Easy Select and Super-Select 4WD Transmission Systems for Mitsubishi SUVs

The list of SUV bestsellers will not be complete without the Japanese brand Mitsubishi. This car manufacturer has long been known for offering reliable and well-equipped cars at an affordable price compared to the main competitors, especially in the SUV segment.

It is important to understand that the off-road qualities of any car directly depend not only on the engine, but also on the implemented transmission drive system. In this article, we will consider Easy Select and Super Select drive systems installed in SUVs produced by Mitsubishi. Super Select and Easy Select are patented 4WD transmission solutions installed on Mitsubishi SUVs and pickups. At the same time, when choosing a car, not all potential owners understand the difference between these types of transmissions and how to service them properly.

Easy Select

The Easy Select drive system has two cross-axle differentials. One differential is located on the front axle between the wheels, and the second differential is located in the area of the rear axle. There is no inter-center (inter-axle) differential in the transfer case. It is worth noting that Mitsubishi models do not have a front axle, but they still have the differential between the front-wheels.

If the four-wheel drive (4WD) is switched off, the clutch, connecting the semi-axles with the differential, gets disengaged. In this mode, the cross-axle front differential is not used at all. The SUV in this mode operates like a passenger car, no matter whether the Easy Select or Super Select drive system is installed. Easy Select is a classic part-time 4WD.

Check out Mitsubishi Triton 2017 with Easy Select 4WD

The differential engagement takes place when the gear selector is shifted to the 4H mode. This mode in Easy Select should not be used when driving on roads with dry or hard surface, or at high speeds (usually higher than 50 km/h). Violation of these rules can lead to failure of the differential or control clutch.

Check out Mitsubishi Triton 2017 with Easy Select 4WD

Taking into account that there is no inter-axle differential in the Easy Select transmission drive system, when engaging the 4WD mode, the car becomes less controlled at high speed (it does not hold the road and makes turns with difficulties). When driving at high speeds (with 4WD) on the dry road surface, transmission elements wear out much faster due to overloads and overheating. The Easy Select all-wheel drive should be engaged exclusively when driving under severe conditions (off-road, on snowy, icy or muddy road surface) and at low speeds.

Super Select 4WD