Can I drive on the beach in an AWD minivan?

[gone fishin]

NO - most beaches will state that all wheel drives are not allowed in their requirements. The clearance is critical on all beaches.

Tattoo is correct in stating that you can easily drive a beach with two wheel drive. We have been doing for toooo many years to mention. Low and slow will get you there. BUT it sure is easier with 4 wheel drive.

The dis advantage of all wheel drive is that it swaps the power from one wheel to another indiscriminately. You get buried one wheel at a time

[saajr]

I have been fishing the Westerly area for 35 years have seen some AWD on the beach by the pink house as at times that beach you can use 2wd down to the 2nd entrance but beyond that to the light house it gets pretty soft.East beach to Charlestown breach way forget it we run 18 to 20 lbs of air and you will need the clearance as the ruts can be really deep getting on the beach cant be a chore at times as it is always soft there.

[Raven]

that's made for it and have some fun

[JohnR]

I would say no. In the unlikely event you don't get stuck (I think you will) you would probably wreck your AWD system. Many car "AWD" systems are not up t the same strength and punishment standards as a 4WD truck.

While I think a Subaru wouldn't get stuck (certainly as much as a Sienna) I do think you'd tear up her driveline (or at least wipe out CV Joints, blow headgaskets, front pipes, and every orifice a Subaru can and will leak through (I drove a Subaru & Toyota Service Desk for a while)