Hi Scotty, any idea why they designed the all-wheel-drive versions of the 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix with a 4-speed automatic? The Base and GT models had a 5-speed manual or automatic. Seems like my mpgs could be better with more gears. My 09 Vibe AWD is a great car, but man I’m looking for that 5th gear on the highway!
This is the same case with Toyota Corolla as well. It had 4 speed automatic transmission till year 2013.
Actually it was 2014, and even then the 4 speed was available until 2017. The XRS in 2009 and 2010 was available with a 5 speed automatic.
It is because it is a lot more complicated to have a manual transmission with AWD. It can be done, as proven by Subaru, but in order to do so you have to have a mechanical AWD system and most AWD systems, including yours, are electronic.
