Honda AWD Models: Which Honda Is Right for Nebraska Driving?

Nebraska driving can look very different depending on the season. A dry commute across Lincoln in September can become a snowy morning drive a few months later, and weekend travel can take you from city streets to gravel roads, highways and changing weather conditions.

That’s one reason many local shoppers put all-wheel drive near the top of their wish list.

Honda offers AWD across several different vehicle types, from compact crossovers to three-row SUVs and the Ridgeline pickup. The question isn’t simply whether you want AWD—it’s which Honda AWD model fits the way you actually drive.

Here’s a look at the Honda AWD lineup and some of the differences worth considering.

Which Honda Models Have AWD?

Depending on model and trim, Honda’s current AWD choices include:

Honda uses different AWD systems depending on the vehicle and its intended capability, so let’s look at what that means.

What’s the Difference Between Honda Real Time AWD and i-VTM4 AWD?

You’ll see two AWD names frequently while shopping for a Honda: Real Time AWD™ and i-VTM4® AWD.

Honda’s Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System™ uses sensors to determine when additional traction is needed and can send torque to the rear wheels. It’s available on models such as the HR-V.

Honda’s i-VTM4® AWD system takes things further by adding torque-vectoring capability. Honda says the system can distribute torque between the front and rear axles and between the rear wheels to help provide additional control in changing conditions.

That doesn’t automatically make one Honda the right choice for everyone. Your vehicle size, passenger needs, cargo requirements and everyday driving matter just as much as the AWD system.

Honda HR-V: AWD in a Smaller SUV

If you like the idea of AWD but don’t need a large SUV, start with the Honda HR-V.

The 2026 HR-V offers Real Time AWD™ with Intelligent Control System™. Honda says the system uses sensors to determine when to send torque to the rear wheels.

The HR-V also includes Snow mode, which changes vehicle responses to help minimize wheel slippage on snowy surfaces.

For someone commuting around Lincoln, parking downtown, driving to campus or simply wanting a smaller crossover, the HR-V gives you an AWD option without moving into a larger SUV.

Shop New Honda HR-V Inventory →

Honda CR-V: Everyday AWD Versatility

The Honda CR-V is the next step up for shoppers who want additional passenger and cargo versatility.

Available AWD makes it appealing for Nebraska drivers who want a vehicle capable of handling everyday commuting while still providing the flexibility needed for groceries, sports equipment, road trips or family life.

Another major difference is powertrain choice. Unlike the HR-V, the CR-V lineup includes both traditional gas-powered models and the CR-V Hybrid.

That means someone shopping for an AWD crossover doesn’t necessarily have to choose between AWD capability and a hybrid powertrain.

For many shoppers, the CR-V sits in a useful middle ground: not overly large for everyday driving, but spacious enough to handle considerably more than a basic commute.

Browse New Honda CR-V Inventory →

You can also explore our CR-V Hybrid inventory if a hybrid Honda SUV is on your list.

Honda Passport: Standard AWD and More Rugged Capability

Drivers who regularly venture beyond normal city streets may want to move up to the Honda Passport.

Every 2026 Passport comes with Honda’s second-generation i-VTM4® AWD system. Honda pairs it with a 285-horsepower V6 engine, 10-speed automatic transmission and seven drive modes: Normal, ECON, Sport, Snow, Trail, Sand and Tow.

The 2026 Passport also provides 8.3 inches of ground clearance, while TrailSport models add equipment such as all-terrain tires and an off-road-tuned suspension.

You don’t have to be planning serious off-road adventures to appreciate those features. They can also appeal to drivers who spend time on gravel roads, travel to outdoor recreation areas or simply want a more rugged midsize SUV.

Explore New Honda Passport Inventory →

Honda Pilot: AWD for Families Who Need Three Rows

What if you need AWD but also need room for more passengers?

That’s where the Honda Pilot enters the conversation.

The 2026 Pilot offers Honda’s i-VTM4® AWD system, with AWD standard on several trims and available on others. Depending on configuration, the Pilot can seat up to eight passengers.

Honda also gives the Pilot multiple drive modes. Pilot TrailSport, for example, includes Normal, ECON, Snow, Tow, Sport, Trail and Sand modes along with i-VTM4 AWD with Trail Torque Logic.

That combination makes the Pilot particularly worth comparing if your AWD search also includes:

• Three-row seating
• Family road trips
• More passenger room
• Additional cargo flexibility
• Towing needs
• Outdoor activities

For Nebraska families who need one vehicle to handle school mornings, highway trips and winter weather, the Pilot offers a different kind of versatility than Honda’s smaller crossovers.

Shop New Honda Pilot Inventory →

Honda Ridgeline: AWD Capability in a Pickup

Not every AWD shopper wants an SUV.

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline comes standard with i-VTM4® AWD across the lineup. It also includes Intelligent Traction Management with Normal, Snow, Sand and Mud modes.

The Ridgeline combines that capability with a 280-horsepower V6, a pickup bed, Dual-Action Tailgate and lockable In-Bed Trunk®. Honda rates it to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

That makes it an interesting option for someone who wants AWD for Nebraska weather but also regularly hauls equipment, tackles home projects, pulls a trailer or simply prefers having a truck bed.

Browse New Honda Ridgeline Inventory →

Which Honda AWD Model Fits Your Life?

Instead of choosing based on AWD alone, think about everything else your vehicle needs to do.

Mostly commuting and everyday driving?
Start with the HR-V or CR-V.

Want a hybrid option?
Take a closer look at the CR-V Hybrid.

Need three rows?
The Pilot should be on your list.

Want something more rugged for outdoor adventures?
Compare the Passport, particularly its TrailSport configurations.

Need a pickup bed?
The Ridgeline combines standard AWD with truck utility.

The best comparison isn’t necessarily between two vehicles of the same size. It’s between the vehicles that solve the same needs in your everyday life.

Does AWD Help in Nebraska Snow?

AWD can help a vehicle distribute power to wheels with available traction, which can be useful when roads become slippery.

But AWD isn’t a substitute for appropriate tires or careful winter driving.

Your tires are the vehicle’s contact with the road, so tread condition and proper tire pressure remain important regardless of whether you’re driving an AWD or front-wheel-drive vehicle.

If you’re getting your vehicle ready for colder weather, our Honda of Lincoln Tire Center can help with tire selection and tire care.

Compare Honda AWD Models at Honda of Lincoln

Reading specifications is helpful, but there’s a point where comparing AWD vehicles online only gets you so far.

The HR-V feels very different from a Passport. A CR-V serves different needs than a Ridgeline. And if you’ve never needed three rows before, sitting inside a Pilot may change what you think you want.

At Honda of Lincoln, you can compare these models in person and determine which combination of size, seating, cargo room, powertrain and AWD capability makes sense for your driving.

Start by browsing our new Honda inventory, or visit us at 2770 Yankee Hill Road in Lincoln, Nebraska to compare Honda AWD models for yourself.

Honda AWD FAQs

Does Honda make an AWD SUV?

Yes. Honda offers AWD on several SUVs, including the HR-V, CR-V, Passport and Pilot. AWD availability varies by model and trim, while the 2026 Passport comes standard with i-VTM4 AWD.

Which Honda has standard AWD?

Among the vehicles covered here, the 2026 Passport and 2026 Ridgeline have standard i-VTM4 AWD across their lineups. The Pilot offers AWD standard on certain trims and available on others.

Does the Honda HR-V have AWD?

Yes. The 2026 HR-V offers Real Time AWD™ with Intelligent Control System™.

Is the Honda Ridgeline AWD?

Yes. The 2026 Ridgeline comes standard with the i-VTM4 AWD system and includes selectable Normal, Snow, Sand and Mud modes.

Is AWD the same as four-wheel drive?

No. AWD and traditional four-wheel-drive systems operate differently. Honda’s current models discussed here use all-wheel-drive systems designed to distribute torque automatically based on driving conditions.

Do I still need good tires if I have AWD?

Yes. AWD can help with traction during acceleration, but tire condition still plays an important role in braking, steering and overall grip.