All-wheel drive does not equal four-wheel drive, as one Subaru Crosstrek driver recently discovered while touring Canyonlands National Park.

The Subaru owner posted their cautionary tale on the r/NationalPark subreddit and shared the stern warning they received from the US Department of the Interior for violating a National Park Service rule restricting travel on certain roads within the park. The road in question was Colorado Overlook Road, one of six roads within Canyonlands that are limited to high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicles.

This is a long-standing policy, dating back to at least 2014. This page on the Canyonlands National Park website defines what the NPS means by four-wheel drive vehicles.

“Four wheel drive vehicle is defined as a sport utility vehicle (SUV) or truck with at least 15-inch tire rims and at least eight inches of clearance from the lowest point of the frame, body, suspension, or differential to the ground. Four wheel drive vehicles have a transfer case between the front and rear axles that locks the front and rear drive shafts together when four wheel drive is engaged. All wheel drive (AWD) vehicles do not meet this definition.”

While many AWD vehicles are quite capable, and the Subaru Crosstrek does, in fact, meet the minimum height requirement with 8.7″ inches of ground clearance, it does not have locking differentials and is not a true 4WD vehicle.

The Crosstrek Wilderness is even more capable with 9.3 inches of ground clearance and Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires, but it's still not a 4WD vehicle. Photo: Chase Bierenkoven/TTAC
The Crosstrek Wilderness is even more capable with 9.3 inches of ground clearance and Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires, but it’s still not a 4WD vehicle. Photo: Chase Bierenkoven/TTAC

If you need to brush up on the distinctions between AWD and 4WD, the key difference between the two systems is the presence of locking differentials in most 4WD-equipped vehicles, which significantly enhance off-road traction.

AWD (All-Wheel Drive) systems automatically distribute power to all four wheels, providing better traction on slippery roads and in mild off-road conditions. It’s designed for on-road use with occasional light off-roading and operates without driver input.

4WD (Four-Wheel Drive) systems, on the other hand, offer greater off-road capability. They typically include low-range gearing and locking differentials, which distribute power evenly to all wheels, making them more effective in challenging terrains like deep mud, snow, or rocks. 4WD requires manual engagement, giving drivers more control in tough off-road situations.

The Colorado River overlook in Canyonlands National Park. Photo: Oscity/Shutterstock
The Colorado River overlook in Canyonlands National Park. Photo: Oscity/Shutterstock

Some Subaru Crosstrek owners think that, in this instance, at least, the requirement is overkill for the road in question. As one member of the Subaru Crosstrek and XV Forums noted:

“The road in question is easily doable by a halfway-cautious Crosstrek driver, easier in fact than some other high-clearance routes the NPS manages down there that aren’t restricted. The real issue here is that social media has made the Moab country go viral among stupid tourists who’ve never driven off pavement …”

While there may be some truth in that assessment, rules are rules, and the threat of a $5,000 fine is nothing to thumb your nose at. Adding insult to possible injury, the NPS does not tow stuck vehicles. Visitors caught in the backcountry with disabled vehicles can expect commercial towing fees in excess of $1,000.

If you’re heading to Canyonlands, make sure you’ve got the proper vehicle and backcountry permits, if applicable, and check the Canyonlands Road Condition Page before embarking on your adventure.