Is 2008 Honda Pilot AWD or 4WD?

Two drivetrain setups were available for the 2008 Pilot: front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). It does not feature a traditional 4WD with a low-range transfer case.

Drivetrain options in the 2008 Pilot

The 2008 Pilot offered two primary configurations. The first is a standard Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) setup, which is lighter and typically yields better fuel economy. The second is All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Honda’s Variable Torque Management 4-Wheel Drive (VTM-4) system, available on higher trims, which provides on-demand traction without a low-range transfer case.

• Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): Standard on base models; lighter and more fuel-efficient.


• All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with VTM-4: Optional on most trims; on-demand AWD that can send torque to the rear as needed; no low-range gear.

In practice, choosing AWD gives you better traction in rain, snow, and slippery conditions, while FWD offers simpler operation and better fuel economy.

How Honda's VTM-4 AWD works in the Pilot

Before diving into the details, note that the AWD system in the 2008 Pilot is designed to improve on-road traction rather than provide a traditional off-road 4WD experience. The VTM-4 system continuously monitors wheel speed and road conditions to vary torque between the front and rear axles as needed.

• Normal driving favors the front wheels to maximize efficiency and fuel economy.


• When front tires slip, the system can transfer torque to the rear wheels to regain traction.


• There is no low-range gear or transfer case; the system is designed for on-road use and light off-roading.


• Torque distribution is controlled electronically to smoothly adapt to changing conditions.

Concluding: The 2008 Pilot’s AWD is an on-demand, full-time setup designed to enhance stability and traction, not a traditional part-time 4WD with a crawl-friendly low range.

Practical considerations for buyers

When deciding between FWD and AWD for the 2008 Pilot, consider climate, driving conditions, and cost. AWD adds weight and can reduce fuel economy slightly, but it offers improved traction in snow and rain. If you rarely encounter slick conditions or off-road terrain, FWD may be adequate and more economical.

Summary

The 2008 Honda Pilot is available with either Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD) using Honda’s VTM-4 system. It does not include a traditional 4WD with a low-range transfer case. AWD provides on-demand traction to enhance stability in adverse conditions, while FWD offers better efficiency and lower upfront cost. For most buyers facing winter weather or slippery roads, AWD is the practical choice; for those prioritizing fuel economy, FWD remains a solid option.

Bottom line

In short, the 2008 Honda Pilot is not a 4WD in the traditional sense; it is offered with AWD (VTM-4) or FWD. The key distinction is that its AWD is on-demand and designed for on-road traction, not a rugged, low-range 4WD system.

Is Honda AWD the same as 4WD?

AWD vehicles work best for those who stick mostly to paved surfaces and want to deal with inclement weather. 4WD vehicles work best for those focusing on towing/payload utility and off-roading.

Is the 2008 Honda Pilot 4WD or AWD?

First Generation (2003-2008)
Despite the “4WD” in its name, this system functioned more like a modern AWD system. Key features of the VTM-4 system: Full-time operation: The system was always active, sending power to all four wheels. Front-wheel bias: Under normal driving conditions, most power goes to the front wheels.

How to turn on 4 wheel drive 2008 Honda Pilot?

So if you're in drive. It's not going to work for you you have to get down into second or even first once you're in second or. First.

Is a Honda Pilot 4WD or AWD?

The 2025 Honda Pilot has both standard Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and available Intelligent Variable Torque Management™ All-Wheel Drive (i-VTM4® AWD), not true 4WD. The i-VTM4 AWD system is more advanced than a traditional system because it sends torque to all four wheels as needed, enhancing traction in slippery conditions like rain or light snow. 
This video explains the difference between AWD and 4WD: 54sEngineering ExplainedYouTube · Mar 15, 2024
Honda Pilot AWD (i-VTM4) vs. traditional 4WD

• Honda's i-VTM4 AWD: This is an advanced, on-demand system that constantly monitors and distributes power to all four wheels for optimal traction and stability. 
  • Smart and efficient: It sends more power to the front wheels for normal driving to improve fuel efficiency. 
  • Responsive: It automatically sends power to the rear wheels when slip is detected. 
  • Selectable modes: It has additional drive modes for Snow, Mud, and Sand, which optimize the system for different conditions. 
• Traditional 4WD: This system, which is common in trucks and some SUVs, typically requires the driver to manually select between 2WD and 4WD. 
  • Less refined: It is less sophisticated than Honda's i-VTM4, which uses clutches and differentials to distribute torque. 
  • Less common in Pilot: The Honda Pilot does not have a traditional 4WD system that allows the driver to select between 2WD and 4WD. 

This video compares the performance of AWD and 4WD systems in various conditions: 50sSam CarLegionYouTube · Feb 27, 2025
Which one is right for you?

• Choose AWD (i-VTM4) if:
  • You want the best possible traction for everyday driving in various weather conditions, like rain, light snow, or icy patches. 
  • You want the convenience of a system that works automatically without requiring driver intervention. 
  • You desire the added confidence of torque-vectoring, which helps improve handling when cornering. 
• Choose FWD (standard) if: 
  • You live in a mild climate with little to no snow or ice. 
  • You want the most fuel-efficient option. 
  • Your driving needs are limited to paved roads and highways.