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 of our customers look for a vehicle with all-wheel drive, or four-wheel drive, for the added stability 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 the Ridgeline offers four-wheel drive. Here we will give you a summary of the differences. 

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. Since AWD vehicles are not engaging all four wheels all the time, they generally give you better fuel efficiency. 

 
 

What is Four-Wheel Drive?

Four-wheel drive is often found on vehicles designed to take on off-road conditions and or tow heavier loads. 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 off-road vehicle or one with greater towing capacity, a four-wheel drive model might be the one for you.

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

With 4-wheel drive (4WD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), 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 AWD 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.

Choose the Honda SUV That is Best for You

All of the Honda SUVs in the lineup come available with all-wheel drive and that's generally what we keep in stock as they handle the Northern Colorado weather well but still give you better gas mileage than a pure 4X4 or 4WD.

Luckily, the team at Honda of Greeley can provide you with the information you need to decide on which Honda SUV is best for your lifestyle, take them on a test drive and explain your options. Below is an introduction to each of your choices, so you know which vehicle might be the one for you to take on all of your daily travels to Windsor, CO.

Honda HR-V

The Honda HR-V is the smallest SUV in the Honda lineup. It is a crossover SUV that may impress with its abundance of passenger and cargo space. Additionally, the cargo space can be configured in a variety of ways, so it offers a lot of versatility for car shoppers.

When you buy or lease a new Honda HR-V, you may be delighted to hear that it comes available with the Honda Sensing® suite of safety features and driver-assist technologies. It can make you safer and more vigilant when you are traveling to places like Loveland, CO and beyond.

Honda CR-V

Folks who need to step up in size may want to check out the Honda CR-V. This small Honda SUV has been a staple of the Honda SUV lineup for a long time. It has earned a special spot in the hearts of many car buyers for a variety of reasons. It has a wealth of space for cargo and people, so you can trust that your utility needs will be met by this vehicle.

Also, the Honda CR-V has a strong engine that can push out an impressive amount of horsepower. The standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine pumps out 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. Anyone who buys or leases this SUV may enjoy knowing that it comes available with intriguing features like navigation and a wireless charging pad.

Honda Pilot

Do you need a third-row SUV? The Honda lineup won't leave you hanging. You can get what you need when you get behind the wheel of a new Honda Pilot. This Honda model gives car buyers the option of seating up to eight passengers. Also, people will get up to 83.8 cubic feet of cargo room. There is plenty of space for luggage and equipment, as well as for people to spread out and get comfortable.

Car shoppers who buy or lease a new Honda Pilot will have a wealth of standard and available features from which to choose. Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, navigation, a rear entertainment system, and a wireless charging pad are just a few of the features that might catch your eye.

Honda Passport

With a strong, rugged appearance, the Honda Passport is eye-catching to drivers who want their SUV to be a solid daily commuter, but also open the door to some adventure. Car shoppers may notice that this Honda SUV has 8.1-inches of ground clearance, so a little off-roading is possible. While off-roading may be in the cards, you'll also get to enjoy a comfortable and smooth ride because of the well-padded seats and absorbent suspension.

Another feature that many people like about the Honda Passport is the strong base engine. This Honda model is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Like many other Honda models, this one has many standard and available features.

Honda Ridgeline

If you are someone who wants to use their vehicle for hauling- the Honda Ridgeline may be the vehicle you are looking for. you may be impressed with all of the options that it gives you. The Honda Ridgeline has many clever storage choices that will make your life easier. The standard lockable In-Bed Trunk® gives drivers 7.3 cubic feet of space to help with anything you need to load in your truck. It comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that puts out 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Drivers may also appreciate that this truck comes standard with all-wheel drive.

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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