Maxwax, just saw this, thanks for the excellent write-up with photos to show what you're talking about. I wish I was as dedicated at taking photos as you are when the conditions deteriorate but I'm usually having too much fun to spend the time with the camera! After three winters using my CX-5 to hit the local ski area I can totally relate to your experiences.
Last winter was the lowest snow year in the Pacific Northwest in the recorded history but I still had plenty of opportunity to put the AWD capabilities of the CX-5 to the test by driving unplowed backcountry mountain roads (on top of 2 feet of old snowpack). These are roads, sometimes steep, that are usually only passable for a few months in the mid-late summer but I was driving them to their terminus in February! There is no help if you get stuck and no cellular coverage so you will have a very long hike out, like 18 miles to the nearest highway which still doesn't have cellular coverage. I wouldn't do this if the AWD was not excellent in the snow and it really chafes me when people who don't know what they're talking about imply the AWD is not up to this kind of usage. The AWD is seamless and kicks in instantly when needed. I
The primary limitation of this type of AWD is not capability in slippery conditions, it's the heat that could potentially build up in the electronically controlled clutchpack in the rear differential if driving low traction and variable traction surfaces in a ham-fisted manner. This is easily avoided by driving methodically and sensibly (which is how I always drive when far from help in the mountain back-country). I don't recall ever seeing the AWD warning light even though I've driven extensively under and marginal conditions, deep snow, steep ice, slippery off-camber surfaces, etc. and it's performance is every bit as impressive as any AWD and 4WD I've driven. If the light does come on, the AWD will revert to FWD until it cools down. As you pointed out, it cools down relatively quickly as evidenced by the fact that you couldn't get it to come back on your second ascent.
* One day I stopped and helped a Toyota Tacoma TRD 4WD pickup get unstuck from the snow. My solution? A shovel.
That middle 20% fold-foward seat back allows you to keep a real full size shovel for situations like this
First, I know these roads well and I drive carefully when conditions require it. I used the CX-5 manual gearing mode quite a lot to put the car in 2nd or 3rd gear, especially when descending and wanting to increase control and limit speed. This helped me avoid too much momentum and slide out of control.
I use manual shift mode a lot too but, contrary to popular opinion, it's not necessary to downshift to maintain control on descents because the electronic controls of the CX-5 braking system are so well programmed, they will prevent sliding out of control every bit as much as using a lower gear. In my experience, either method works well but the electronic brake distribution system seems quicker and more responsive. I use downshifting when I have no concern, on more treacherous downhill corners where the consequences are serious, I will use a high enough gear that engine braking is low and rely more upon the electronic brake distribution due to it's fast response. On a slippery surface there is not enough traction to worry about excessive brake wear.
Second, I had really excellent snow tires. I can't recommend snow tires for cold weather conditions enough and my Nokian Hakkapeliita R2 SUVs were a big part of gripping the road in awful conditions. These are pricey but worth every penny. I would often find myself (when conditions permitted) accelerating to see how much they'd grip then slamming on the brakes to see how much they'd stop. Always impressive results.
Honestly, the CX-5 is so good in the snow in terms of uphill traction, braking and cornering, I doubt you would be unhappy with any decent dedicated winter tires.
If you've read this far, it means you're interested in how the CX-5 really does in real world conditions in slippery conditions.
If you're like me, you've spent time searching for "CX-5 Offroad" videos on Youtube because you want to believe this is a solid and capable vehicle for snow, mud and other dangerous conditions. You've probably seen artificial tests where Subaru attempts to demonstrate the superiority of their full-time all wheel drive system and make you doubt how good the CX-5 can be. After this winter, I am completely satisfied with my CX-5 for slippery dangerous conditions. I don't have any doubt, I only have confidence.
Exactly! Those who poo-poo the snow capability of the CX-5's AWD have either never driven it in really challenging conditions or have tried to get by without winter tires when winter tires were required. There is no such thing as an AWD system that negates the need for winter tires in extreme winter conditions.
Looking forward to next winter!!
Touche!