What kind of four-wheel drive is the CRV?
3 Answers
CRV is equipped with an on-demand four-wheel drive system, which is very suitable for urban SUVs. Vehicles with this system do not have power distributed to all four wheels at all times. The CRV's on-demand four-wheel drive system is front-wheel-drive-based, so the car primarily operates in front-wheel drive mode most of the time. Only when the front wheels slip will power be distributed to the rear wheels. The on-demand four-wheel drive system is compact, lightweight, and generally offers good fuel economy for vehicles equipped with it. This system performs well on city roads but lacks off-road capability. The CRV's body dimensions are 4550mm in length, 1820mm in width, and 1685mm in height.
I've been driving the Honda CR-V for over three years and particularly love its four-wheel drive system. It doesn't operate in 4WD mode all the time as that would consume too much fuel daily; instead, it functions like a smart assistant, primarily using front-wheel drive for better fuel efficiency and ease of use. However, when slippage is detected—such as during snowy starts or on slippery mountain roads—the sensors instantly respond and automatically transfer some power to the rear wheels, enhancing stability. I've used it several times on icy roads and noticed a significant improvement in handling, with stronger tire grip and reduced skidding during turns. Maintenance-wise, there haven't been any major issues, though I recommend checking the transmission fluid annually to ensure the clutch operates properly. Other vehicles like the Toyota RAV4 have similar systems, but the CR-V's is smoother and more seamless, without abrupt vibrations.
The CR-V's AWD system is absolutely amazing. I've studied its mechanism - it first monitors road conditions through wheel speed sensors and gyroscopes. The moment it detects the front wheels starting to slip, the electronic control unit immediately commands the multi-plate clutch to engage, transferring power to the rear axle. The entire process takes less than a second with seamless transition. I've tested it driving through heavy rain where the road surface became extremely slippery, but the system responded incredibly fast with the rear wheels providing stable propulsion - much more convenient than manually switching to 4WD. Honda calls it Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System - it's cost-effective yet performs on par with luxury vehicles. Remember to regularly clean mud accumulation under the chassis to prevent sensor blockage for optimal performance. While other SUVs like the Subaru Forester offer more aggressive performance, the CR-V is the perfect daily commuter.
