What is the Difference Between AWD and 4WD?

When shopping for a vehicle that will support you and your family, it's vital to know that you're buying a vehicle that has a drivetrain to suit your Greeley lifestyle. Many shoppers look for a vehicle with all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, for the added assurance on slick surfaces, greater confidence across rough terrains, and overall, a model that's prepared to handle the unexpected. Many different Honda models feature all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, but which is right for you? Learn more with your local Honda of Greeley today.

What is All-Wheel Drive?

All-wheel drive is a configuration where torque is directed to either the front or rear axles of your vehicle to manage slick surfaces or rough terrains to better take on the unexpected with ease. With all-wheel drive, your drivetrain is constantly monitoring the road to best adjust to the conditions. There are a couple of different types of all-wheel drive. Part-time AWD will sense when the use of all-wheel drive is needed, while full-time AWD always utilizes torque delivery to one axel or the other.

What is Four-Wheel Drive?

Four-wheel drive is often found on vehicles designed to take on off-road conditions. It differs from all-wheel drive in that it sends torque and power to not only the front and rear axels but also to left and right wheels. If you find yourself looking for an adventure vehicle that can take on dramatic slopes, large rocks, sand, mud, or deep snow, a four-wheel drive model would be the one for you.

Why Buy a Four-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive Model?

With four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, you'll have a vehicle you can count on even through the most dramatic of weather or terrain conditions. When you choose a Honda model with one of these impressive drivetrains, you'll get the reliability and grit of a Honda model with all the comfortable cabin features and advanced driver's assistance, with the further assurance of all-wheel drive. In fact, the majority of the Honda lineup features all-wheel drive as a standard or available feature.

Explore Honda Vehicles with a Capable Drivetrain

Honda offers two distinct all-wheel drive systems: Intelligent Variable Torque Management AWD System (i-VTM4) and Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System. The i-VTM4 system would be considered a traditional all-wheel drive system, sending torque to each axle as appropriate. In contrast, the Real Time all-wheel drive system is more similar to four-wheel drive by directing power to each wheel as necessary.

  • Both the Honda CR-V and Honda HR-V offer available Real Time AWD.
  • The Honda Pilot and the Honda Passport offer available i-VTM4 all-wheel drive.
  • The Honda Ridgeline truck offers i-VTM4 all-wheel drive on all models, and it comes standard on the top trims.

Start Shopping in Greeley Today

When learning more about the differences between all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, and more specifically, the differences between the two Honda brand-specific drivetrains, things can certainly get confusing. If you're uncertain which drivetrain is right for your lifestyle around Fort Collins and Longmont, stop by your local Honda of Greeley dealership to learn more. We would love to speak with you more about your Honda all-wheel drive options and help you best determine which one of our SUVs or truck models is appropriate for you around Windsor.

We can't wait to show you how capable and versatile the Honda lineup is and how you can maximize adventure around Loveland while staying safe and secure with the combination of a capable drivetrain and driver's assistance.

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