There are lots of YouTube videos posted by users and reviewers in snow, sand, hills, mud, etc. Here's one that might impress you
G1 4WD vs G2 AWD
1 - 20 of 25 Posts
AWD typically uses viscous clutches to transfer power to the wheels, anywhere from one wheel to up to three or four wheels, depending on the AWD system. Most AWD systems do this on-the-fly, in real-time, with no input needed from the driver.
4wd system typically have a clutchless* mechanical linkage between the front and rear axles. This allows a low range to be easily added into the transfer case between the front and rear axles, the addition of which can be very handy when tackling very technical slow trails, tugging a very heavy boat up a boat ramp, or pulling stumps in your back yard. 🤔
Most 4wd systems are only 2wd when put into 4x4 mode, unless the vehicle is equipped with limited slip differentials (good) or lockers (better). Very few actually use lockers, and lockers can really only be practically used in slow, straight-ahead conditions. Only with true lockers on both front and rear axles can you get all four wheels to be driven at the same time, a fact that seems lost on a lot of 4x4 fans.
The AWD system used in the Ridgeline is one of the best units available, better than the system used in their CRV, better than almost all Subarus, and certainly much better than what you will find in the Maverick. Acura uses the same system in their models, but they are tweaked for sportier performance using software logic.
In short, AWD is much better than 4wd on the road, and 4wd is generally better than AWD in severe off-road conditions. AWD systems can suffer from clutch slippage and overheating when stressed, such as in difficult offroading conditions or towing very heavy loads.
4wd also has a slight advantage in efficiency (MPG) since one set of axles is typically disconnected under normal driving conditions (another fact that gets lost in many comparisons). Since the Ridgeline can provide power to any wheel at any given time, their 4wd competition should be tested in 4wd mode when comparing MPGs.
Here is an in-depth discussion on all of the various AWD and 4wd systems:
How All-Wheel Drive Works: A Ridiculously Detailed Technical Explainer
All-wheel drive and four-wheel drive may seem like simple concepts, but in reality, there are dozens of widely different systems out there, and a lot of confusion in marketing material and in “common knowledge.” The dead of winter seems like the perfect time for me to publish this ridiculously...
jalopnik.com
* There are some advanced 4wd systems that also utilize a clutch system to offer "auto 4wd" advantages that AWD users typically enjoy. These advanced systems are usually found on higher trim lines.
This is a great summary.AWD typically uses viscous clutches to transfer power to the wheels, anywhere from one wheel to up to three or four wheels, depending on the AWD system. Most AWD systems do this on-the-fly, in real-time, with no input needed from the driver.
4wd system typically have a clutchless* mechanical linkage between the front and rear axles. This allows a low range to be easily added into the transfer case between the front and rear axles, the addition of which can be very handy when tackling very technical slow trails, tugging a very heavy boat up a boat ramp, or pulling stumps in your back yard. 🤔
Most 4wd systems are only 2wd when put into 4x4 mode, unless the vehicle is equipped with limited slip differentials (good) or lockers (better). Very few actually use lockers, and lockers can really only be practically used in slow, straight-ahead conditions. Only with true lockers on both front and rear axles can you get all four wheels to be driven at the same time, a fact that seems lost on a lot of 4x4 fans.
The AWD system used in the Ridgeline is one of the best units available, better than the system used in their CRV, better than almost all Subarus, and certainly much better than what you will find in the Maverick. Acura uses the same system in their models, but they are tweaked for sportier performance using software logic.
In short, AWD is much better than 4wd on the road, and 4wd is generally better than AWD in severe off-road conditions. AWD systems can suffer from clutch slippage and overheating when stressed, such as in difficult offroading conditions or towing very heavy loads.
4wd also has a slight advantage in efficiency (MPG) since one set of axles is typically disconnected under normal driving conditions (another fact that gets lost in many comparisons). Since the Ridgeline can provide power to any wheel at any given time, their 4wd competition should be tested in 4wd mode when comparing MPGs.
Here is an in-depth discussion on all of the various AWD and 4wd systems:
How All-Wheel Drive Works: A Ridiculously Detailed Technical Explainer
All-wheel drive and four-wheel drive may seem like simple concepts, but in reality, there are dozens of widely different systems out there, and a lot of confusion in marketing material and in “common knowledge.” The dead of winter seems like the perfect time for me to publish this ridiculously...
* There are some advanced 4wd systems that also utilize a clutch system to offer "auto 4wd" advantages that AWD users typically enjoy. These advanced systems are usually found on higher trim lines.
Any idea why Honda put "4wd" on their old models? It seems pretty misleading.
Somebody told me at the dealership once, "I'd never buy the new models, they got rid of 4wd!" They thought they had some super tough 4x4 that has now been downgraded to AWD, and as a result would never live up to the ruggedness of the old model they had.
I told them it was actually AWD as well, and the response was, "No, it says right on the back is 4wd." Okay.
1 - 20 of 25 Posts
