All About Honda All-Wheel Drive Vehicles

Honda is known for its reliable and safe vehicles, but they also offer good performance. If you’re looking for a vehicle that’s stable in any weather, in town or out, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Honda models.

Discover Honda’s two all-wheel drive systems and how they work, then learn more about all-wheel drive models and their features.

Honda All-Wheel Drive: Two Systems

The Japanese manufacturer doesn’t offer just one all-wheel drive system, but two! In fact, the choice of technologies varies depending on how you intend to use the vehicle; a compact SUV like the Honda CR-V does not necessarily serve the same purpose as a truck like the Honda Ridgeline.

The Real Time AWD System

The smallest SUVs in the range offer all-wheel drive with an intelligent control system, known as Real Time AWD. This is an all-wheel drive system with temporary engagement, meaning that it is activated only when needed.

When you buy a Honda HR-V or Honda CR-V for sale, you can take advantage of this option for more confident driving. Whether on city roads or the highway, these SUVs give you a confident ride in the event of loss of traction.

In fact, the system sends up to 40% of the torque to the rear axle when it detects a loss of control, whether:

• On wet pavement
• On icy surfaces or under freezing rain
• When trying to drive over a snow bank

And when the roads are clean and dry? The system uses only the front wheels to give you more economical driving. Consequently, you save fuel and enjoy a stable ride at the same time. What’s more, the new Honda CR-V Hybrid comes with all-wheel drive as standard!

The I-VTM4 System

Planning to get off the beaten track, or take on more challenging road conditions? The Honda Passport and Honda Pilot midsize SUVs, as well as the Honda Ridgeline truck for sale, come standard with a constant-mesh all-wheel-drive system. This sends between 10% and 70% of torque to the rear wheels, depending on conditions.

The system is known as I-VTM4, and features Intelligent Variable Torque Control, a torque vectoring technology. This means that rear torque can be sent to a single wheel if one of the two is unresponsive.

Moreover, this system comes with multiple driving modes depending on the terrain you’re cruising. For example, with the second-generation system of the Honda Pilot for sale, you’re entitled to the following modes:

• Normal
• ECON
• Snow
• Sport
• Towing
• Trail
• Sand

Practical, Powerful SUVs

Honda’s SUV lineup offers a number of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive options. For example, journalist Julien Amado wrote about the Pilot’s engine in The Auto Guide 2023:

“This block is a real pleasure to drive [...]. The Pilot also stands out for its well-balanced steering and remarkable driving comfort”.

Equipped with the same 3.5-liter V6, Honda’s Passport also offers quality driving with 280 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. Wondering which is the best midsize SUV? That depends on your needs; the Passport offers a 5-seat interior while the Pilot seats up to 8 passengers.

The Honda Pilot towing capacity is of 5,000 pounds, just like the Passport. The Honda Ridgeline towing capacity is also of 5,000 lb.

The CR-V and HR-V are more compact, but just as enjoyable to drive. Their interiors offer generous, comfortable space, and their cargo capacities are 2,113 L and 1,559 L, respectively.

Here’s a summary of each model’s specifications to help you make your choice:

Looking for a Honda Ridgeline for sale, whether SUV or truck? At Lallier Honda Hull, we have several models in stock. Shop online or, better yet, come and meet us in Hull, near Gatineau!