Is the Honda Accord All Wheel Drive? – Full AWD Guide 2025!
No, the Honda Accord is not all wheel drive. All models use front-wheel drive designed for smooth handling, reliable traction and better fuel economy. When you need all wheel drive performance consider the Honda CR-V or HR-V instead.
Drivers who want extra grip or snow performance can explore Honda models like the CR-V or HR-V which feature advanced all-wheel-drive systems.
Which Honda Models Offer All Wheel Drive?
While the Honda Accord does not have an AWD option many other vehicles in Honda lineup do offer this feature. These models are mostly SUVs and a pickup truck designed for customers who need better control for various road conditions. The availability of all wheel drive can often depend on the specific model level you choose.
| Honda Model | AWD Available? | AWD System Type |
|---|---|---|
| Honda Accord | No | Front-Wheel Drive Only |
| Honda CR-V | Yes | Real Time AWD |
| Honda Pilot | Yes | i-VTM4 AWD |
| Honda Passport | Yes | i-VTM4 AWD |
| Honda Ridgeline | Yes | i-VTM4 AWD |
| Honda HR-V | Yes | Real Time AWD |
| Honda Civic | No* | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Honda Odyssey | No | Front-Wheel Drive |
Is the Honda CR-V AWD?
Yes, the Honda CR-V offers all wheel drive. Honda Real Time AWD system is available on most CR-V editions. This smallest SUV is one of the brand best sellers and its AWD capability makes it a great choice for families living in areas with snow or rain.
Is the Honda Pilot AWD?
Yes, the Honda Pilot offers all wheel drive. The more advanced i-VTM4 AWD system is available on this three row SUV. This system provides superior grip and torque distribution making the Pilot capable of light off road adventures and excellent in bad weather.
Is the Honda Passport AWD?
Yes, the Honda Passport is available with all wheel drive. This midsize SUV known for a rugged character also uses the advanced i-VTM4 AWD system. This setup gives the Passport confident traction on dirt trails and slippery highways.
Is the Honda Ridgeline AWD?
Yes, the Honda Ridgeline pickup truck comes with standard all-wheel drive. The i-VTM4 system helps this unique truck handle challenging road surfaces and towing tasks with greater stability and control.
Is the Honda HR-V AWD?
Yes, the Honda HR-V offers all wheel drive. The small HR-V can be equipped with Real Time AWD providing extra grip and security for city driving and short trips on snowy.
Is the Honda Civic AWD?
No, the Honda Civic sedan is a front wheel-drive vehicle. However, the related Civic Sedan model does offer an AWD option in certain markets and for specific performance model though availability varies.
Is the Honda Odyssey AWD?
No, the Honda Odyssey SUV is not available with all wheel drive. Like the Accord, it uses a front wheel drive platform which favors interior space and fuel efficiency for family trips.
How Does Honda Real Time AWD Work?
Honda’s all wheel-drive systems are smart and reliable. They are designed to provide power to the wheels that need it most but only when necessary. This intelligent operation helps save fuel while giving you peace of mind.
The most common system is called Real Time AWD. Here is how it works:
- Normal Driving: During everyday driving on dry roads the vehicle operates in front wheel drive. This maximizes fuel usage because the engine is only powering the front wheels.
- Slippery Conditions: When the system detects the front wheels starting to slip—like on a rainy road, in snow, or during quick acceleration it automatically engages.
- Automatic Power Transfer: This system uses a hydraulic pump to send power to the rear wheels without any need for driver input. This happens almost at once improving grip and control.
- Return to FWD: Once the vehicle regains grip and stable conditions are detected the system releases the rear wheels and returns to efficient front wheel drive.
For larger models like the Pilot and Passport the i-VTM4 system is even more advanced. The system can not only send power to the rear wheels but can also vary the amount of power sent to each rear wheel. This torque distribution improves grip and handling on all types of roads.
Also read: Honda Accord Sport horsepower – The Ultimate Guide 2025!
Do You Really Need FWD or AWD for Your Car?
Choosing between front wheel drive and all wheel drive depends on your lifestyle location and driving needs. There is no single best choice for everyone.
Consider Front Wheel Drive if:
- You primarily drive in cities and suburbs with paved roads.
- Your local climate is mostly mild without heavy or frequent snowfall.
- Your top goals are getting the best fuel economy and a lower purchase price.
- You are comfortable using quality winter tires for the few days a year you might encounter snow.
Consider All Wheel Drive if:
- You live in a region with long winters, frequent snow, or icy roads.
- You often drive on rainy, muddy, or unpaved gravel roads.
- You want the maximum confidence and traction for acceleration in poor weather.
- Your daily commute takes you over hilly or steep terrain that becomes slippery.
Remember, AWD helps your vehicle go better in slippery conditions, but it does not significantly help it stop faster. Good tires are always the most critical factor for braking and overall safety.
Does the Honda Accord come in AWD?
No, the Honda Accord does not come with all wheel drive. For the 2025 model year every model of the Honda Accord from the base LX to the top Touring Hybrid sends power to the front wheels only . This front wheel drive design is a long standing tradition for the Accord focusing on delivering excellent fuel economy, responsive handling and a comfortable ride for its passengers.
What Is the Benefit of Having All-Wheel Drive?
Choosing a Honda with all-wheel drive gives you important advantages that make driving safer and more enjoyable. The system works automatically to give you better control in many situations.
- Better Traction on Slippery Roads: The AWD system provides power to all four wheels when it detects slippery conditions like rain, snow or ice. This helps This reduces wheel spin when you accelerate giving you a more secure connection to the road.
- Increased Confidence in Bad Weather: You will feel more stable and in control when driving in storms or winter weather. The vehicle feels more planted on the road which reduces driver stress and makes long journeys in poor conditions less tiring.
- Improved Handling on Dry Roads: The benefits are not just for snow and rain. The AWD system also helps with stability during sharp turns and quick lane changes on dry roads making everyday driving smoother and more controlled.
- Enhanced Capability for Adventures: When you drive on dirt roads to a camping site, navigate a muddy parking lot or face a steep slippery driveway AWD provides the extra grip you need. This makes the vehicle more suitable for active lifestyles.
Can a Honda AWD Car Handle Snow and Light Off Road?
Yes, a Honda equipped with AWD is perfectly capable of handling snow and light off road situations. These systems are engineered specifically for these challenges.
The Honda CR-V or Pilot are excellent snow clearing SUVs. It helps you get moving without wheelspin and provides grip on snowy or packed snow on roads. For the most dangerous ice and deep snow pairing the AWD system with a set of dedicated winter tires is the ultimate combination for safety and control.
Regarding off road use Honda’s AWD vehicles especially those equipped with the i-VTM4 system are well suited for light roads, sand roads and sandy paths. They are ideal for a weekend camping trip or a visit to a national park. However, they are not built for extreme rock hopping or deep mud travel like a specialized off road vehicle. Their ground clearance and suspension are designed for confidence in adverse conditions not for hardcore hiking.
Also Read: How Reliable Is Honda Accord – Complete Analysis 2025!
What is the Key Difference in AWD Between the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry?
| Feature | 2025 Honda Accord | 2025 Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Drivetrain Availability | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) only | Available All-Wheel Drive AWD or FWD |
| Powertrain | 1.5L Turbo Gasoline or 2.0L Hybrid | Hybrid-only lineup |
| Horsepower (Hybrid) | 204 hp | 225 hp (FWD) / 232 hp (AWD) |
| EPA Combined MPG (Hybrid) | Up to 48 MPG | Up to 51 MPG (FWD) / 50 MPG (AWD) |
| Cargo Space (trunk) | 16.7 cu. ft. | 15.1 cu. ft. |
Will future Honda Accord models include all wheel drive?
Currently, there is no official information from Honda indicating that future Accord models will offer an all-wheel-drive option. The company has always positioned the Accord as a front-wheel-drive sedan.
Automakers plan their vehicle designs years in advance. Adding a completely new system, such as AWD would require a significant redesign of the car platform which is a major engineering undertaking. Honda is focusing its AWD technology and resources on its highly profitable SUV and truck lineup.
While customer demand in snowy regions might influence future decisions, for now, shoppers should not expect an AWD Accord in the near future. Enthusiasts and industry experts continue to discuss the possibility, but it remains speculative unless Honda makes a formal announcement.
FAQ’s:
1. Does the Honda Accord come in AWD?
No, the Honda Accord does not offer an all-wheel drive option. All trims are front-wheel drive only.
2. Is AWD standard on Honda CR-V?
No, AWD is not standard on the Honda CR-V. It’s an available option on most trims, but base models typically come with front-wheel drive.
3. Can I add AWD to my existing Honda Accord?
No, you cannot add factory-style AWD to a Honda Accord that was manufactured as a front-wheel drive vehicle.
4. What is the difference between Honda’s Real Time AWD and i-VTM4 systems?
Real Time AWD is designed for lighter duty use and primarily engages during wheel slip, making it ideal for rainy conditions and light snow. The i-VTM4 system is more advanced, providing torque vectoring to individual rear wheels for better performance in challenging conditions and light off-road situations.
5. Do I need winter tires if my Honda has AWD?
Yes, winter tires are still recommended for the best safety in severe winter conditions. While AWD helps with acceleration and traction, winter tires provide significantly better braking performance and cornering grip on ice and snow.
Conclusion:
The Honda Accord remains a front-wheel-drive sedan, prioritizing fuel efficiency and handling. For drivers requiring all-wheel drive, Honda’s lineup of capable SUVs and trucks offers advanced AWD systems like Real Time AWD™ for enhanced traction and confidence in adverse conditions. Your choice ultimately depends on prioritizing sedan efficiency versus the superior grip and all-weather capability of an AWD vehicle.
