The point I was making is that we can go by what's on the internet, but I want to know how the AWD system isn't as good as the Subaru's.........bold statement, I want to see it backed up
Technically not part of the AWD system, but the BLD is a major downside to me. Using the brakes to control traction isn't the way to go as it causes a loss of momentum and the implementation leaves something to be desired. Of course that is just my opinion and others may argue otherwise.
The Jeep is in FWD only mode normally and can send 20/30 to the rear wheels when needed. Otherwise you are limited to low speeds and a 50/50 split with FDI.
The Subaru system maintains a 60/40 split under normal driving conditions and uses clutches and is able to quickly send power to whichever wheels need it very quickly.
IMO, the Subaru feels more agile on the road and you can feel that all the wheels are getting power and attached to the road and solid. It is hard for me to explain. I drove both the FWD and AWD version of the Patriot and they both felt the same under normal driving, couldn't tell the difference between the two. Obviously I don't have the luxury of test driving them in the snow right now. But I've owned an '06 Impreza in the past and did drive that in the snow and felt that it did better in the winter than the Patriot did. Again, just my opinion. I'm not expecting anyone on a Jeep forum to agree with me
As far as the oil consumption, I knew about those issues going in. I'm cautiously optimistic that they have worked the issues out for the 2016 models. I did a lot of research and from what I could find the oil consumption issues only affected a relatively small amount of vehicles. Some claims of 5% up to 10%. The 2011 models appear to be the worst. The number of issues per unit with oil consumption appears to be going down with 2015 models being the lowest in 4 years. The 2015 is showing less than a quarter as many issues and less than 2%.
As far as cost...A Patriot Limited starts at around $28,695 MSRP with Auto and 4 wheel drive. Add another $1500 for Sunroof. You can absolutely get a Patriot for cheaper than a Forester. No question about it. The Forester starts at $26k for the base model. But if you option up a Patriot to a similar configuration as the Forester Limited they cost about the same. Other thing was that you can't get a 2016 Patriot. If I bought a Patriot now it would be a model that is a year old down the road resale won't be quite as good as if it was a 2016.
