What Is i-VTM4 in a Honda?

Honda’s i-VTM4 is an advanced all-wheel-drive (AWD) system designed to enhance performance, stability, and traction in various driving conditions. Offering superior handling on off-road trails and slippery surfaces, it utilizes torque vectoring to distribute power actively between the axles and wheels to maximize control.

History of i-VTM4 - Find the best Honda deals!

Found in models like the Honda Pilot, Passport, and Ridgeline, this system provides drivers with increased control and confidence, whether navigating through wintery weather, mud, or challenging terrain. Honda first introduced i-VTM4 in 2015 with the third-generation Pilot, replacing the SUV’s traditional AWD system.

Unlike earlier systems, i-VTM4 automatically adjusts the torque between the front and rear axles and even between the left and right rear wheels to optimize traction. This is known as torque vectoring.

The roots of the i-VTM4 system are directly linked to earlier Honda AWD technologies. In 1997, the Active Torque Transfer System (ATTS) debuted in the Honda Prelude Type SH, which used electronically controlled clutches to send torque to the outside wheels in corners and turns.

ATTS later evolved into the Variable Torque Management (VTM-4) system. Both systems laid the groundwork for the torque vectoring and traction management in i-VTM4.

Mechanics of the i-VTM4 System - Find the best Honda deals!

The i-VTM4 system directs torque from the engine to the front and rear axles. This power travels to the rear wheels via a torque transfer unit mounted beside the front transaxle. The system can send up to 70 percent of power to the rear axle and then distribute up to 100 percent of the rear power flow to either of the two back wheels. This distribution helps maintain forward momentum and can prevent the vehicle from losing control or getting stuck.

Hydraulically operated clutch packs at the rear axle control how power is distributed to each wheel. These clutch packs are powered by an electric motor and controlled by the i-VTM4 Electronic Control Unit (ECU), which monitors various sensors to determine the most effective torque distribution. Under typical driving conditions, i-VTM4 routes power to the front wheels or maintains a 50/50 front-to-rear split.

Modes of i-VTM4 - Find the best Honda deals!

The i-VTM4 system offers several modes designed to optimize performance in different conditions. Each mode adjusts the torque split and other vehicle parameters to match the driving environment:

• Normal—Provides balanced performance with on-demand torque distribution to the wheels that need it most.
• Snow—Increases rear torque distribution for better stability during starts and reduces throttle input to maintain traction on slippery surfaces.
• Trail—Adjusts throttle and transmission behavior to allow smoother movement over soft, uneven surfaces and prioritizes torque to the rear wheels.
• Sand—Optimizes power for sandy terrains, keeping wheels spinning just enough to prevent bogging down.
• Sport—Emphasizes throttle response and acceleration for a sportier experience.
• Tow—Calibrated for towing maneuvers to maximize traction on ramps and inclines while providing stability to the steering feel.

Pros and Cons of i-VTM4 - Find the best Honda deals!

The i-VTM4 system has pluses and minuses, making it ideal for some and not for others.

Pros:

• Improved traction—The i-VTM4 system delivers superior all-weather traction, making it highly effective in snow, mud, and sand.
• Off-road capability—i-VTM4 is particularly adept at traversing more extreme conditions like deep sand or rocky paths. The system’s ability to send torque to individual wheels helps the vehicle navigate uneven terrain.
• Enhanced handling—By overdriving the rear wheels, i-VTM4 introduces a yaw moment, helping to improve cornering and reduce understeer, giving the vehicle a more agile, responsive feel.

Cons:

• Complexity—Intricate engineering systems like i-VTM4 can be susceptible to breakage and more costly repairs.
• Weight—The system’s additional components, such as the torque transfer unit and clutch packs, can add weight to the vehicle, potentially impacting fuel efficiency.
• Cost—Due to the added technology, vehicles equipped with i-VTM4 cost more than their two-wheel-drive counterparts.

Summary - Find the best Honda deals!

Honda’s i-VTM4 system is an AWD technology that enhances stability and handling. The system uses torque vectoring to ensure greater capability across various driving conditions, from slippery roads to loose surfaces to rugged trails.

To learn more about various automotive technologies, visit the Shopping Guides section of the website.

Jessica Shea Choksey is an experienced writer in the automotive field. In addition to JDPower.com, she was a correspondent for PBS's MotorWeek, and her work has appeared on Autotrader.

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