Deep Dive: Acura's 4th-generation SH-AWD System | Driving

Maybe your like

Advertisement oopStory continues belowThis advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Skip to Content Subscribe to our Blind-Spot Monitor newsletters to catch up on all the top automotive stories of the week SIGN UP NOW Subscribe to our Blind-Spot Monitor newsletters to catch up on all the top automotive stories of the week SIGN UP NOW Find your car Search driving.ca Perform search

Car Finder
- Most Popular Cars
  - Tesla Model Y
  - Honda Civic
  - Toyota RAV4
  - Tesla Model 3
  - Honda CR-V
  - Toyota Corolla Cross
  - Ford F-150
  - Nissan Kicks
  - Ford Bronco
  - Subaru Crosstrek
- Car Rankings 2026
  - Best SUVs
  - Best Luxury SUVs
  - Most Efficient Plug-in Hybrid SUVs
  - Best Hybrid SUVs
  - Cheapest Electric Cars
- Car Rankings 2025
  - Best SUVs
  - Cheapest Electric Cars
  - Best Hybrid SUVs
  - Most Efficient Plug-in Hybrid SUVs
  - Best Luxury SUVs
- Car Rankings 2024
  - Best SUVs
  - Cheapest Electric Cars
  - Best Hybrid SUVs
  - Most Efficient Plug-in Hybrid SUVs
  - Best Luxury SUVs
- Brands
  - Acura
  - Alfa Romeo
  - Aston Martin
  - Audi
  - Bentley
  - BMW
  - Buick
  - Cadillac
  - Chevrolet
  - Chrysler
  - Dodge
  - Ferrari
  - Fiat
  - Fisker
  - Ford
  - Genesis
  - GMC
  - Honda
  - Hyundai
  - Infiniti
  - Jaguar
  - Jeep
  - Kia
  - Lamborghini
  - Land Rover
  - Lexus
  - Lincoln
  - Lotus
  - Lucid
  - Maserati
  - Mazda
  - McLaren
  - Mercedes-Benz
  - Mini
  - Nissan
  - Mitsubishi
  - Nissan
  - Polestar
  - Porsche
  - Ram
  - Rivian
  - Roll-Royce
  - Subaru
  - Tesla
  - Toyota
  - Vinfast
  - Volkswagen
  - Volvo
Reviews
- Previews
- First Drives
- Road Tests
- Comparison Tests
- Road Trips
- Reader Reviews
- Owner Reviews
- Used Vehicle Guides
Advice
- Maintenance
- Safety
- Insurance
- Gear Guide
- Winter Driving
- Shopping Advice
- New Car Deals
- Best in Class
- More Features
News
- New Vehicles
- Technology
- Awards and Surveys
- Info For Drivers
- Industry News
- Entertainment
- Crash, Bang, Wow
- Local News
- Auto Shows
- Driving en Français
Experts
- Motor Mouth
- Lorraine Explains
- Best-Selling Cars
- Troubleshooter
- Corner Wrench
- How It Works
- Plugged In
- Driving into the Future
- On the Road
- Collector Classics
Car Culture
- Speed & Performance
- Vintage & Collectible
- Off-roading
- Technology & Innovation
- Sustainability
- People
- Travel
- Top 10s and Lists
Vehicle Types
- Pickup Trucks
- Luxury Vehicles
- Supercars
- Electric Vehicles
- Hybrids
- Family Vehicles
- Affordable Vehicles
- Performance Vehicles
- Classic Cars & Trucks
- Used Vehicles
- Motorcycles
Video
Podcasts
Newsletters

Profile
Settings
Saved Articles
Newsletters
Customer Service
FAQ
Sign Out

Car Finder
Reviews
Advice
News
Experts
Car Culture
Vehicle Types
Video
Podcasts
Newsletters

Sponsored My Picks 0Edit My PicksCompare NowAdvertisement 1This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Breadcrumb Trail Links

Home
Technology
Used Vehicles

Article content

Acura first put Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) onto the road in 2005. Back then, the system bowed in the RL, Acura’s flagship sedan. At its launch, SH-AWD was the world’s first all-wheel drive system with active torque vectoring technology.

Article content

The idea was to create an AWD system that delivered the all-weather driving confidence that shoppers expected, while also deploying some trick new technology that enhanced handling and agility.

Article content

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Play VideoArticle contentAdvertisement 1Story continues belowThis advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Article content

In 2005, the crossover market was exploding, and more Canadians were buying more AWD-equipped cars than ever. With SH-AWD, those shoppers could now choose a system that improved all-weather confidence, while simultaneously improving the overall dynamics and response of the vehicle.

Article content

Most shoppers opted for AWD to improve traction and grip in wintery or off-road conditions. With SH-AWD, they could now opt for an AWD system that also provided significant benefits to handling and response across a wide range of driving conditions.

Article content