2008 CRV EX AWD Experience driving in the snow

[aman]

Dear Honda,

I am a proud owner of a 2008 Honda CRV EX AWD and would like to share my driving experience in a snow storm. I live in Massachusetts (northern suburb of Boston) and yesterday, I was driving my CRV in the midst of the snow storm which had dumpped 11 inches of snow in Boston area. Due to heavy traffic grid lock on the main roads, I decided to take back roads. All the back roads were covered with at least 5 to 6 inches of powdery snow. I was scared, but let me tell you, this bad boy (CRV) was unbelievable in the snow. AWD, ABS breaking system, VSA all worked flawlessly keeping my car straight on the snow covered road. My CRV did not even skidded and inch. I am impressed with Honda's technology and surprised to find out that all those electronic safety features Honda puts into these CRVs worked, as Honda said they should. I used to own a Subaru 4 WD (older model) before and in the snow it used to skid a lot. But CRV was so stable in yesterday's snow storm, made me think that finally Honda made a perfect car for those who are living in snow belt.

My suggestion to everyone who lives in a snow belt, get a CRV with AWD and never have to worry about getting home in a snow storm. Believe me it is worth spending $1200.00 for an AWD.

Thank you Honda for a well built car which took me and my wife home safe and sound yesterday. Keep up the good work.

[1tvie]

I was also driving in the same storm yesterday, but in the upstate NY area. My 2007 CRV EX-L AWD was awesome! I watched people skidding and sliding all over the roads but the CRV never flinched. I couldn't have made a better choice of vehicle.

[tsmithvt]

Now that is what we like to hear.:D Honda's RT4WD System is quite effective while keeping things simple. The system leaves a CR-V as basically a FWD vehicle and does not supply torque to the rear wheels until it is required (front wheels begin to loose traction). When the system does engage the rear wheels, it only provides the torque/tractive effort necessary to overcome/reduce the front axle slip rate. A V will usually follow its front end and that is nothing but cool. It is far more predictable and stable than 4X4s that are primarily RWD and even full time 4WDs which sometimes go from oversteer to understeer and back again in the same corner.

I too like the system very much (can you tell), and I tax it routinely, winter and summer. I live on a steep (36% to 40%), twisty, dirt road and my V climbs it like a goat. Of course I have top end snow tires on it too.;)

Very glad you like your V. You are in good company.

[t_simmonds]

I couldn't agree more. My 07 CRV EX has handled the snowy and icy roads better than my last vehicle (Full size 4x4 pick up).

I was a little concerned how the CRV would handle northern Michigan winters, but so far, the Honda has performed flawlessly.

[Black Pearl]

with truly rotton weather, but I have driven in light snow that I would have been a little worried with my mini-van. It was like driving on a hot August afternoon.

About two weeks ago we had a bout of freezing rain. I have a very steep driveway. It was dark but the driveway looked fine. Drove right up it with no problem, opened the door and nearly fell on my keester from the ice on the driveway. I also have winter tires.

EDIT 12-16-07: Came home again last night and the driveway was visibly a sheet of ice. The Pearl went right up it with no evidence of slipping. I used extreme care when I got out of the car, this time. I could not stand on the sloped portion of the driveway.

[Hap]

I have had my 08 for a couple of weeks now. Since I brought it home we have been dumped on here in NH with snow, sleet and slush. I am simply amazed at how this this critter handles. I even try to skid around at times and the thing doesn't miss a beat and keeps on going straight. It never even slips on my steep driveway where I always slide around. Forget about driving my Explorer- I would rather drive the CRV in any type of bad winter weather.

[SilverV]

I was actually looking forward to some snow in Chicago this winter just to see how good my '07 CRV AWD would handle it. I was not disappointed, but instead very pleased and even amazed. With AWD in the snow, you just go.

[Black Pearl]

I was actually looking forward to some snow in Chicago this winter just to see how good my '07 CRV AWD would handle it. I was not disappointed, but instead very pleased and even amazed. With AWD in the snow, you just go.

So far, I have only driven on ice and light snow, but it is very hilly in Pittsburgh. The cars ahead of us fishtailed and were sliding sideways down the hill. We had to come to a dead stop on the hill. We started moving effortlessly where the other cars had been sliding. It's uncanny, you don't have to do anything special, just go. I am very impressed.

[davos]

I picked my CRV last night and today snow storm hit Chicago.
It handles OK, but it misses option to have a 4x4 engaged manually. I used to use this feature a lot in Explorer - you are driving in snow, put it on and don't have to worry that some quirks in software or hardware will make you finish in a ditch shiny side down :D

[tsmithvt]

I picked my CRV last night and today snow storm hit Chicago.
It handles OK, but it misses option to have a 4x4 engaged manually. I used to use this feature a lot in Explorer - you are driving in snow, put it on and don't have to worry that some quirks in software or hardware will make you finish in a ditch shiny side down :D

I have always thought that NOT having to do anything was a big advantage. The RT4WD System does it for you. The system is there for you even when you DON'T anticipate needing it. It is simple and all hydromechanical. It also does something that only the more sophisticated "on demand" systems do and that is to provide torque to the rear wheels in proportion to the front wheel slip rate. It doesn't just lock the rear wheels into the drive line, it clutches them in only enough to keep the front wheel slip rate reasonable. This keeps a CR-V basically a FWD vehicle and keeps it going the way you point it a lot more reliably than most traditional 4X4s. Teamed with good snow tires, the CR-V is still unbeatable in snow (in its price range).:D

[yosomassageman]

I am the single owner of a 1997 CR-V W/ 203000 miles on it.(no problems!) I live in the Sierra Nevada foothills in snow country. It has been the most amazing vehicle for driving in the snow and ice ever! Enjoy Yours.

[davos]

I know that automatic system woill work in 99.9999% of the time - but ...
I really liked this sure footness in Explorer when it was switched on when I percived that it is slippery. It just took out gues work what will car do.
BYW it seems that CRV stays on oversteer side when pushed into hard corners on snow even with VSC - it manged to get thru without to much of a drama but I was expecting something a little bit more intervining. Already saying thath I think it is a good thing - the car is not making decissions for you - just correcting obvious mistakes in driving - same would go for 4WD

[rdorman]

We have been VERY pleased with our '08 in bad weather.

[vic49]

Dear Honda,

I am a proud owner of a 2008 Honda CRV EX AWD and would like to share my driving experience in a snow storm. I live in Massachusetts (northern suburb of Boston) and yesterday, I was driving my CRV in the midst of the snow storm which had dumpped 11 inches of snow in Boston area. Due to heavy traffic grid lock on the main roads, I decided to take back roads. All the back roads were covered with at least 5 to 6 inches of powdery snow. I was scared, but let me tell you, this bad boy (CRV) was unbelievable in the snow. AWD, ABS breaking system, VSA all worked flawlessly keeping my car straight on the snow covered road. My CRV did not even skidded and inch. I am impressed with Honda's technology and surprised to find out that all those electronic safety features Honda puts into these CRVs worked, as Honda said they should. I used to own a Subaru 4 WD (older model) before and in the snow it used to skid a lot. But CRV was so stable in yesterday's snow storm, made me think that finally Honda made a perfect car for those who are living in snow belt.

My suggestion to everyone who lives in a snow belt, get a CRV with AWD and never have to worry about getting home in a snow storm. Believe me it is worth spending $1200.00 for an AWD.

Thank you Honda for a well built car which took me and my wife home safe and sound yesterday. Keep up the good work.

Where are you in MA? I am in Haverhill and about to pick up my 08 CRV EX-L w/ Nav and AWD.

[Deano]

Had a chevy silverado 4 wheel drive before with the manual lever to connect. Would never go back to that system. Going down the highway on dry pavement they don't want the 4 wd. engaged and if you hit a patch of ice or snow you are in big trouble by the time you reach and get it engaged. Too late. This CRV system is great and works far better. My wifes RAV does the same thing. Never feel them engage and never slipped a tire here with 60 inches of snow so far this winter. Serious off roaders might want the old system but for real word normal driving this is the greatest. I purposly start out on ice and snow hills here just to see if it will go up. Never had a problem.

[tsmithvt]

Had a chevy silverado 4 wheel drive before with the manual lever to connect. Would never go back to that system. Going down the highway on dry pavement they don't want the 4 wd. engaged and if you hit a patch of ice or snow you are in big trouble by the time you reach and get it engaged. Too late. This CRV system is great and works far better. My wifes RAV does the same thing. Never feel them engage and never slipped a tire here with 60 inches of snow so far this winter. Serious off roaders might want the old system but for real word normal driving this is the greatest. I purposly start out on ice and snow hills here just to see if it will go up. Never had a problem.

Preaching to the choir and the choir loves it.:D The "on demand" systems particularly the FWD/rear assist systems, are a major advancement in 4WD. They sure make negotiating potentially dangerous road conditions a LOT easier and a LOT safer. They are not without merit off-road either (just not rock crawlers).:)

[rdorman]

We just got 21" last weekend in one day. I was out in the CR-V and saw lots of stuck AWD/4WD vehicles. I didn't have any trouble. Just regular all season tires as well.

[SilverV]

The most snow in Chicago this year than in the last 30 years, and when it snows my CR-V just goes.:D

[PACR-V]

We had a fairly decent snowfall in PA the same week we took delivery of our '08 EX AWD. The car is downright DANGEROUS in snow, because I was laughing so hard while driving that I was crying, and couldn't see where I was going!!!! This is a major design flaw!!!!

Seriously, I took the long way home on purpose and sought out every hill I could find, and was literally driving around other cars just spinning their wheels. I didn't think it could be so good, and can't believe it took me this long to get an AWD car. Stopping, however, is not aided by AWD, although the ABS helped somewhat of course. Thanks, Honda!

[tsmithvt]

We had a fairly decent snowfall in PA the same week we took delivery of our '08 EX AWD. The car is downright DANGEROUS in snow, because I was laughing so hard while driving that I was crying, and couldn't see where I was going!!!! This is a major design flaw!!!!

Seriously, I took the long way home on purpose and sought out every hill I could find, and was literally driving around other cars just spinning their wheels. I didn't think it could be so good, and can't believe it took me this long to get an AWD car. Stopping, however, is not aided by AWD, although the ABS helped somewhat of course. Thanks, Honda!

I must admit that you had me going for a minute. After I plugged myself into the nearest wall socket to get my heart started again, I read the rest of your post.

Welcome to the club and we are really glad you are happy with your new V.

Please don't do that again. Some of us are old farts and we just can't take that kind of thing like we used to.:)

[emmajoan]

We had about 7 inches of snow (about as much as we'll ever get) and my V just plowed right through it. I have a very steep driveway as well and I got up and down it with ease. Drove all around town in it and had no problems whatsoever. Handled like a dream! :D

[aslguy]

Last weekend we got 20" of snow and my house is on a hill and my driveway is it's own hill. I got up and went driving on Saturday morning and Saturday night and I never once faltered.

http://homepage.mac.com/aslguy/Pix/CR-V.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/aslguy/Pix/CarStuck.jpg

[rdorman]

Chris, aslguy, I too live in Columbus and was out Saturday during the day and evening. No trouble. Even on untraveled road with drifts.

[SilverV]

I love my CR-V when it snows because it just goes and goes through the snow.:D

[207multimedia]

Let me start by saying I wish I could have as glowing a review as all the posts I've read here. I owned an Element AWD from 2006-2008, and was blown away from day one with how it could plow through any combination of snow and ice. Today was my first snowstorm in my 2008 CR-V EX AWD, and I was really surprised by the lack of control I had in the snow! The car slid out on corners (slow-med speed), and fishtailed on several occasions. The Element would blaze thru any parked in snow situation, but the CR-V was really struggling when driving out of my plowed in parking space (4-6 inches of packed snow). So much so that I actually went in to the glove box to check the original window sticker to make sure it really was an AWD. Yes, it was.

Tires? The only thing I can come up with is that the Element probably had a more aggressive tread on it with the stock tires, but would this have that much effect on a 2008 CR-V AWD? Thanks for any input...

[Black Pearl]

Sorry to hear you are not going well in the snow. That is the first complaint that I recall of hearing. How many miles do you have on your tires? I would not trust my OEM Duelers in the snow right now. They have about 18K on them and they wore out fast. I have Blizzaks on for the winter. I have had very little snow experience from last year or this year, but it was unbelievable in freezing rain, like driving on hot August afternoon!

Welcome again and good luck with your poor snow performance.

[Radar24]

207multimedia,
The type of tire does absolutely have a lot to do with how much traction you have in the snow.

Not all tires are created equal.
What do you have and how many miles on them?

If you believe Michelin’s marketing, for best ice and snow traction you want as many sipes as possible and self cleaning groves. In other words a lot of those little thin grooves in each rib. Think Velcro kind off. Lots of little edges is far superior than fewer bigger ones. Like Velcro which stick so well due to the large number of hook and loops hooking up.

A tire good for 60k miles is not necessarily good in the winter anywhere near that long.

I remember reading that after as few as 6,000 miles (in Consumer Reports I think) the winter traction, particularly in ice drops off rapidly. So if the sipes are not full depth, as soon as you wear below that level the traction should drop off dramatically.

As it turns out my experience on the same vehicle agrees with the Michelin marketing hype.
The Military with the alternating big and huge lugged WWII Jeep tires had it all wrong!
How often do you see pictures of Jeeps in WWII being towed out of mud or snow?

-RG

[sleeksilver]

Let me start by saying I wish I could have as glowing a review as all the posts I've read here. I owned an Element AWD from 2006-2008, and was blown away from day one with how it could plow through any combination of snow and ice. Today was my first snowstorm in my 2008 CR-V EX AWD, and I was really surprised by the lack of control I had in the snow! The car slid out on corners (slow-med speed), and fishtailed on several occasions. The Element would blaze thru any parked in snow situation, but the CR-V was really struggling when driving out of my plowed in parking space (4-6 inches of packed snow). So much so that I actually went in to the glove box to check the original window sticker to make sure it really was an AWD. Yes, it was.

Tires? The only thing I can come up with is that the Element probably had a more aggressive tread on it with the stock tires, but would this have that much effect on a 2008 CR-V AWD? Thanks for any input...


It is tires. The CR-V and the Element are the EXACT same vehicle underneath, even the RT-4WD system. Actually, the AWD on your G3 CR-V should be better since it has been revised and improved compared to the unit on your Element.

The OEM tires on the CR-V, Duelers or Contis, are both terrible. Replace them and never have a problem again...

[Radar24]

We had a fairly decent snowfall in PA the same week we took delivery of our '08 EX AWD. The car is downright DANGEROUS in snow, because I was laughing so hard while driving that I was crying, and couldn't see where I was going!!!! This is a major design flaw!!!!

If you cannot find flaws in your state of enjoyment, just make one up! YEEH HAAH!

I do not want to burst your bubble but while this '08 CR-V has got to be one of the most sensibly designed vehicles I have owned, well made with the fewest cons and lots of pros, there are flaws.

I will not bore you with then, I’ll let you find them out by yourself.

I will however throw you a bone and caution you to have or change the rear differential fluid every other oil change or every 15k miles. Whichever comes first. Not convenient but a conservative small price to pay for a vehicle that seamlessly goes in and out of 4WD. Honda did not get the rear diff quite right.

But no need to worry just yet. The MM in the dash will remind you to do so. Now isn’t that special! :)

Oh yes, the orange triangle goes ON steady when the VSA is not working and Blinks on and off when it is. If you find yourself in a predicament where you are stuck and cannot get any acceleration, try turning off the VSA and away you go!

Do leave the VSA on all the time otherwise for safety. Hard to explain, just do it.

For now welcome to the club. There are a lot of very experienced contributors who will gladly answer any questions. Not me, I just rant and rave in long verbous postings I was told. Boring everyone with my applicable experiences. :D

-RG

[Breathe]

Like a lot of others, I am the recent proud owner of an '08 EX AWD in the suburbs of Chicago. Bought "Butler" last August. Lately I've praying/begging/hoping like crazy for more snow, even though so far this year it's been one of the snowiest in recent memory. As a long time Honda buyer -- WHY DID IT TAKE ME SO LONG TO BUY A CR-V?! :D But boy, am I glad I did.

Oh by the way, I'm new here and I don't know him yet, but reading his post from last March I think PACR-V was only joking about crying from the joy of driving in snow being a "problem". :) I have found a similar "flaw" in my CRV -- I have such a blast driving in the snow I burn through way, way too many gallons of gas zipping around on miles of quiet roads after a big snowstorm sometimes for two to three hours, a lot of it deep in the throttle around deserted street corners with VSA turned off. Great fun I tell you, glad gas prices have gone down.

Another welcome "feature" of the CR-V is a very well stocked fridge at home. Whenever it snows I'm bugging my wife constantly if she needs me to go out to the store for any groceries, etc. as soon as the snow starts falling. I've got to justify burning all that gas taking the 15 mile route to my favorite grocery store with a HUGE (usually empty) parking lot that's 1 mile from my house. :)

I can't get enough of my CR-V!! :D Now please, send more snow!!

[Black Pearl]

Welcome to the club, & nice first post! You can have all of the snow! I bought the V and good snow tires, and so far have had little snow to test it in. Fabulous! I am thinking about buying the most expensive snow blower I can find to keep my streak of good luck going. To be honest, I hope to never find out how good my V goes in the snow. Instead I will gladly sacrafice all of our snow to you so that you can enjoy!

Welcome to the club, and may all of Pittsburgh's snow be diverted to Chicago!

[Bren08CRV]

I just drove my 08 for the first time in snow last week. I had a 99 Prelude which was horrible in snow before I got my CRV. I left work early because it was really coming down and I was worried because I didn't know how it would handle. It handled GREAT! I was so impressed - it just went right through, even up my hill, where I used to fishtail and spin my tires all the way up with the Prelude, praying the whole time that I made it! Just another reason to love my CRV even more than I already do!

[sleeksilver]

I just drove my 08 for the first time in snow last week. I had a 99 Prelude which was horrible in snow before I got my CRV. I left work early because it was really coming down and I was worried because I didn't know how it would handle. It handled GREAT! I was so impressed - it just went right through, even up my hill, where I used to fishtail and spin my tires all the way up with the Prelude, praying the whole time that I made it! Just another reason to love my CRV even more than I already do!

I had an Integra GSR before my CR-V and the CL-S and it was fantastic in snow, what type of tires did you have??? :confused:

It is all about tires! :)

[Rotor]

I'm in the Seattle area. We've had an interesting time with snow for more than a week now. We got mostly up to 7 inches and certainly over 12 in some areas.

I was worried about my CR-V's stock tires (Bridgestone Dueler) after reading many negative reviews. So far, its been great on snow. I've been having fun looking for obstacles. Even steep hills with fresh snow was just fine.

A week's worth of densely-packed melting snow was a different story though, but I think it's the same for ALL vehicles as I've heard with my cousin's Explorer and even those large macho trucks. With huge bumps on the ice from other cars, especially from chains, it made for quite a jarring ride. Once all that started to melt very slowly, cars and trucks would get swayed left and right by those large bumps in the ice. The CR-V always managed to get out though. Only very steep hills with melting packed ice might be a problem.

Other than that, the CR-V has been a really fun ride. I don't have winter tires, but some day I'll try those. I'll get a taste of how much it might improve what's already worked great for me so far. For now, I feel confident enough to get to important destinations, but also finding other excuses to get out in the snow! Thanks!

:D

[sleeksilver]

I'm in the Seattle area. We've had an interesting time with snow for more than a week now. We got mostly up to 7 inches and certainly over 12 in some areas.

I was worried about my CR-V's stock tires (Bridgestone Dueler) after reading many negative reviews. So far, its been great on snow. I've been having fun looking for obstacles. Even steep hills with fresh snow was just fine.


Now just imagine what it can do with much better tires! The Duelers really are terrible...