Does Acura have a good AWD system?
Acura, the luxury division of Honda, is known for its high-performance vehicles that offer a compelling blend of style, technology, and driving dynamics. One of the standout features in many Acura models is the brand's advanced all-wheel drive (AWD) system, which provides exceptional traction and control in a variety of driving conditions.
Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD)
Acura's flagship AWD system is called Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). This sophisticated system is designed to enhance both performance and stability by actively distributing power to the wheels that need it most. SH-AWD can continuously monitor driving conditions and adjust power delivery accordingly, providing superior grip and responsiveness.
The key advantage of Acura's SH-AWD system is its ability to actively distribute torque not only between the front and rear axles, but also between the left and right rear wheels. This "torque vectoring" capability allows the system to send more power to the outer rear wheel during cornering, helping to reduce understeer and improve overall handling.
Performance and Efficiency Benefits
Acura's SH-AWD system offers several performance and efficiency benefits compared to traditional AWD systems:
- Enhanced Cornering Ability: The torque vectoring feature helps the vehicle turn in more precisely and reduces understeer, resulting in a more engaging and responsive driving experience.li>
- Improved Traction and Stability: The system continuously monitors and adjusts power delivery to the wheels, providing excellent grip and control in a variety of road conditions, including snow, ice, and wet pavement.
- Fuel Efficiency: Acura's SH-AWD system is designed to be more fuel-efficient than traditional AWD systems, as it can disengage the rear axle when all-wheel drive is not needed, reducing drivetrain losses.li>
Overall, Acura's SH-AWD system is a standout feature that sets the brand's vehicles apart from the competition. By combining advanced torque vectoring technology with a focus on both performance and efficiency, Acura has created an AWD system that delivers exceptional driving dynamics and all-weather capability.
Is the Acura AWD system good?
Acura SH-Awd is excellent. It will send varying amounts of power to the front and rear axles based on a lot of different factors, it will also send up to 100% of the power in the rear axle to the outside wheel during particularly hard cornering.
Is SH-AWD actually AWD?
All-wheel drive is designed to improve traction for your vehicle by diverting most power to the front wheels. Acura SH-AWD® takes this one step further by also diverting a portion of your vehicle's power to the rear wheels as well, which improves traction even further and maximizes your car's performance.
What are the faults with AWD?
Common signs of a failing AWD system include unusual noises during acceleration, difficulty maintaining traction on slippery surfaces, and an illuminated AWD warning light. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to have your vehicle inspected by a professional.
Is Acura MDX AWD reliable?
Acura MDX Reliability Rating Breakdown. The Acura MDX Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 2nd out of 14 for luxury midsize SUVs.
Is it OK to have AWD on all the time?
While espresso and all-wheel drive are acceptable for everyday use, Irish coffee and four-wheel drive should be reserved for more special occasions (though never at the same time), the times when you really need something with an extra bit of strength.
Is SH-AWD better than XDrive?
Yes. Acura's SH-AWD delivers better traction and grip. It also improves handling and stability on all types of roads and in any weather condition.
Is Acura TLX AWD reliable?
The 2025 Acura TLX has a predicted reliability score of 79 out of 100.
How does an Acura AWD work?
Originally implemented in the Acura RL, SH-AWD allows torque to be continuously distributed between front and rear wheels from 70% front/30% rear to 30% front/70% rear, with up to 100% of the rear power being distributed to the outer left or right wheel to assist in cornering and dramatically reducing understeer.
Is quattro better than 4MATIC?
Mechanical Strength - Unlike xDrive and 4MATIC all-wheel drive systems, quattro® features more mechanical components which add durability and confidence. BMW and Mercedes-Benz systems skew heavily towards electronic intervention and operation, leaving them susceptible to failure when you need them the most.
What are the negatives about AWD?
CON: Increased Cost and Complexity
However, some automakers offer this feature as standard equipment, in which case the extra cost of AWD components is baked into the sticker price. Also, the complexity of an AWD system can increase service and repair costs down the road.
