[S3ntoacx50]

Im coming from a s3 so thats a haldex type that when it senses slip it pressurises the rear to help. FWD biased
Not alot of info on the Mazda version but seems to follow the same idea. Just looking for specifics

 

[cashmonee]

From what I have read, I-ACTIVE (Mazda's AWD) is similar to a Haldex system. It is FWD until it senses slipping and then transfers power to other wheels. Its focus is for on road traction in inclement weather. It will not perform as well as a mechanical, always on system like Subaru's AWD off road.

Like you said, there is not a ton of information on it. I suspect it is more or less your basic AWD, and I do not see anything about it having been modified for the CX-50.

 

[Wunsch]

Based on my experience in other recent AWD Mazdas in the winter, their system is fairly intelligent. It is a Haldex type system, but it uses a variety of sensor input (such as steering angle, but even things like temperature and the rain sensor) to decide when to shift power around, and will do so proactively before the wheels slip. It's very effective in the winter, that's for sure.