the breathtaking views. Your car handles it all without a hitch. But a few weeks later, a stern letter arrives in the mail. The National Park Service informs you that your AWD adventure was actually illegal—because your Crosstrek isn’t really a 4WD vehicle. Wait, what?

Subaru driver gets warning after successfully navigating 4WD trail

It’s a common misconception. “Most drivers consider AWD to be 4WD,” one commenter admitted. “So can’t blame OP honestly” (u/NewAgePhilosophr). Others pointed out the absurdity of the terminology itself: “All Wheel Drive? Cool. There are four wheels. All of them means four. Four Wheel Drive? Cool. There are four wheels. That’s all the wheels” (u/MaycombBlume).

The truth about AWD vs 4WD systems

So what’s the actual difference? AWD systems, like those in Subarus and Audis, use a center differential to distribute power. They constantly adjust traction. True 4WD, by contrast, uses a transfer case that locks power distribution front-to-rear. You activate it by pulling the lever for 4Lo/4Hi. This gives consistent torque but sacrifices maneuverability on pavement.

Some AWD systems—like Subaru’s X-Mode—come close to 4WD capabilities. “Crosstreks—the newer ones—have a mode called X-Mode which has proven to climb slippery areas that 4WD drives could not” (u/Defiant-Bullfrog6940). But they still lack a true low-range transfer case.

That transfer case is the NPS’s line in the sand. “Usually 9+ inches of clearance is considered ‘high clearance.’ The 4WD requirement means you need a locking low-range transfer case” (u/Happy_Nihilist_). Some argue that clearance, not drivetrain, should be the real issue. “It seems like high clearance is the bigger issue/point of emphasis. Maybe that road has sizable rocks and in general AWD can be frequently found on low-clearance vehicles while 4WD is frequently found on high-clearance vehicles” (u/sliceoflife09). Others noted that the rule doesn’t always make sense: “Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness has 9.3 inches of clearance, the new Toyota/Lexus 550… has 8.9 inches” (u/4dr3n4l1n3Gaming).

The enforcement methods have also sparked debate. “Didn’t see a single soul on the road, must have been a trail cam somewhere!” (u/Greatbigdog69). Some questioned the fairness of retroactive punishment: “Did the park service stop you while you were driving and give you a warning first, or did they just pick this up on a camera and send you the letter out of the blue?” (u/festafiesta).

There’s a reason the NPS is picking on AWD Subaru’s on 4WD trails

Still, there’s a reason for the rule. “People taking light-duty crossovers on 4×4 trails is a problem. They get stuck, require rescue and recovery, and often end up damaging the ecosystem” (u/Happy_Nihilist_). With more AWD crossovers available every year, this is only becoming more common. The NPS is trying to avoid the problem growing worse.

The truth is, AWD vehicles get better every year. Some even rival traditional 4WD systems. But the National Park Service has to draw the line somewhere, and the presence of a low-range transfer case is a simple, enforceable rule. Could a Subaru Crosstrek make it down the trail? Maybe. Could a rental Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk get stuck? Also maybe. But when you’re managing thousands of miles of rugged terrain, clear-cut regulations win out over nuance.

You can see the original Reddit post embedded below:

PSA: All wheel drive vehicles are not considered four wheel drive by the US Park Service
byu/Greatbigdog69 inNationalPark