Master Apex

Has anyone compare Sport Hybrid SH-AWD vs std SH-AWD on snow/ice or muds conditions?

I am leaning towards the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD because of what I read here https://acurazine.com/forums/third-g...d-snow-926051/

Thanks

mrgold35

We don't get a lot of snow/slush or even rain in ABQ (only 10 inches per year).

I think a fair comparison would require the same tires to makes sure that isn't influencing the driving dynamics. The big disadvantage with regular sh-awd is it only works with engine power. You wouldn't get any additional help from the MDX with traction other than the brakes for off power situations with regular sh-awd. I can feel the difference in my 11 MDX taking a curve on power (downshift 1-2 gears, on gas the entire curve) compared to off power (brake/coasting into, powering out). My MDX/RLX sport hybrids feel pretty much the same on/off power on the same curves because regen braking and tq vectoring is always working. The hybrid powertrain with 4 motors works on or off power, provides re-gen braking coasting or more re-gen when applying the brakes, can tq vectors at any speed up to 84 mph, and the 3 electric motors can work on/off together or independently to provide maximum traction depending on the situation.

I haven't found any YouTube test of sh-awd -vs- hybrid sh-awd with the roller test (3 wheels on rollers and one with traction). I see a lot of snow awd traction test uphill, I would like to see the same test on curves and down hill also.

GrebRL

This is our third winter season living at 7000' and our 2017 MDX S.H. has been unstoppable. The two biggest dumps last winter were 13" and 17" in our neighborhood. The 13" was no problem but I had some ground clearance issues with the 17" until I got to the main road. The mechanical SH-AWD doesn't have the "brains" of a Sport Hybrid SH-AWD. Each wheel on a S.H. is computer controlled.

Master Apex

Thank You.for the feedback.
I am buying the 2020 Sport Hybrid now with the year end sales event.

mrgold35

Going for the tech or Adv? I had them add a spare tire kit minus donut for my hybrid as part of the sale. Just got a rim and full size tire off of ebay.

Lalin

Smart choice.
The hybrid is a much better car in so many aspects and the premium is almost non existent.

mellonc

it doesn't look that great initially but not many "all wheel" drive cars pass this test. Pretty good for a hybrid.

mrgold35

You would think the sport hybrid would be quicker to react since the rear wheels can be power independently or coupled together for traction? Good to know turning off the traction control is an option for added traction.

mellonc

just a reminder that the above is a "torture" test. Only one wheel has traction at various points of the climb. check out how the RAV 4 does. Not much better.

Master Apex

The SH-AWD non-hybrid performs better on that climb
I am guessing the rear wheels are driven by engine provide more power than 36HP electric motors on Sport Hybrid ?

However, on slippery roads, the torque vectoring on electric motors will be more instant and provides higher degree of compensation for handling confidence.

mellonc

Of course. The regular SH all wheel drive is one of the best systems around with a real center differential and torque vectoring rear diff. The hybrid has separate rear motors almost acting like an e-differential to split the torque between each side, but the available torque and HP is all electric - there is not enough power to support going uphill on a slippery slope on just one wheel. The counter argument is to channel all that electric energy into one motor up front and simply retain the transfer case, center shaft, and center differential but that adds weight to already heavy vehicle saddled with lithium ion battery. Center diff set up also robs fuel economy (ever wonder why Subbies don't get great mileage?) and power.