Is there any difference in the SH-AWD used in the various Acura products? (Other than tuning differences).

Also, is SH-AWD still the "top dog" for AWD systems? I understand the new Evo has a torque vectoring system. xDrive and Quattro are working on it, but aren't available yet. Is this correct?

I do go skiing a lot (or like to think I do :-) and we do live in snow-prone country, so it is definitely something to consider.

We're looking to downsize our old MDX. Other half is partial to the RDX (cons: poor gas mileage), but we're also looking at the X3 (cons: expensive). I would also vaguely consider the Q5 or XC60, but I don't think they'll be out in time and they'll be really expensive anyways.
So, any "real-life" long-term reviews with the RDX or X3 would also be appreciated.

 

SH-AWD has changed over the years. In older cars like the prelude the SH-AWD was a system that distributed power to rear wheels only when they were slipping and only up to something like 40%. I'm not sure if the MDX or RDX has that type of system. I think you should consider the 09 TL SH-AWD! 3.7l V-6 305hp, true AWD system, cracks off a 0-60 in 5.5 seconds! Drive one it's awsome. should get around no prob in the snow.