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What is the concrete difference between the Outlander's S-AWC and the standard AWD found on competitors?
The Super All-Wheel Control system combines an active electromagnetic center coupling, selective inside-wheel braking in corners (torque vectoring), and coordinated stability management. In practice, on ice or hardpack snow, the Outlander can redirect up to 100% of torque toward the wheels with the best grip rather than simply linking the two axles. By comparison, the CR-V's RSS or the RAV4 LE's on-demand AWD disconnects the rear axle at steady highway speed for fuel savings, re-engaging in 100–300 milliseconds when slip is detected. Under active slippery conditions, S-AWC maintains permanent drive, delivering meaningfully better traction and cornering composure — most noticeable in a loaded turn on a snow-covered curve.