Understanding Honda’s Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control

When you’re out on the roads, you want to be sure that your vehicle can keep stay in control under a variety of weather and road conditions. That’s exactly what Honda’s AWD system does. The Honda Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System is designed to provide superior traction at all times, so you can remain confident no matter what you’re facing on the roads. Let’s explore this system.

Understanding the Honda Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System

How Does the System Work?

Under normal driving conditions, power sent to the front wheels (front-wheel drive) is sufficient to maintain traction. However, when the roads are wet, icy, or uneven, your front tires can slip, and without any power sent to the rear wheels, there’s no backup system to help stabilize the vehicle. Honda’s intelligent AWD system is a part-time AWD system. It’s designed to deliver additional real-wheel traction when necessary to stabilize your vehicle.

The system uses a variety of sensors to continuously monitor steering angle, wheel speed, transmission gear, and other inputs. It proactively distributes an optimal amount of torque to the rear wheels before wheel slip is significant, thus preventing high-risk scenarios. When rear-wheel torque is no longer needed, the system automatically routes power back to the front wheels only, helping the vehicle to conserve fuel.

What Vehicles Have it?

Not all Honda models have the Real-Time AWD system. Currently, only the 2025 CR-V and HR-V have it available. The HR-V comes standard in front-wheel drive and has Real Time AWD as an available option in all trims. The CR-V has the same setup, with the exception of the Sport Touring Hybrid trim, which offers standard AWD.

How Does Real-Time AWD Differ From Other Systems?

Real-Time AWD differs from traditional full-time AWD systems, as Honda’s system only sends power to the rear wheels when it’s needed, and reverts back to FWD when it’s not. Other systems that have a constant 50/50 or variable split of torque typically have reduced fuel efficiency.

Several of Honda’s vehicles, such as the Pilot, Passport, and Ridgeline, use a different kind of AWD system called the i-VTM4 AWD system. It can distribute torque not just between the front and rear axles, but between the left and right rear wheels too. This improves traction in more demanding conditions and terrain.

Honda’s Real Time AWD system ​uses intelligent technology to give you ​reliable traction when needed, and superior efficiency ​when not. Contact our team at Rick Roush Honda in Medina, OH to find a vehicle that works for you.

Posted in CR-V, HR-V, Rick Roush Honda | No Comments »