Finally I see the actual vtm4 in action, not some dirt drifting and snow hill climbing, that's the way to test it, nice, thanks guys that's definitely thumb's up👍👍👍
Looks like my old 2005 Pilot does pretty well. I had to use the vtm4 lock this morning in 30 inches of snow. There's still no substitute for good snow tires!
Now I understand why people kept saying it was all wheel and the vehicle has 4wd. Our kia Sorento was all wheel and it was what it was you couldn't change it like most all wheel. Now watching this I see it's a all wheel with a lock. Only thing I don't get is why go threw the trouble of the lock on a all wheel drive if your not going to lock both back tires when in lock mode. And we just bought a 2009 mint shape so if anyone knows of a aftermarket lock set up for back wheels let me know. We love it and have seen people make them more trail friendly and that's what we plan for this one. We live in Arkansas so there's plenty of mountains to roam around and camp. Use it for what it's for sport utility.
@@4x4.tests.on.rollers can you test a Mazda 3's new AWD? Seems a lot programming went into making different than the CUVs even though it's the same hardware. Also would be interesting comparing it's system to the Subaru Impreza.
@@djw1091994 When it comes to VTM-4 - that's correct. When it comes to Mazda - I will ask local dealer, but that may not be easy to get a car for the test...
The VTM4 lock only locks the rear axle... if both front wheels are free spinning parasitic loss can still be 100% ... same when both rear wheels are spinning ... there is no center diff ... this is also why Acura system SH-AWD is superior
@@g496r500t what do you mean, if rear is locked, how come one rear wheel is spinning and second is not. When the diff is locked, both wheels will rotate at same speed no meter what.
@@Sajaia92 There is no rear diff. Each rear wheel has its own clutch, so one rear wheel may be locked with PTU. Or two rear wheels, whatever computer decides to engage.
Every suv is not that great in snow with all season tires. The second I switched to Snow Tires in a Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot, everything changed. I think on a big 8 passenger vehicle like this, the weight really matters a lot more when there is low traction.
Your work is lovely to see - thanks on that! How about some common (Work-) PickUp? Nissan, Ford F / Ranger, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Defender, VW, RAM etc ... would be nice to have a look on.
I can’t decide to get one of these or a 4Runner for my daily driver / camping rig for the kids. No hard core off roading. But do need it for snow driving.
Very thorough. No frills. With this being a 2006-08 AWD with also the Vtm-4 lock, is it the same for the 2005 that only indicates that it is equipped with the Vtm-4 on the dash WITHOUT the AWD badge on the trunk?? Just wondering if my 05 is not only VTM-4 equipped but computer governed AWD (automatically under slippage prone conditions). I don’t think I’ve read that yet in my manual...unless it goes by different terminology. 🤔 Thanks
Whoops, here it is on page 164 of the 2005 pilot manual “ The variable torque management 4WD (VTM-4) system automatically transfers varying amounts of engine torque to the rear wheels under lower traction conditions.” It then goes on to note in a separate paragraph...” if more traction is needed when your vehicle is stuck, what is likely to become stuck, you can use the VTM-4 lock button to increase torque to the rear wheels.”
Are the Pilots and Ridgelines able to descend steep hills , off road, with the VTM and gear 1 selected or is it still geared too high. There is no Hill Decent feature, correct? Thank you! I’m thinking of getting a Ridgeline instead of a Frontier or Tacoma, as I do moderate off-roading but have one really steep mountain road to descend, on gravel. Plus the innovation on the older and newer Ridgelines is so cool and functional!
This awd system is shifting power from front to back. It doesn't make sense to put only back two tires on rollers, that would be the same as front wheel drive car with back two wheels on rollers.
nice, it proves it needs better then open diff in front, but it's almost unnecessary since this will never rock crawl or drive through deep holes leaving only one front wheel gripping. However to be completely honest driving in snowy conditions can create that scenario and even new rear vectoring axles will not help to make better traction of front unless these days sh-awd has front lsd or something
@@4x4.tests.on.rollers I know. I have a 2005 mdx and Honda says they added traction control on front axle for 05. I get a lot of snow where I live and the car handles it fine. So I’ve never seen or experienced the traction control working. Thank you
what year is this? I'm looking at a 2003 Pilot for 2k. Problem is it sat for 5 years. I took it for a drive and it handles well and was comfortable. Is there a way to know if the recall work was done? Is there something I should check? It has 178000 miles
Can the dealer and give them the vin, they will tell you. I just rolled over 200k a few days ago. Trying to make it to 300k. Plan is to buy a 2015 next. I hate the new ones 🤮
@@4x4.tests.on.rollers I have seen some other test where it also can't gain any traction when they test just one rear wheel. Anyway those are "soft road" cars not pure off road ones.
The reason the rear wheel single tests didn't work, might be because there's not enough weight in the back, to allow the wheel to make contact with the ground, when the others are elevated on rollers.
I have an 08' pilot. Even though it's not true 4x4 it's a great system. I have an XJ as well and for mild to moderate off roading the pilot performs well.
@@vadimnesen8060 There are two clutches at the back, one at left and one at right. If computer decides to lock them than the effect is the same as center and rear diff lockers.
Finally I see the actual vtm4 in action, not some dirt drifting and snow hill climbing, that's the way to test it, nice, thanks guys that's definitely thumb's up👍👍👍
The most complete test for vtm lock
Looks like my old 2005 Pilot does pretty well. I had to use the vtm4 lock this morning in 30 inches of snow. There's still no substitute for good snow tires!
Honda’s 4WD VTM-4 system is surprisingly good for an affordable 3 row SUV. Those standard locking diffs are awesome.
03 to 05 LX EX and EX-L it’s standard
Now I understand why people kept saying it was all wheel and the vehicle has 4wd. Our kia Sorento was all wheel and it was what it was you couldn't change it like most all wheel. Now watching this I see it's a all wheel with a lock. Only thing I don't get is why go threw the trouble of the lock on a all wheel drive if your not going to lock both back tires when in lock mode. And we just bought a 2009 mint shape so if anyone knows of a aftermarket lock set up for back wheels let me know. We love it and have seen people make them more trail friendly and that's what we plan for this one. We live in Arkansas so there's plenty of mountains to roam around and camp. Use it for what it's for sport utility.
Caution, the VTM-4 lock mode is only active with the shift lever on First (1),
Second (2), or Reverse (R) gear, not on Drive.
Correct. We tried if there is any difference between first and second - none.
@@4x4.tests.on.rollers i'm not suprised.
@@4x4.tests.on.rollers I also heard the system shuts off above 18 mph?
@@4x4.tests.on.rollers can you test a Mazda 3's new AWD? Seems a lot programming went into making different than the CUVs even though it's the same hardware. Also would be interesting comparing it's system to the Subaru Impreza.
@@djw1091994 When it comes to VTM-4 - that's correct. When it comes to Mazda - I will ask local dealer, but that may not be easy to get a car for the test...
Used to have a Pilot, VTM4 lock was awesome. I'm really surprised at the failure there!
Same
The VTM4 lock only locks the rear axle... if both front wheels are free spinning parasitic loss can still be 100% ... same when both rear wheels are spinning ... there is no center diff ... this is also why Acura system SH-AWD is superior
@@g496r500t what do you mean, if rear is locked, how come one rear wheel is spinning and second is not. When the diff is locked, both wheels will rotate at same speed no meter what.
@@Sajaia92 There is no rear diff. Each rear wheel has its own clutch, so one rear wheel may be locked with PTU. Or two rear wheels, whatever computer decides to engage.
@@4x4.tests.on.rollers ah, I see. So there is no real locking differential on those Honda - Acuras with VTM4 lock.
I used to have one of these it didn't seem to do that good in deep snow. This was nice to see.
Every suv is not that great in snow with all season tires. The second I switched to Snow Tires in a Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot, everything changed. I think on a big 8 passenger vehicle like this, the weight really matters a lot more when there is low traction.
@@SilverScarletSpider also; if it’s legal where you are to get studded winter tires.. it’s an epic step up from winter tires.
I have a 2011 pilot 4wd... It's bad ass and waaay under rated! Great video👍
Thanks!
Супер тест. Спасибо!
Great tests of this system. Compared to traditional 4×4 systems with open diffs seems to work pretty good.
I remember getting the 2000 MDX (same car as this), solidified my love in Honda/Acura! SOMEONE GIVE THIS GUY A SH-AWD!
@LEGIT.PLAYZZ You're right! It was an 01. We got one of the first off the line, purchased in 2000.
Good to know how the car can handle against snow and ice conditions
Your work is lovely to see - thanks on that! How about some common (Work-) PickUp? Nissan, Ford F / Ranger, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Defender, VW, RAM etc ... would be nice to have a look on.
Thanks! So far you can find Ford Ranger and Mitsubishi L200 on my channel.
From A Land Rover Owner
6/10
This Is good for light OFF-R and Shopping
6 only?
@@thebear6529 - I figured he was referring to his Land Rover... 6/10 is being generous for a LR. ;-)
So the takeaway is to try VTM-4 lock if you are stuck. It might help.
It really is a Great minivan kinda thing.
I can’t decide to get one of these or a 4Runner for my daily driver / camping rig for the kids. No hard core off roading. But do need it for snow driving.
not bad, not bad at all
Very thorough. No frills.
With this being a 2006-08 AWD with also the Vtm-4 lock, is it the same for the 2005 that only indicates that it is equipped with the Vtm-4 on the dash WITHOUT the AWD badge on the trunk?? Just wondering if my 05 is not only VTM-4 equipped but computer governed AWD (automatically under slippage prone conditions). I don’t think I’ve read that yet in my manual...unless it goes by different terminology. 🤔
Thanks
Whoops, here it is on page 164 of the 2005 pilot manual
“ The variable torque management 4WD (VTM-4) system automatically transfers varying amounts of engine torque to the rear wheels under lower traction conditions.”
It then goes on to note in a separate paragraph...” if more traction is needed when your vehicle is stuck, what is likely to become stuck, you can use the VTM-4 lock button to increase torque to the rear wheels.”
Are the Pilots and Ridgelines able to descend steep hills , off road, with the VTM and gear 1 selected or is it still geared too high. There is no Hill Decent feature, correct? Thank you! I’m thinking of getting a Ridgeline instead of a Frontier or Tacoma, as I do moderate off-roading but have one really steep mountain road to descend, on gravel. Plus the innovation on the older and newer Ridgelines is so cool and functional!
Honda users must answer this questions 🙂
Get the Toyota, you'll thank me later
Where is this? I didn't know the pilot was sold outside the US.
Poland. It was imported from USA.
Thank you for this video! Just out of curiosity, why didn’t you put only the back two tires on rollers and have front on pavement?
This awd system is shifting power from front to back. It doesn't make sense to put only back two tires on rollers, that would be the same as front wheel drive car with back two wheels on rollers.
nice, it proves it needs better then open diff in front, but it's almost unnecessary since this will never rock crawl or drive through deep holes leaving only one front wheel gripping. However to be completely honest driving in snowy conditions can create that scenario and even new rear vectoring axles will not help to make better traction of front unless these days sh-awd has front lsd or something
Can you find an 05-06 mdx? I’d like to see the difference that the traction control added to the front axle makes. Thank you!
If we only find it, we'll test it. But there is traction control on front axle in the Pilot above.
@@4x4.tests.on.rollers I know. I have a 2005 mdx and Honda says they added traction control on front axle for 05. I get a lot of snow where I live and the car handles it fine. So I’ve never seen or experienced the traction control working. Thank you
@@jonck146 You have never seen the TC light blinking on the dashboard?
Hey should I activate vtm 4 lock on dessert sand dunes drive ? Or just turn of traction and walk on 1 and 2 ?
Wow
what year is this? I'm looking at a 2003 Pilot for 2k. Problem is it sat for 5 years. I took it for a drive and it handles well and was comfortable. Is there a way to know if the recall work was done? Is there something I should check? It has 178000 miles
2006.
Can the dealer and give them the vin, they will tell you. I just rolled over 200k a few days ago. Trying to make it to 300k. Plan is to buy a 2015 next. I hate the new ones 🤮
Is it my impression or did the Nissan X-trail you have here did any better?
Result was very similar although awd system is very different.
@@4x4.tests.on.rollers tnx
So the VSA feature does nothing to get the car unstuck.
Failed this test but still a great vehicle
How?
huh?
@@thebear6529 A Subaru would have passed. It would have sent power to the only wheel left with traction, the Pilot did not.
Love this
Is there a big difference in this system compared to the 2004 mdx’s awd vtm4 system?
Unfortunately I don't know the details about 2004 mdx.
On the last test with one tractioned rear wheel and LOCK on, why did not it move forward??
I don't know why computer didn't decide to engage rear left clutch. Probably three spinning wheels made it confused.
@@4x4.tests.on.rollers You're going too fast. It only engages at low speed
@@jetpilot555 Speed is low.
My vtm 4 lock on my Acura mdx is gonna do the same thing.
What rims do u have on that Pilot? Never seen those before.
Time?
@@4x4.tests.on.rollers I meant rims idk how I messed that up lol
@@elijahjenkins1669 OK. I have no idea what rims are these 🙂
would be nice to see th i-VTM-4
Can you try it again but on a 2012 Honda Pilot?
If only I could find it...
@@4x4.tests.on.rollers haha someday somehow.
So it has same results as Nissan Murano
We don't know, we didn't test Murano.
@@4x4.tests.on.rollers I have seen some other test where it also can't gain any traction when they test just one rear wheel. Anyway those are "soft road" cars not pure off road ones.
So basically it's great as long as there's 2 or more wheels on the ground.
As long as there is 1 front wheel it looks like
The reason the rear wheel single tests didn't work, might be because there's not enough weight in the back, to allow the wheel to make contact with the ground, when the others are elevated on rollers.
Rear wheel isn't spinning so it is on the ground.
Only for light off-road duty
All of it while on rollers? OK, You do know, VTM-4 is not a real 4x4?
We know how efficient traction control is, we know when and how rear clutches are engaged.
I have an 08' pilot. Even though it's not true 4x4 it's a great system. I have an XJ as well and for mild to moderate off roading the pilot performs well.
No its not a rock crawler
oh man, the one wheel off roller made me 😞. I thought diff lock would lock all diffs, but I guess not.
Well, Pilot has only one diff 😉
@@4x4.tests.on.rollers is the center lock an actual lock?
vadim nesen the only thing that locks is the rear axle
@@vadimnesen8060 There are two clutches at the back, one at left and one at right. If computer decides to lock them than the effect is the same as center and rear diff lockers.
@@g496r500t Rear axle is locked when both rear wheels are locked. Each wheel has its own clutch.
Not true locking
so it's really just a glorified grocery getter after all.
fail
Explanation of what we’re looking at is required for this video but you failed to do that. Good job.
It would be hard to do the same explanation in all videos....
Self explanatory...
Absolute trash in kill-box or off camber situations, seen'em fail often on slick surfaces and jeep trails. They're meant for pavement 😒
No wonder, that's a van in "jeep shape" body.
Honda not good