[Wolke22]

Hyundai mentioned this back when the concept first debuted and this HTRAC system is also being used in the new 2019 Santa Fe. It will have several different driving modes that are intended for different weather conditions. This will determine the amount of power sent to each wheel. Here's a video explaining the basics.

 

[Morrison]

Don't really see anything unique about this system that differentiates it from other AWD setups. Regardless it should mean better drive comfort and performance over rougher terrain.

 

[Zaine]

With this being placed in the new Santa Fe at least we'll get a sense of how capable it is prior to the SC arriving. Most new AWD systems offer different driving modes based upon weather/terrain types.

 

[Wolke22]

First drive impressions of the new 2019 Sante Fe Ultimate AWD are looking very good so far. I just hope that Hyundai doesn't also restrict this feature to the top trim Santa Cruz. Its typically a $1,700 option for their AWD models.

 

[Santana]

Just the fact that Hyundai has a lot to prove with the Santa Cruz is enough to set expectations high.

 

[Zaine]

Hyundai has been smart to make this an option regardless of trim level with their other vehicles. The number of people that decide to purchase their HTRAC AWD system will depend on the impact it has on the SC's fuel economy.

 

[Santana]

Hyundai has been smart to make this an option regardless of trim level with their other vehicles. The number of people that decide to purchase their HTRAC AWD system will depend on the impact it has on the SC's fuel economy.

I don't think that will matter too much especially with gas prices improving and oil discoveries always happening at a rate beyond what most can imagine.

 

[Morrison]

It will also depend on where you live, because there are many states that don't see much snow, so they don't even see the need for a winter tire setup. Won't be necessary to have AWD for those regions either. Ford has got some really impressive numbers out of their 4 cylinder in the 2019 Ranger.

 

[Wolke22]

A lot of automakers are moving towards smaller turbocharged engines for their new trucks, as the technology has advanced to the point where we are seeing output numbers similar to V8's from years ago. I don't particularly like the move to these 9-10 spd gearboxes but I've yet to drive one.

 

[Uffdaphil]

The SH-AWD on an Acura TL I had was fabulous in turns. When too fast in a cloverleaf and she started to understeer more throttle would pivot the car nicely back on track. No other AWD (Element, Land Cruiser, RDX) I’ve had since compares in cornering.

Snow traction is most important to me. Bit it sure would be nice to get a little sporty again. Hence the thread title.

 

[ToadVine]

Yes, according to these guys.

 

[ToadVine]

And this, from Hyundai:
Advanced HTRAC® AWD and Towing Capability
Both 2.5L four-cylinder and 2.5L four-cylinder turbo models offer HTRAC® all-wheel drive capability for complete confidence when pursuing adventures of all kinds or for that extra peace of mind when driving in an unexpected snowfall. The HTRAC AWD system was developed as a multi-mode system, providing an electronic, variable-torque-split clutch with active torque control between the front and rear axles. The Sport setting gives a more agile feel by sending more torque to the rear wheels, for a sporty, dynamic experience. This system has a wide range of torque distribution variability, tuned for conditions such as straight-line acceleration, medium- and high-speed cornering, and hill starts.

 

[Uffdaphil]

I should have been more precise in my question. So far I have not seen where Huyndai explains what “tuned for conditions …. high-speed cornering” means. Torque vectoring requires a specific distribution- most power to rear and simultaneously almost all power available to rear outside wheel in order to rotate (drift) the rear end if your front end is sliding out.

Here is how Acura describes theirs:
“SH-AWD® uses dynamic torque vectoring to provide more accurate and predictable handling performance in all road conditions. Up to 70% of engine torque can be sent to the rear wheels as needed, with up to 100% of that torque apportioned to either the left or right wheels.”

 

[droric]

The HTRAC uses the brakes to stop the spinning of the opposite wheel on an axle to distribute the power to the other. I don't think it can distribute power left an right otherwise.

 

[JMII]

My guess is its not as sophisticated as Acura or (for example) VW's torque vectoring systems. For high speed cornering you need that right / left split you get from a limited slip diff setup. If HTRAC just uses braking it will work, but not as good. I thought I read somewhere it splits up 50% rearward. Also the electronic locker only works up to 37 MPH (I thought I saw that somewhere too?) which doesn't sound very "high speed" to me.

 

[HSC4ME]

Subaru seems to have one of the best AWD systems when you review them on the roll ramps to see how affectively each system transfers power on a slippery surface. I've only viewed one video of the new 2021 Santa Fe 2.5T with Wet DCT on a rocky hill climb, but the guy didn't engage the center locker so the results weren't its' maximum ability. I did fine though and the trans didn't overheat on his relatively minor test.

Does anyone have a link of an equivalent model Hyundai drive system being tested on a roll ramp?

 

[comiskeybum]

Huge Subaru guy here. The AWD system is one of the reasons I have stuck with Subie for the last 4 cars we've owned. I think the H-Trac AWD system is getting close to Subaru in capability, but not matching. Certainly better than Toyota's junk AWD. Living in Indiana AWD is a must in winter. A good AWD, not an afterthought.

I will continue to monitor because I love the idea of this vehicle. I honestly wish Subaru had something on the drawing board like this.

 

[deznut2]

TFL does a demo on a 2019 Kona...should be similar to what is available on SC...interesting tests ( slo mo) near the end of the video:

 

[kansanwisconsinite]

Any thoughts on how the DCT AWD will compare to the (standard) AWD in a Crosstrek? Reading on other forums it seems Honda's iVTM-4 is far superior to Hyundai's technology due to the ability to provide up to 70% of the engine's power to the rear wheels or spinning the outer rear wheel faster while turning; of course, does this actually translate to improved handling in ice/snow?

 

[Walking Black Bear]

Subaru's AWD will always be superior. It's full-time and symmetrical. If I'm not mistaken, Hyundai uses a "slip'n'grip" system where it waits until it detects slippage to redirect power to the appropriate wheels. (asymmetrical) Subaru's system is always sending power to all wheels. (symmetrical)