Sharp Honda - Which AWD is better for winter roads around Junction City, KS?
Choosing an all-wheel-drive system that inspires confidence in sleet, slush, and hard-packed snow is one of the most common questions we hear when shoppers compare the 2026 Honda Passport to the 2026 Jeep® Grand Cherokee. Both SUVs bring proven traction technology, but they go about it differently. Honda’s second-generation i-VTM4® AWD uses an electronically controlled rear differential that can send torque not just to the back axle, but side-to-side between the rear wheels. That lateral torque vectoring helps the Passport rotate cleanly in low-friction turns and pull itself straight on crowned, icy lanes. Jeep counters with three available 4x4 systems, Selec-Terrain® modes, and, on certain trims, the Quadra-Lift® Air Suspension, which can raise ride height for deep snow.
On real winter roads, you will feel the Passport’s i-VTM4® calmly shuffle power before slip escalates, making it easy to guide the SUV with small, natural inputs. Pair that with Honda Sensing® standard and the available TrailWatch™ cameras that help you place wheels when ruts freeze overnight, and you have a winter toolkit that favors peace of mind. The Grand Cherokee’s hardware can be terrific for deep drifts and variable surfaces, and its Uconnect® 5 NAV interface brings helpful trail and travel information together in one place. The core difference is philosophy: i-VTM4® reacts early and transparently, while Jeep gives you multiple modes to choose from. If you want capability without extra steps, the Passport’s consistency is a decisive benefit.
- Torque distribution: i-VTM4® can actively send power side-to-side across the rear axle to curb understeer on slick corners.
- Driver effort: Passport keeps the setup simple; Jeep offers multiple 4x4 systems and Selec-Terrain® modes for tailored control.
- Visibility aids: Passport’s available TrailWatch™ helps you see ruts and berms beneath blowing snow; Grand Cherokee offers a 360º Surround View Camera.
- Ride height strategy: Passport uses robust tuning and tire footprint; select Grand Cherokee trims add Quadra-Lift® Air Suspension for clearance.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need to switch modes in the Passport for snow?
No. The 2026 Passport’s i-VTM4® AWD continuously optimizes torque distribution, so traction management is largely automatic. You focus on steering smoothly and letting the system work.
How does torque vectoring help on ice?
By sending power to the outside rear wheel in a turn, i-VTM4® helps the SUV pivot and track where you aim, reducing the push you often feel in low-grip corners.
Are winter tires still recommended?
Yes. Any AWD system improves traction, but dedicated winter tires can dramatically increase grip, braking performance, and steering feel on packed snow and ice.
What about visibility during whiteouts?
The Passport’s available TrailWatch™ provides low-speed camera views near the wheels to help you avoid hidden curbs, ice ridges, or ruts, complementing your mirrors and windscreen.
For shoppers comparing both SUVs for winter, the best next step is a back-to-back drive on imperfect pavement to feel how each system communicates. Sharp Honda, serving Manhattan, Fort Riley, and Junction City, can help you line up a test route that includes plowed side streets, slushy intersections, and some uneven surfaces to showcase the Passport’s calm, early-acting traction and stable braking on low-friction roads. Bring your questions about accessories as well—we can suggest wheel-and-tire packages and all-weather protection to prepare for the season.
When the forecast turns unpredictable, consistency matters most. That is what the Passport delivers—uncomplicated traction, smart visibility, and a cabin that keeps your hands and eyes where they belong. If you are leaning toward the simplicity of a system that simply works, we are ready to help you get a closer look at how i-VTM4® and Honda Sensing® support safer winter driving.
