[SR2Z]

But "clearance, strong tyres and suspension travel" have NOTHING to do with 4WD vs AWD, which as far as I can tell is kind of a silly distinction since nowadays cars have sophisticated enough drivetrains that they can use brake-based torque vectoring to force up to half the engine torque into one wheel.

[avar]

They clearly could do that, since ABS systems allow for independent braking on each wheel.

But I'm unaware of any production AWD vehicle which allows that as a "hack" to emulate a sort-of locked differential when your hardware is an open differential.

It's probably used as part of computer controlled traction control on some vehicles, but those systems are usually too smart for their own good in off-road and similarly challenging conditions.

[davidbanham]

Actually independent wheel braking as part of an electronic traction control system is pretty common and _can be_ excellent. The Land Rover Discovery looks to have gotten a bit soft in the latest iteration, but they've used that system for years. Coupled with the coil suspension all round with good articulation, they're well regarded off road. Not long-term durable on high speed rough roads, mind you, but brilliant at climbing a snotty hill.

For serious or regular off road work, a mechanical locking diff is the way to go. Yes, most electronic systems will completely freak out and stop you going anywhere in soft sand until you remember to turn them off. They do have their place though.

[SkyPuncher]

Many production AWD systems include this. My Hyundai Palisade has it (in addition to an actual locking rear differential).

That being said, it’s amazing for snow and ice, but I would not trust it to get me unstuck from rocks or a ditch.

[kevinpet]

I'm pretty sure all recent Subaru's (other than BRZ, which is a totally different platform) have wheel spin control using the braking system.

[aeonik]

They do, though some use a clutch-based system. They have 4 different systems if I am not mistaken.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBQlK89PyxQ