Brad Deery Honda – Is i-VTM4® AWD on the 2026 Honda Ridgeline worth it for winter around Cedar Rapids, IA?
For many Iowa drivers, winter confidence is the deciding factor in choosing a truck, and the 2026 Honda Ridgeline gives you a compelling answer with its i-VTM4® AWD system. This advanced setup is more than a basic all-wheel-drive design, because it can proactively shift torque side to side across the rear axle. That helps you launch steadily on slick surfaces, round frosty corners with more composure, and climb snowy grades with less drama. Pair it with Intelligent Traction Management, which lets you choose Snow mode, and the Ridgeline adapts both traction control and throttle for your conditions around Cedar Rapids, IA.
What stands out is how the Ridgeline balances winter performance with everyday comfort. The fully independent suspension and unibody construction contribute to a quieter, more controlled ride than many body-on-frame pickups. That means you can enjoy stability on snow without feeling beat up by potholes or washboard surfaces when the thaw arrives. Add helpful winter-friendly touches like standard Remote Engine Start, available heated front seats, and tri-zone automatic climate control, and you have a truck that takes the edge off subfreezing mornings.
To understand how the AWD system supports winter routines, consider a few use cases. If you are commuting before sunrise, i-VTM4® helps keep the truck planted when lane changes encounter icy patches. On weekend trips to a trailhead, the system helps manage mixed traction across the rear axle as snow turns to slush and back to packed snow. At the same time, the standard rearview camera with dynamic guidelines simplifies backing up in tight, snow-narrowed spaces, while available Blind Spot Information System with cross traffic monitor adds helpful awareness in crowded lots.
- Snow mode optimizes throttle response and traction control for low grip
- i-VTM4® actively shifts torque side to side across the rear axle
- Independent suspension helps the truck stay calm on uneven winter roads
- Available heated seats and Remote Engine Start support cold starts
- Rearview camera with dynamic guidelines aids maneuvering in snow
Drivers who also tow in winter will appreciate the powertrain’s poise. With a 280-horsepower V-6 and a standard integrated tow hitch, the Ridgeline is engineered to move small campers, sled trailers, and equipment with confidence. Intelligent Traction Management helps reduce wheelspin when pulling out on packed snow, and the smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic keeps the truck settled on rolling terrain.
Beyond traction, daily convenience matters in winter. The Dual-Action Tailgate allows you to swing the gate open to the side when a snow berm crowds the space behind the bed, and the lockable In-Bed Trunk® with a drain plug is ideal for storing wet recovery straps or snow brushes without soaking other cargo. Inside, the 9-inch Display Audio touch-screen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ keeps directions, weather, and messages close at hand while your gloves stay stashed in the roomy center console.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is i-VTM4® AWD always on or do I need to activate it
The system is always active and automatically distributes torque where it is needed. You simply choose your drive mode using Intelligent Traction Management when conditions call for Snow, Sand, or Mud.
How does Snow mode change the way the truck behaves
Snow mode fine-tunes throttle input and traction control to minimize wheelspin and improve stability on slippery surfaces. It works in concert with i-VTM4® to help the truck feel more predictable on winter roads.
Do I need special tires to get the most out of AWD in winter
AWD improves traction, but dedicated winter-rated tires will further enhance grip, braking, and steering feel in cold conditions. Many Iowa drivers pair i-VTM4® with winter tires for the strongest results on packed snow and ice.
For a hands-on feel, take a test drive when the forecast cooperates. You can evaluate launch behavior on slick surfaces, feel the difference Snow mode makes at low speeds, and see how the rearview camera’s dynamic guidelines help with tight parking in plowed lots. Brad Deery Honda in West Burlington, serving North Liberty, Cedar Rapids, and Mount Pleasant, will help you set up a route that mirrors your commute and weekend plans, then walk you through accessories that complement winter driving, from bed covers to all-season floor protection.