Which Acura Vehicles Have AWD? Guide to SH-AWD® & Capability

2026 Acura RDX
 

When you invest in a premium performance vehicle, you expect state-of-the-art power and confidence on Salt Lake City roads—especially during our legendary Utah winters. For the 2026 model year, Acura continues to lead the industry with its proprietary Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®). However, with the arrival of the new compact ADX, there are now two distinct ways to stay gripped to the road in South Jordan. Discover which Acura models feature AWD and which system is right for your commute below.

What is Acura SH-AWD®?

Unlike conventional AWD systems that simply shift power front-to-back, Acura Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) is a mechanical torque-vectoring system. It actively distributes power side-to-side between the rear wheels. For drivers in West Jordan, this means the vehicle “pushes” itself through corners, significantly reducing understeer on dry pavement while providing exceptional traction in the snow. Key benefits of SH-AWD® include:

  • Predictive Traction: Monitors wheel speed, steering angle, and G-force to predict traction needs before a slip occurs.
  • Fuel Efficiency*: Can send up to 90% of power to the front wheels during steady highway cruising to Sandy.
  • Acceleration Grip: Shifts up to 45% of power to the rear wheels during hard acceleration to prevent front-wheel spin.
  • Cornering Performance: Directs up to 70% of torque to the rear and 100% of that torque to the outside rear wheel to help the vehicle rotate through mountain curves.

2026 Acura AWD Lineup: Models & Systems

For 2026, Acura offers two distinct types of All-Wheel Drive across its SUV and sedan lineups. Review the configurations available at our Murray showroom:

2026 Acura Model AWD System Type AWD Availability
Acura MDX SH-AWD® (Torque Vectoring) Standard on A-Spec® & Type S; Available on all other trims
Acura RDX SH-AWD® (Torque Vectoring) Standard on all 2026 trims
Acura ADX AWD with Intelligent Control™ Available on all trims
Acura TLX SH-AWD® (Torque Vectoring) Standard on Type S; Available on all other trims

The New 2026 Acura ADX

The newest member of the family, the Acura ADX, features an All-Wheel Drive with Intelligent Control System™. While it differs from the mechanical SH-AWD® found on larger models, it provides proactive traction management that is ideal for navigating the valley streets of Salt Lake City. This system is designed to provide SUV confidence while maintaining the agility of a compact crossover.

Standard Performance: Acura RDX

For the 2026 model year, the Acura RDX comes standard with SH-AWD® across every trim level. Whether you choose the base RDX or the A-Spec® Advance, you are getting the full mechanical torque-vectoring experience, making it one of the most capable premium sport crossovers for Utah’s mountain passes.

Models Without AWD

To maintain its lightweight, sport-compact heritage, the Acura Integra (including the high-performance Type S) remains strictly Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) for the 2026 model year. However, Integra models equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission feature a Helical Limited-Slip Differential to help maximize front-wheel traction during spirited drives through the canyons.

Test-Drive Acura Performance in Murray, UT

Reading about torque vectoring is one thing—feeling it pull you through a corner is another. Whether you are interested in the three-row Acura MDX or the turbocharged Acura RDX, the team at Mike Hale Acura is ready to get you behind the wheel.

Contact us at (801) 285-9111 to schedule your appointment, or start your journey by applying for financing online. Experience why drivers from Salt Lake City to Provo trust Mike Hale Acura for Precision Crafted Performance.


*Based on model year EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery pack age/condition (hybrid models only) and other factors.

**Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) New Car Assessment Program. For additional information on the 5-Star Safety Ratings program, please visit www.safercar.gov. Model tested with standard side airbags.

***Top Safety Pick based on 31 mph side-impact crash test, 40 mph frontal-offset crash test, 20 mph rear-impact test, roof strength test, and the availability of ESC. Test performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. For details, visit www.iihs.org.

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