When you need a vehicle that can handle more than just the daily commute, you want confidence in all conditions. Honda All Wheel Drive vehicles provide that reliable and versatile performance you’re looking for, blending Honda’s renowned engineering with the added traction of AWD.
This capability means security in rain, grip in snow, and stability on loose gravel. It’s about getting you where you need to go, safely and without drama. Whether you have a growing family, an active lifestyle, or simply face unpredictable weather, an AWD Honda adapts to your needs.
Honda All Wheel Drive Vehicles
Honda’s approach to all-wheel drive is smart and efficient. Most of their systems are front-wheel drive based, which prioritizes fuel economy during normal driving. When the system detects wheel slip or a need for more traction, it automatically sends power to the rear wheels. This happens seamlessly, so you might not even notice it working—except for the fact you keep moving forward.
Let’s look at the models that offer this important feature and what makes each one stand out.
The SUV Lineup: Capability Meets Practicality
Honda’s SUVs are where AWD really shines, offering space and security for families and adventurers.
CR-V: The best-selling Honda for good reason. Its Real Time AWD™ system is perfectly matched to this compact SUV’s balanced character. It’s ideal for suburban errands, weekend trips, and slippery roads alike. The cabin is spacious and comfortable, making it a top choice for daily reliability.
Pilot: As Honda’s largest SUV, the Pilot is built for bigger jobs. Its i-VTM4® AWD system is more sophisticated, capable of sending torque not just front-to-rear, but also side-to-side between the rear wheels. This gives you impressive handling and traction for towing a boat, navigating a snowy mountain road, or simply carrying a full load of passengers and gear.
HR-V: The subcompact entry-point offers surprising versatility. The AWD system in the HR-V provides that extra bit of assurance for city dwellers who face occasional rough weather or who like to take the occasional light trail to a campsite. Its clever Magic Seat® cargo area is a major bonus.
Passport: Sitting between the CR-V and Pilot, the Passport has a rugged personality. It shares the Pilot’s robust i-VTM4® AWD system, giving it serious off-pavement potential amoung midsize SUVs. It’s a great pick for those who want a more adventurous look and feel without giving up everyday civility.
The Sedan Representative: The Honda Accord
While most AWD focus is on SUVs, Honda does offer the feature on one sedan. The latest Accord Hybrid can be equipped with an intelligent AWD system. This setup helps the already efficient hybrid maintain excellent grip in wet or winter conditions, proving that fuel-sipping and confidence can go hand-in-hand.
How Honda’s AWD Systems Actually Work
Understanding the tech can help you see the value. It’s not just marketing—it’s thoughtful engineering.
* Real Time AWD™ (CR-V, HR-V, CR-V Hybrid): This is an on-demand system. Under normal conditions, the car acts as a front-wheel drive vehicle for max efficiency. A computer constantly monitors wheel speed. If front wheel slip is detected, a hydraulic pump engages a multi-plate clutch to transfer power to the rear axle. It’s quick, effective, and requires no input from you.
* i-VTM4® AWD (Pilot, Passport): This is a more advanced torque-vectoring system. It uses a rear differential with twin clutches that can control the torque sent to each individual rear wheel. This not only helps in low-traction scenarios but also can improve cornering on dry pavement by reducing understeer. It can make a large vehicle feel surprisingly agile.
* Hybrid AWD (Accord Hybrid, CR-V Hybrid): This system uses an independent electric motor to power the rear wheels. There is no mechanical connection between the front and rear axles. When extra traction is needed, the system instantly applies torque from the rear electric motor. It’s very responsive and helps keep the overall vehicle design efficient.
Key Benefits You’ll Experience Day-to-Day
Why does this matter for you? The advantages are practical and noticeable.
* Enhanced Safety in Bad Weather: This is the primary reason most people choose AWD. It provides better acceleration and stability on rain-slicked roads, in snow, and on icy patches. It helps prevent you from getting stuck and can aid in maintaining control.
* Improved Traction on Loose Surfaces: Gravel driveways, dirt roads, or grassy fields at a sports event are less of a concern. The AWD system finds grip where two-wheel drive might spin its wheels.
* Greater Confidence When Driving: There’s a peace of mind that comes with knowing your vehicle has extra grip at the ready. This can reduce driver stress during a sudden storm or on unfamiliar roads.
* Resale Value: AWD models often hold their value better than their two-wheel-drive counterparts, especially in regions with harsh winters. It’s a desirable feature for the next buyer too.
Maintaining Your Honda AWD System
To keep that reliable performance, a little knowledge goes a long way. These systems are durable but do require specific care.
1. Follow Fluid Change Intervals: The transfer unit and rear differential have their own specific fluids. These break down over time and with heat. Your owner’s manual has the schedule, but it’s typically around every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Neglecting this can lead to expensive damage.
2. Tire Tread and Matching is Critical: All four tires must have very similar tread depth. A significant difference can cause the AWD system to work constantly, believing there is always slip, which can lead to premature wear or failure. Always replace tires in sets of four, or shave a new tire to match the others if only one is damaged.
3. Listen for Unusual Noises: Whining, clunking, or grinding from under the vehicle could indicate a problem with the AWD components. Have it checked by a professional promptly.
4. Remember It’s a Traction Aid, Not Invisibility: AWD helps you go and steer better in low-traction situations. It does not significantly help you stop faster. Winter tires are always the best upgrade for braking and cornering on snow and ice. AWD with all-season tires is good; AWD with dedicated winter tires is exceptional.
Choosing the Right Honda AWD Vehicle For You
With several great options, your choice depends on your lifestyle. Ask yourself these questions:
* How much space do I need? From the compact HR-V to the three-row Pilot, size and passenger capacity vary greatly.
* What is my primary use? Daily commuting (prioritize efficiency like the CR-V Hybrid), family hauling (Pilot), or light off-road (Passport)?
* What’s my budget? Consider both the initial purchase price and long-term running costs. Hybrid AWD models can save on fuel.
* Do I need to tow? The Pilot and Passport offer the highest tow ratings (up to 5,000 lbs with proper equipment).
Test driving is essential. Feel how the vehicle handles and experience the cabin space. Pay attention to visibility and comfort, as these are things you’ll live with every day.
Common Myths About All-Wheel Drive
Let’s clear up some frequent misunderstandings.
* Myth: AWD is the same as 4WD. Not quite. Traditional 4WD is often designed for serious, low-speed off-roading and can be manually engaged. Honda’s AWD systems are fully automatic and built for on-road assurance with some light off-road capability.
* Myth: AWD means I never need snow tires. This is a dangerous assumption. As mentioned, AWD helps with acceleration and stability, but winter tires provide vastly superior braking and cornering traction in cold conditions.
* Myth: AWD costs too much in fuel. Modern systems, especially the on-demand or hybrid-electric types, have a minimal impact on fuel economy. The penalty is often very small compared to the benefit in safety and capability.
* Myth: The AWD system lasts forever without service. As outlined in the maintenance section, fluids do need to be changed. It’s a mechanical system with moving parts that require lubrication.
The Verdict on Honda AWD
Honda All Wheel Drive vehicles represent a smart compromise. They deliver the trusted reliability Honda is known for, with an added layer of active safety and versatility. The systems are engineered to work quietly in the background, giving you help exactly when you need it without complicating the driving experience.
For many drivers across the country, this combination is ideal. It provides that extra margin of confidence for managing everything from a sudden downpour on the highway to a snowy trip to the mountains. Honda’s range of AWD options means there’s likely a model that fits your specific needs, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice efficiency or comfort for all-weather capability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Which Honda models come with AWD?
A: Currently, the HR-V, CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Pilot, and Accord Hybrid offer all-wheel drive options. It’s often available on higher trim levels.
Q: Is Honda AWD good in snow?
A: Yes, Honda AWD systems are very effective in snow. They provide significantly better traction and stability than front-wheel drive alone. For the best snow performance, pair the AWD with a set of dedicated winter tires.
Q: What is the difference between Real Time AWD and i-VTM4?
A: Real Time AWD is an on-demand system that sends power to the rear wheels when slip is detected. i-VTM4 is a more advanced torque-vectoring system that can send power not only to the rear, but also distribute it between the left and right rear wheels for better handling and traction.
Q: How do I know if my Honda AWD is working?
A: Most systems have no indicator light when they are operating normally. They engage automatically. Some models have an information display in the gauge cluster that can show power distribution. If a warning light (often “AWD” or a triangle with an exclamation point) appears on your dash, it indicates a system fault that should be serviced.
Q: Can I use a temporary spare tire with AWD?
A: You should avoid driving long distances or at high speeds with a temporary spare on an AWD vehicle. The significant difference in tire diameter can confuse the system. Check your owner’s manual for specific instructions, but the goal is to repair or replace the original tire as quickly as possible to get all four matching tires back on the vehicle.
Q: Does AWD require more maintenance?
A: It requires a few additional services. The key items are changing the transfer fluid and rear differential fluid at the intervals specified in your maintenance schedule. Also, tire rotation and ensuring all tires wear evenly is more critical than on a two-wheel drive car.