This is the system on the RAV4 Compare them with the pdf’s earlier in this thread and you will see they are the same.
The only exception is that the RAV has a lock switch and all that does is lock up the drive unit until 25mph where it drops out to save wear on the transmission and tires.
Your CX5 does not have a diff locker, it locks the wheels by applying brake pressure to each side wheel as required. It has exactly the same effect in that the torque is applied to the wheel with the best grip on the road. The Jeep as I’ve discovered since talking to you has a multi plate diff lock which can lock up all the axle but it can’t completely transfer all the drive to one wheel. This is a picture I found;
.....and this is the explanation;
Quadra-Drive II
The Quadra-Drive II Jeep 4 x 4 system offers owners the ultimate in off-road capability. It combines the NV245 full-time transfer case with Electronic Limited Slip Differentials (ELSD) for best-in-class tractive performance. The system instantly detects tire slip and smoothly distributes engine torque to the tires with traction. In some cases, the vehicle will even anticipate low traction and adjust to proactively limit or eliminate slip
The heart of the system is the NV245 active transfer case. This transfer case includes a center differential coupled with an electronically controlled clutch pack, varying it from a completely open state to completely locked, and infinite possibilities in between. The 4-Low gear ratio is 2.72:1.
Quadra-Drive II features an electronic shift mechanism with a unique engagement lever. The lever is conveniently located on the shift console. Pulling the lever up engages 4-Low. The lever returns to a resting position after activation. The transfer case also includes a neutral position for trouble-free towing vehicles, such as behind a motor home.
A key component in the Quadra-Drive II system is the ELSD – an industry first application – and the new benchmark for automatic traction differentials. The ELSD use electronically controlled clutch packs to automatically and instantly vary from slip to lock at each axle. This maximizes traction when needed without any of the on-road drawbacks normally associated with such a robust 4 x 4 system.
All components of the system work together, continually monitoring needs, to provide smooth and automatic application of the components for best-in-class tractive performance while improving the day-to-day on-road driving experience. For example, the ELSD releases the clutch packs in the front axle during turns to allow differentiation and prevent crow hop.
So now if we compare;
Both the CX5 and the jeep have an “always engaged” transfer box.
The Jeep uses a cross axle multi plate clutch to lock up both sides of the axle/The CX5 uses the brakes to lock the spinning wheel and transfer drive to the gripping wheel.
The Jeep COULD unlock the diff and transfer drive to one wheel but ONLY by using the ABS pump to apply the brake on the opposite side/The CX5 can do exactly the same thing as the diff is never locked
Right! Now onto this snow tire thing. In the video, Mr Angry gets out of his car at one point and in his temper he leaves the car in drive with the handbrake off. While he is out of the car you can see the wheels at the front and back turning. The fact that he is stuck is nothing to do with his obvious incompetence, it is because the tires are not getting grip in the snow. The difference between normal all season tires and winter tires in the snow is not insignificant, it is night and day. They are unbelievably different and the only way you would ever be convinced is to try them.
I hope this answers your questions.