Cheers to the 4×4

I’ve been using the Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid a lot lately. Mostly for shorter distances and rarely on the Autobahn. I make it a sport for myself to follow the screen to see how many of my rides are all-electric. With a light foot on the accelerator and a forward driving style, I can manage up to 60 percent – ​​perfect for a full hybrid without plug-in tech. But: wouldn’t the fuel consumption be even lower and the proportion of electric vehicles higher if the city SUV were only front-wheel drive? Because in the plain and in the city why do I need a 4×4?

But then it follows our trip to South Tyrol. On the way we enjoy mild temperatures and beautiful autumn scenery. “The engine is a bit loud” my wife wonders in the passenger seat. “Like a tractor.” This is true. This is less noticeable in the apartment and you get used to it. However, the 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine struggles loudly at Flüela and Ofen Pass with its stepless automatic system. On the motorway and over the two Alpine passes to Münstertal, the electric part of our journey is not that great and we burn an average of 5.9 liters of fuel.

Test for 4×4

He came back five days later. Temperatures dropped, white powdery mountains mingled among the colorful forests. When it rains, we pass through the national park via Ofen Pass and turn onto the Flüela Pass road in Susch. Rainy and windy. The rain quickly turns to snow – and we are already stuck in the depths of winter, the road is white. But we stay calm as we know about the new winter tires and the 4×4.

Shortly before the crossing, it turns dangerous: bare ice and snow flying over it. But Toyota’s traction control optimally distributes the drive forces to all wheels in the “Snow” driving position – transition height is not an issue for us. But for all the tourists and the tucked plains we curl up around, yes. Until the police stop us: A large SUV is blocking the road, we must wait until the road is clear again. After the officer maneuvers the obstacle out of the way, we are allowed to continue on our way behind the police car. And drive in the direction of Davos with a police escort.

When I get there again on snowless roads, my wife praises “Tractor”. All-wheel drive nonsense for the plains? Mostly yes. But sometimes I’m happy with the 4×4. Even if it costs more fuel.