Honda CR-V AWD vs 4WD

FIRE UP wrote:

gemsworld wrote:
Honda misused the term 4WD for many years, they are AWD.

Well Sir, not to be argumentative here but, I kind-a think Honda, as big as they are, should know what terms to apply to their automobiles etc. The CRV models that have "drive" to all four wheels ARE all wheel drive but, all the wheels are not driving, all the time. In the pre-2012 models, the link-up from the front axle, through the auto-transfer case system, was purely mechanical and, would take a short amount of time to "link" the back wheels into the drive system, should the front wheels begin to slip on surface.

Sorry, it just doesn't happen that way. For safeties sake ALL base FWD vehicles are now TC equipped. The very INSTANT a front wheel begins to slip TC activates, braking the front wheels and dethrottling the engine FULLY.

Wheelspin on a FWD vehicle MUST be abated instantly in order to avoid lost of directional control.

Think of it as ABS in reverse.

But, in 2012, Honda converted that link-up system to electro-mechanical. It now takes literally nano-seconds for the drive system to learn that the front set of drive wheels is even " THINKING" about slipping.

No, wrong again. These new systems ONLY couple rear drive PRE-EMPTIVELY, at times it is most likely front wheelspin would otherwise result. "spirited" acceleration from a stop or low speed and or/if turning tightly, or even moderately but with serious throttle.

But again, if the front wheel(s) actually spin with torque application TC will INSTANTLY intervene.

These days many AWD vehicles have a TC off function so throttle feathering can be used by the driver in slippery conditions without TC interference.

So, as the tech(s) (I had a Honda tech living across the street from me) explain it to me, it is not a "full time" 4-wd system or, an "ALL WHEEL full time drive system. It just applies the rear wheels as help, if and when the front wheels need it. By not having the rear wheels drive, when not needed, is a help in boosting gas mileage for that part of their fleet.

To the OP, it really doesn't matter if it says "4WD" or, AWD on the rear, it's flat towable. Honda's had just about all their CRVs, 2WD or 4WD or, AWD flat towable for years. I just checked my files with all the Dinghy towing guides from about '04 to '13 and, every year of Honda CRV whether "FWD" (front wheel drive) or, AWD (All Wheel Drive), they both are flat towable.
Scott

For much of the driving public knowledgeable of/for the use of 4WD these new F/AWD systems are NOT recognized as anything close to 4WD.

I have 2012 AWD. Tows great. Battery tends to discharge when towing. Read threads on Dingy towing regarding this subject. After first discharge and need to jump start, I fixed problem.

Just google or bing the difference between awd and 4wd on the CRV.....explanations are far too long and complicated for me to post here or to even understand. Bottom line.....all CRVs are towable 4 down. Pick the one that suits you the best. We have the 2wd version and are very happy. Had 4WD once 20 years ago and never used it except to test it once. We live in a warm/dry climate and avoid traveling to wintery areas.

JL7456 wrote:
So it looks like the AWD and 4WD are the same SUV.

I may be showing my ignorance here, but is there a difference other than semantics? Is 4WD different from AWD, and how (assuming the vehicle only has 4 wheels)?

gemsworld wrote:
Honda misused the term 4WD for many years, they are AWD.

Well Sir, not to be argumentative here but, I kind-a think Honda, as big as they are, should know what terms to apply to their automobiles etc. The CRV models that have "drive" to all four wheels ARE all wheel drive but, all the wheels are not driving, all the time. In the pre-2012 models, the link-up from the front axle, through the auto-transfer case system, was purely mechanical and, would take a short amount of time to "link" the back wheels into the drive system, should the front wheels begin to slip on surface.

But, in 2012, Honda converted that link-up system to electro-mechanical. It now takes literally nano-seconds for the drive system to learn that the front set of drive wheels is even " THINKING" about slipping.

So, as the tech(s) (I had a Honda tech living across the street from me) explain it to me, it is not a "full time" 4-wd system or, an "ALL WHEEL full time drive system. It just applies the rear wheels as help, if and when the front wheels need it. By not having the rear wheels drive, when not needed, is a help in boosting gas mileage for that part of their fleet.

To the OP, it really doesn't matter if it says "4WD" or, AWD on the rear, it's flat towable. Honda's had just about all their CRVs, 2WD or 4WD or, AWD flat towable for years. I just checked my files with all the Dinghy towing guides from about '04 to '13 and, every year of Honda CRV whether "FWD" (front wheel drive) or, AWD (All Wheel Drive), they both are flat towable.
Scott

We have 2013 crv awd, is a good toad just follow instructions for towing in their car manual.i don't like the emerg. Brake on crv ,the way you depress and release,fyi, always remember to take brake off,ha

Honda misused the term 4WD for many years, they are AWD.