Sharp Honda - Is the 2026 Honda Ridgeline’s i-VTM4® AWD System Ready for Winter Roads around Manhattan, KS?
Drivers who split time between city streets and rural routes want an AWD system that is confident in snow and calm on slush. The 2026 Honda Ridgeline brings i-VTM4® AWD to every trim, and it is designed to deliver traction you can feel without the constant need to intervene. For winter travel around Manhattan, KS, those capabilities make a difference—from a cold morning commute to a muddy trailhead after the thaw.
What sets i-VTM4® apart is how it can distribute torque not only from front to rear, but also side to side across the rear axle. When the Ridgeline senses a wheel losing purchase, it quickly shifts power to the tire with more grip, helping you pull through slick intersections and maintain stability in sweeping turns. The system works seamlessly with the fully independent suspension and unibody structure, so the truck stays settled over frost heaves and ruts, rather than skipping or hopping as conditions deteriorate.
Layer in Intelligent Traction Management, and you get a simple way to tailor the truck to your surface. Snow mode refines throttle and traction control for smoother starts, while Mud mode allows measured wheel slip to keep you moving when things get messy. That means you can confidently drive to work as the plows run their routes, then head for a trail or field road later without constantly fiddling with settings.
- How i-VTM4® helps in snow: Directs torque to the wheels with traction and balances power side to side to reduce push or spin.
- Why the suspension matters: Fully independent front and rear suspensions help tires maintain contact and stability over broken surfaces.
- When to use Snow mode: Activate it for cold starts, slick intersections, and rolling hills where smooth torque delivery helps you stay composed.
- When to use Mud mode: Select it when moisture turns dirt to soup—controlled slip helps maintain momentum without bogging.
Inside, winter comfort is more than a luxury—it is confidence. The Ridgeline offers tri-zone automatic climate control as standard, plus available heated front seats and a heated steering wheel on select trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ keep your hands on the wheel even when navigating around closures or weather delays, and the rearview camera with dynamic guidelines simplifies backing into tight spots as snowbanks creep in. The available blind spot information system (BSI) with cross traffic monitor helps when visibility is compromised by blowing snow.
For many shoppers, the reassurance of advanced safety is just as important as traction. Honda Sensing® brings the Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and the Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS). These systems support a vigilant approach in tough conditions without trying to replace careful winter driving habits. Think of them as a second set of eyes when fatigue sets in and dusk arrives early.
Before your test drive, think about the routes you tackle most in winter. If you regularly cross packed snow on neighborhood streets, ask to sample Snow mode. If your weekends involve muddy trailheads or unpaved access roads, try Mud mode to feel how the truck meters torque and keeps momentum. Bring the gear you use often—shovels, recovery boards, or winter bags—and use the Dual-Action Tailgate and In-Bed Trunk® to see how easily you can access and secure it when the temperature drops.
When you are ready to get hands-on with i-VTM4®, schedule a test drive with Sharp Honda. Our team is serving Manhattan, Fort Riley, and Junction City, and we will tailor the route so you can feel how the systems react on mixed surfaces and during real-world maneuvers like hill starts and quick lane merges. The goal is simple—help you decide with confidence whether this is the right truck for your winter and year-round driving needs.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does i-VTM4® require driver input to work in snow?
No. i-VTM4® operates automatically to distribute torque where it is needed. For winter starts and steady progress on slick streets, selecting Snow mode in Intelligent Traction Management further refines throttle and traction behavior.
What if I encounter mud or mixed slush on unpaved roads?
Use Mud mode to allow measured wheel slip and maintain momentum. The system and the fully independent suspension help keep the truck stable as surfaces change, giving you confidence when ruts and soft patches appear.
