Does The CR-V Have Four-wheel Drive (4WD)?

When shopping for a new car, it’s good to know what you’re getting. You want to make sure it has all the features you care about, right? So, you might wonder, does the Honda CR-V come with 4WD?

In this article, I’ll answer your question and provide detailed information about the Honda CR-V’s wheel drive options. I’ll also explain the difference between 4WD and AWD so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Honda CR-V Meteorite Gray Metallic
Solar Metallic Honda CR-V on a dirt road

Does It Have 4-Wheel-Drive (4wd)?

The Honda CR-V does not come with four-wheel drive. Instead, all-wheel drive is offered, which has many of the same qualities. However, there are still some fundamental differences, which we will discuss later.

There is a lot of confusion about the terms 4WD and AWD. They are often considered the same, but in fact, some things make them two totally different species.

AWD Vs. 4WD

Both of these drive systems allow all four vehicle wheels to move together to gain traction. While they share many similarities, there are also some differences. For ease of understanding, let me explain what each system is.

Four Wheel Drive (4WD)

Four-wheel drive (4WD) distributes engine power equally to all wheels, regardless of traction requirements. Vehicles with 4WD have front and rear axles connected by a transfer case, allowing the driver to switch between 2WD and 4WD as needed.

Drivers can also select between 4-Hi and 4-Lo gearing. The 4-Hi setting suits slippery or icy road conditions, while the 4-Lo setting provides maximum traction for challenging off-road situations.

Traditional 4WD is known for being more robust and reliable than AWD, making it ideal for handling rugged terrain, towing, and hauling heavy loads. This is why 4WD is commonly found on trucks and body-on-frame SUVs.

4WD Pros

  • 4WD Vehicle boosts confidence in tough driving conditions
  • Well-suited for heavy-duty work and play
  • Relatively high resale value (compared to 2WD)

4WD Cons

  • Poor Fuel Economy
  • Harsh Driving Experience (mostly)

All-wheel drive (AWD)

All-wheel drive (AWD) is a relatively newer technology compared to 4WD. It shares the same general purpose as 4WD by sending power to all wheels at times; however, the power transmitted to each wheel is not always equal, which is the primary distinction between AWD and 4WD.

If the system detects that the tires are starting to slip, more power is automatically diverted to improve traction. Honda calls this system Real Time AWD.

Real-time AWD uses an enhanced control system to monitor all four wheels, react to slippery conditions, and distribute power for smoother cornering.

AWD Pros

  • AWD automatically adjusts for optimal traction
  • Smoother cornering
  • Better ride quality (compared to 4WD)
  • Relatively high resale value (compared to 2WD)

AWD Cons

  • Reduces fuel economy
  • Cannot take on extreme off-roading

(JDPower, automobiles.honda)

Ways to Tell If a CR-V Has AWD

The Honda CR-V offers two drive system options: 2WD and AWD. There are a few ways to check if your CR-V model has all-wheel drive.

AWD Badge

On the exterior of the CR-V, there is badging that indicates it is an AWD model. Look at the vehicle’s back door, usually on the right side.

AWD Badge on The 4th Gen Honda CR-V

If you don’t find the AWD badge on the back of your vehicle, the model you have is likely a 2WD model. Alternatively, the badge may have been detached (usually on older models), or Honda does not include this badge.

This badge was present on older Honda CR-V models, particularly the fourth and fifth generations. However, it seems that the newer models no longer include it.

Look for Differential

If you don’t find the AWD badge on the rear door, take a look underneath your CR-V.

If you see a differential between the rear wheels, your CR-V is an AWD model. Otherwise, it is a front-wheel-drive-only model.

Research the CR-V Model

Sometimes you don’t have access to your car to perform the above two checks. In such cases, you can still determine the model of your CR-V, but you might need to put in a bit of effort to research.

Here are some options to find out the model of your CR-V:

  • Refer to the owner’s manual.
  • If you can access the VIN, search online at mygarage.honda.com to see what equipment is included.
  • Contact your local dealer and

While it may seem like it requires more effort, it actually only takes a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Question

Is the Honda CR-V AWD or 4WD?

The Honda CR-V does not have four-wheel drive (4WD). Instead, it has a front-wheel-drive system as standard, with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) available as an option.

How to activate 4WD on CR-V?

Since the CR-V comes with All-Wheel Drive, you don’t have to activate it manually. The system will automatically engage and disengage as needed based on driving conditions.

Why does the Honda CR-V have an AWD light?

If you see the AWD indicator on and it’s blinking, it could indicate a problem with the system. A blinking light typically means the system is overheated. In this case, you need to stop and allow the system to cool down until the light turns off. This ensures the proper functioning of the All-Wheel Drive system and maintains vehicle safety.

conclusion

The Honda CR-V is an impressive SUV; however, it does not come with 4WD but rather Real-Time All-Wheel Drive. Both have the same role but come with their own differences, advantages, and disadvantages.

If you hear from others that a CR-V comes with 4WD, they are not entirely wrong. In many situations, AWD is often called 4WD. However, 4WD is more specific to traditional 4×4 drives, such as those found in trucks and traditional off-road SUVs.

Honda Real-Time AWD is quite reliable for a variety of driving scenarios. It works well on slippery roads due to snow and ice in winter and on sandy dirt roads.

So, which CR-V model do you own? Let us know in the comments!

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