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What does AWD mean on Honda CR-V?

AWD, or All-Wheel Drive, is a feature found on the Honda CR-V that provides enhanced traction and control in various driving conditions. This system distributes power to all four wheels of the vehicle, rather than just the front or rear wheels, to improve handling and stability.

Understanding All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is a type of four-wheel drive system that automatically adjusts the power distribution to the wheels based on the driving conditions. Unlike traditional four-wheel drive systems, which require the driver to manually engage the four-wheel drive mode, AWD systems operate seamlessly and continuously to provide optimal traction and control.

The AWD system in the Honda CR-V uses sensors to monitor factors such as wheel speed, throttle position, and road conditions. Based on this information, the system can instantly adjust the power distribution to the wheels, sending more torque to the wheels that have the most grip. This helps the CR-V maintain stability and control in a variety of situations, including:

Slippery or icy roads

Loose or uneven terrain

Heavy rain or snow

Sudden turns or maneuvers

By distributing power to all four wheels, the AWD system in the Honda CR-V can provide better acceleration, improved handling, and enhanced safety compared to a traditional front-wheel or rear-wheel drive vehicle.

Benefits of AWD on the Honda CR-V

The AWD system on the Honda CR-V offers several key benefits for drivers:

Improved Traction and Stability: The AWD system helps the CR-V maintain traction and control in slippery or challenging driving conditions, reducing the risk of losing control or getting stuck.

Enhanced Handling: The AWD system can improve the CR-V's handling by distributing power to the wheels that have the most grip, allowing for more precise and responsive steering.

Increased Confidence: Knowing that the CR-V's AWD system is actively working to maintain control can give drivers a greater sense of confidence and security, especially in adverse weather or off-road conditions.

Versatility: The AWD system on the CR-V makes the vehicle more capable of handling a variety of driving situations, from city streets to unpaved roads, providing greater overall versatility.

Overall, the AWD system on the Honda CR-V is a valuable feature that can enhance the vehicle's performance, safety, and driving experience in a wide range of conditions.

What are the disadvantages of AWD?

The main disadvantages of all-wheel drive (AWD) are lower fuel efficiency, higher costs for purchase and maintenance, increased tire wear, and limited off-road capability compared to dedicated 4x4 systems. AWD systems are also heavier and more complex, leading to potential repair costs and not necessarily improving turning and braking in all conditions, especially snow and ice.
Costs and maintenance

Higher purchase price: AWD vehicles are more expensive to buy upfront.
Higher maintenance and repair costs: The system has more parts than a standard drivetrain, which can lead to higher maintenance and repair costs.
Increased tire wear: Since all four tires are powered, they wear out faster and may need to be replaced as a set more often.

Performance and handling

Lower fuel economy: The added weight and complexity of the AWD system reduce fuel efficiency.
Limited off-road performance: Most AWD systems are designed for on-road use and light off-roading; they lack the robust, driver-controlled functionality of a true 4x4 system for tackling rough or extreme terrain.
Reduced turning ability: AWD can negatively impact turning ability, as the front tires are responsible for both steering and putting power down.
Doesn't improve braking: AWD provides no benefit for braking in slippery conditions and can give a false sense of security.

Other drawbacks

Added weight: The extra components make the vehicle heavier, which can impact performance in other ways.
Overconfidence: Some drivers may be lulled into a false sense of security by AWD and take more risks in adverse conditions than they would with a different system.

How does the AWD work on a Honda CR-V?

The Honda CR-V's AWD system, called Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control, is an automatic system that sends power to the rear wheels when needed for improved traction. It normally operates in front-wheel drive for fuel efficiency, but a network of sensors monitors conditions like steering angle and throttle to detect wheel slippage. When slippage occurs, the system uses an electric motor-driven pump to engage a multi-plate clutch, instantly directing torque to the rear wheels.

This video explains how the Honda Real Time AWD system works: 1mWOLF 4WD ADVENTURES YouTube · Jun 6, 2023
How it works

Normal conditions: The CR-V operates as a front-wheel-drive vehicle, which maximizes fuel efficiency since the engine doesn't have to work as hard to power all four wheels.
Slippage detected: Sensors continuously monitor various inputs, such as steering angle and wheel speed.
Power is redirected: When the sensors detect a loss of traction, the system proactively and electronically engages the rear wheels.
Rear wheels engage: An electric motor activates a pump that directs hydraulic fluid to a multi-plate clutch in the rear differential. This clutch engages to send power to the rear wheels, giving you more traction and stability.
Power returns to the front: When traction is regained, the clutch disengages, and power is sent back to the front wheels only.

Key features

Intelligent Control System: This feature minimizes lag often associated with other AWD systems by anticipating traction loss and engaging the rear wheels proactively rather than reactively.
Electronic control: The system relies on electronic control, not mechanical locking, to manage the distribution of power, making the engagement smooth and automatic.
Improved performance: The system is designed to help with acceleration on challenging roads, such as those with snow, ice, or mud.
Fuel efficiency: By operating in a front-wheel-drive mode during normal driving, the system helps to conserve fuel.

This video demonstrates the Honda Real Time AWD system in action: 1mDmitry SapkoYouTube · Aug 6, 2024

Is the Honda CR-V AWD always on?

No, a Honda CR-V with AWD is not always on; it's an automatic, "on-demand" system that only engages the rear wheels when needed to improve traction. Under normal driving conditions, it operates in front-wheel drive (FWD) to maximize fuel efficiency. When the system detects a loss of traction, it will seamlessly transfer power to the rear wheels to provide more stability and control.

How the system works

Normal conditions: The CR-V primarily runs as a FWD vehicle for better gas mileage.
Slippery or rugged conditions: An intelligent system monitors traction and automatically engages the rear wheels when a difference is detected.
Seamless engagement: The system uses an electric motor and a multi-plate clutch in the rear differential to send power to the rear wheels without a significant delay.
Automatic and reactive: There is no manual switch to turn the AWD system on or off, as it is designed to operate automatically when the vehicle's computer senses that extra traction is required.

What is the difference between CR V AWD and 4WD?

The Honda CR-V is primarily available with all-wheel drive (AWD), which is optional on most trims and standard on some higher-end or hybrid models, rather than true four-wheel drive (4WD). Its AWD system is called Real Time AWD and automatically engages when it detects a loss of traction.

This video explains how AWD works in the Honda CR-V: 29sDmitry SapkoYouTube · Aug 6, 2024

Not a traditional 4WD system: The CR-V does not have a traditional, selectable 4WD system. Instead, its advanced all-wheel drive system uses sensors to automatically send power to the rear wheels when needed.
Available on many trims: Most Honda CR-V trim levels offer all-wheel drive as an available option.
Standard on certain models: Some specific models, like the TrailSport and Sport Touring trims, come with standard all-wheel drive.
Real Time AWD: This system is designed to improve traction in poor conditions like snow or steep hills by electronically and automatically engaging the rear wheels.

You can watch this video to learn about the Honda CR-V's AWD system for the 2026 model year: 55sViews on VehiclesYouTube · Jul 30, 2025

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.