The terms AWD and 4WD are synonyms and can be used interchangeably. However the 2016 Pilot AWD system is slightly different the system on the 2014.

 

Ah, I thought AWD was like Quatro on the Audi where all wheels are constantly engaged.

 

Plenty of people have tried to associate the terms with the plethora of AWD/4WD systems available today. But to my knowledge there is not a set of specifications that defines an AWD as an AWD and a 4WD as 4WD. Just look at the Pilot. The 2014 and 2016 use almost the same system VTM-4, yet in 2014 they decided to call it 4wd and in 2016 AWD. Its more of a marketing thing then anything else.

 

4WD is a SELECTABLE SYSTEM. User determines whether to ENGAGE IT.

AWD is ALL WHEELS - ALL THE TIME - unless the user DISENGAGES IT.

4WD systems are "usually used" at LOW SPEEDS, in "low traction situations" - and, except for more modern/automatic 4WD systems, are "direct drive" systems - that causes additional wear/stress on the drivetrain at higher speeds. They (also) typically are not 4 wheel "torque sensitive" - as in - they drive all wheels with equal force.

AWD systems are designed for full-time, high speed utilization. In the Pilot setup - it is VTM (variable torque management) where the computer will control wheels speeds/torques.

I haven't (personally) driven one down here - no one HAS ONE YET (because the first few months of allocations are all going UP NORTH).

The notion that AWD is really only needed "in the snow, or off-road" is BS.

AWD in the Pilot, is probably a BLAST to drive - and would make this car even MORE FUN to tool around in. This engine HAS THE POWER to utilize a full-time AWB system effectively. And having all wheels driven, would enable those of us that drive a SPORT utility vehicle like a SPORTS CAR - have even MORE FUN with it.

Rick

 

4WD is a SELECTABLE SYSTEM. User determines whether to ENGAGE IT.

AWD is ALL WHEELS - ALL THE TIME - unless the user DISENGAGES IT.

That above is correct.

 

^^not necessarily. You still need to look at the system the automaker used. Lets take Audi for example. They use Quattro (AWD) on all their vehicles, but the A3 got a different system then everything else. The A3 uses a Haldex system which is primarily FWD until the front wheels start to lose traction. When that happens the Haldex system starts to utilize the rear wheels to gain traction back. All other Audis received the Torsen system which applies power to all the wheels. My A4 has a 60/40 split with the Torsen...meaning 60% of the power is applied to the rear wheels and 40% is applied to the front all the time. This split is adjusted when the vehicle senses tractions is being lost on certain wheels.

I do agree that in the past when you said 4WD it meant you had to engage it via a switch or shifter like in my previous Jeep Wrangler. And AWD meant it was all the wheels all the time.

I think Honda used the term 4WD to give the old Pilot more of a truck/offroad demeanor and now that they've moved to this new SUV/Crossover platform AWD is a better fit.

 

I guess the difference is - FULLTIME AWD versus "User Selectable 4WD".

I was under the (perhaps mistaken) impression that PREVIOUS 4WD Pilots required the system to be MANUALLY ENGAGED.

The VTM-4 System described in my '12 Pilots manual, documents an (old school) 4WD systems, that is manually engaged - and (in the case of Pilot VTM-4) AUTOMATICALLY DISENGAGES above 18 MPH - versus a "full-time-AWD" system that runs at all speeds, and has to be manually DISENGAGED.

Remember - we're talking about PILOTS here (LOL)...

Rick

 

In a 2012 pilot.... Your car is front wheel drive until the tires slip then all wheel drive kicks in on its own... And if you get stuck somewhere you can hit the VTM button to lock all four wheels until you hit 20mph then it disengages on its own....