The 'real-time' all wheel drive is bulletproof, they've had it on the CR-V since '97 or whenever that came out. It's basically a clutch that is engaged by pressure from a hydraulic oil pump. One side of the pump is connected to the front wheels, the other side to the rear. When they both turn the same speed, there is no pressure built up, but when the rears aren't going the same speed, it builds pressure to engage the clutch and drive them.
It worked awesome on mine. I was in some deep sand once and it hooked up and went right out, plus had a lot of snow once, over 10" and had no issues even going up hills from a dead stop.