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Is the 2012 Honda Pilot AWD or 4WD?

The 2012 Honda Pilot is available with both all-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) options. The Pilot's AWD system is designed to provide enhanced traction and stability in various driving conditions, while the 4WD system offers more robust off-road capabilities.

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) in the 2012 Honda Pilot

The 2012 Honda Pilot's available all-wheel drive (AWD) system is designed to automatically distribute power to the wheels that need it most, providing improved traction and stability on slippery surfaces, such as wet or snowy roads. The Pilot's AWD system is capable of sending up to 70% of the engine's power to the rear wheels when needed, helping to maintain control and prevent wheel slippage.

Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) in the 2012 Honda Pilot

In addition to the AWD option, the 2012 Honda Pilot is also available with a four-wheel drive (4WD) system. The Pilot's 4WD system is designed for more rugged off-road use, with the ability to lock the center differential to provide equal power distribution to all four wheels. This can be particularly useful when traversing challenging terrain, such as steep hills, loose gravel, or deep snow.

Choosing Between AWD and 4WD

The choice between the 2012 Honda Pilot's AWD and 4WD systems will depend on the driver's intended use and driving conditions. AWD is generally better suited for everyday driving, providing enhanced traction and stability on paved roads, while 4WD is more suitable for off-road adventures and extreme weather conditions.

Ultimately, the 2012 Honda Pilot offers both AWD and 4WD options, allowing drivers to select the system that best fits their needs and driving preferences.

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.

How does a 2012 Honda Pilot 4WD work?

It's continuously active. And through sensors analyzes a wide array of dynamic conditions. So that power can smoothly shift from front to back and independently between the rear wheels.

Is a 2012 Honda Pilot all-wheel drive?

Yes, the 2012 Honda Pilot is available with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, but it is not standard on all models; front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard. The available AWD is a part-time, on-demand system that automatically sends power to the rear wheels when slippage is detected, and it can also be manually locked for maximum rear-wheel power at low speeds.

You can watch this video to learn how to engage the four-wheel drive system in a 2012 Honda Pilot: 1mCrutchfield AutomotiveYouTube · Sep 18, 2019

Availability: The 2012 Honda Pilot comes with either a standard front-wheel-drive (FWD) system or an available Variable Torque Management 4WD (VTM-4) system, which is Honda's term for its part-time AWD system.
Function: The AWD system automatically engages the rear wheels when it detects front-wheel slippage, sending up to 50% of the power to the rear.
Lock Feature: It has a driver-selectable "lock" feature that operates in low gears (1st, 2nd, and reverse) to send maximum power to the rear wheels, but it automatically disengages above approximately 19 mph.

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.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.