I have read that "Real Time 4WD" is not as reliable in the CRV as AWD is in a Subaru. I have a steep, winding, icy driveway in winter and need something as good as my Nissan Pathfinder was.

I would prob agree. Because the awd drive systems are different. the daul pump awd system on the cr-v allows the front wheels to slip first before the rear wheels will engage. Subaru awd system is always four wheels sharing power i think and subaru has been doing awd forever so you know itll be good. regardless, i've seen cr-v's do well in tough conditions

Thank you Adam. I think I will look into purchase of a used Forester.

The 4WD has the option to turn off traction control to allow you to slip out of slippery situations.

"Slip Out" is contrary to what I would expect you would want. If a wheel is allowed to spin, that wheel will get the power and you will not be able to drive out of your predicament. What am I missing?

i have a CRV 4WD real time but the back wheel doesnt engage in snow road hill? is that normal or there is a probl with back differential wheels

Real Time AWD is different then the IVTM4 AWD system otherwise known as SH-AWD found in select Honda’s and Acura products real time waits for front wheels to slip only providing 50% of power to the rear resulting in each wheel getting 25% of power. However the IVTM4 system has two clutch packs in the rear that channels more power and torque to the back and also side to side this system is also used in the Acura NSX Torque vectoring AWD system. And this system is actually true real time awd drive so all 4 wheels are spinning at the same time from a dead stop. And those that have driven a Acura with SH-AWD know that you can basically floor it around a corner similar to a sports car and will be fine this system is super advanced more so then any German system and in some cases better then Subaru.