I have a question about the I ACTIV AWD system. How does it work? Is it fwd until AWD is needed? Appreciate your input Ty.

 

Yes its FWD until it detects front wheel slip, it then energises the magnetic clutch on the rear differential to activate AWD.
The clutch is control by pulse width, basically this allows the AWD system to adjust the percentage of drive to the rear axles.

I don't know the percentage of front to rear bias, I'm guessing 50/50.

 

I works pretty good, Not like a Subaru does but enough for most conditions. My CX5 got stuck when my friends Subaru went right through the mud and we both have all season tires with around the same mileage.

 

I watched a YouTube last nite & this guy was first one to explain that the windshield wipers have a lot to do with the car sensing the need to put the back wheels into action. I can't recall the other items that sense the need but he kept saying how awesome this particular AWD vehicle is. The car is in front wheel drive until one or more of the sensors tell it to add the back. He drove a 2023 CX5 (turbo I think) around an empty, snow-covered parking lot & showed how well the car sticks to the road, even with traction control off - the car still. stuck to the road. He said those who like to "play" with their cars in the snow won't be happy, but added that the idea of AWD is to be safe! I really enjoyed that YouTube. He was very real & knows his stuff. Here's link:

 

Welcome to the forum

Yes, I see you have been a member for a while so nice to see you participating!

 

Yes, I'm back as just turned in our 2020 CX5 for a 2023. Our third one! WIsh they wouldn't keep changing the trim names though! LOL
The Reserve is now the Turbo!