All-Wheel Drive vs Four-Wheel Drive: Which is best for you? Compare performance, safety, cost, and driving conditions to choose the system.
Introduction
When choosing a vehicle for these needs, two terms will be important: All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and Four-Wheel Drive (4WD or 4×4). Though they may sound alike, these systems have different uses and do well under different circumstances. Knowing the differences between AWD and 4WD can help you determine which is the right one for you in terms of driving habits, terrain and demands.
Understanding the Basics
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is an automatic 4-wheel-drive system that sends power to all four wheels all the time. AWD systems are made for on-road use with superior traction in rain, snow and light off-road situations. Some newer AWD systems can adjust the amount of power being distributed to the front vs rear wheels, so they are very usable and efficient.
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD or 4×4), however, is typically a part time system that requires you to put a vehicle into four-wheel mode manually. 4WD systems are heavier and suited to off-road conditions or extreme environments such as snow or mud. Many 4WD cars come equipped with low-range gearing to deliver extra torque in slippy conditions.
Key Differences between AWD and 4WD
Feature
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
- Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
Usage
- Best for on-road, light off-road, rain, snow
- The perfect pair of shoes Suitable for outdoor walks, entertainment, leisure, work, party, shoes are a must-have for men.
Engagement
- Automatically adjusts power
- On-off control by the driver
System Type
- Full-time or automatic
- Low-end mode with part time or full time
Fuel Efficiency
- Generally better
- Tend to have lower fuel economy since SUVs have the added weight and are prone to the drag of the drivetrains.
Vehicle Type
- Common in crossovers, sedans
- Common in trucks, SUVs
How AWD Works
Power is sent between front and rear wheels using a center differential or electronic system. And many of those systems are proactive, in that they are constantly monitoring traction and applying adjustments on the fly. Should the front wheels begin to lose grip, the system can transfer power to the rear wheels (and back again) to keep the vehicle in control.
AWD comes in two flavors:
Full-Time AWD: Power flows to all four wheels at all times. Excellent for the unlimited civilization surface traction.
Part-Time or Automatic AWD: Power is sent to only two wheels under normal conditions but all four when it’s needed (e.g., Subaru Symmetrical AWD or Honda’s Real Time AWD).
How 4WD Works
Classic 4WD setups are driver-engageable. You can choose the mode of 2WD or 4WD mode by switching between modes. Some progressive models have automatic 4WD, or the full time 4WD, for convenience.
And so there are low range gears, which is one of the chief benefits of a 4WD vehicle. This mode multiplies torque for providing the necessary power to climb over obstacles or descend steep hills — something an AWD system can not do.
Pros and Cons of AWD
Pros:
- Operation: all done without the driver’s interaction
- Very good on road grip is all conditions
- Excellent for snow, rain and slippery roads
- Comes in many types of GM vehicles, innings sedan and crossover
Cons:
- A notch costlier than 2WD cars
- More expensive, requiring more maintenance and maintenance was needed for this system.
- Wouldn’t be appropriate for hardcore off road parties
- Less fuel efficient than 2WD
Pros and Cons of 4WD
Pros:
- Superior off-road capability
- For deep powder Running soft or tall tires Sand and rock crawling
- Low range adds some extra torque to the equation when it gets heavy
- More robust drivetrain for hauling and towing
Cons:
- Also, generally heavier and with fewer miles per gallon
- Requires driver involvement (can be overlooked at key times)
- Not great for daily urban or highway driving
- Cost more and are typically included on larger vehicles
Which Is Best for You?
Here is how to decide based on your lifestyle and driving conditions:
Choose AWD If You…
Here’s how to decide, based on your lifestyle and driving conditions:
- Live in an are that gets heavy rain light snow or icy roads
- Use paved roads or highways for most of your drive
- Tend to prefer convenience and being able to keep on mode setting themselves without having to keep having to manually change modes
- Drive a smaller SUV or crossover or a sedan
For anyone living in or around a city, covering long commutes, or even just shuttling around a family in the suburbs, AWD is an excellent choice simply because driving is better, and less of a hassle, in inclement weather.
Choose 4WD If You…
- Drive rough, dusty or off-road roads regularly
- Want to tow heavy loads, or hit the sand, mud, or rock trail
- So you have unplowed roads or hilly terrain where you live
- Join and participate in outdoor or backcountry to be out a lot
- Drive a truck or large SUV
It is perfect for adventurous, off-the-grid life-enthusiasts who require rich in convenience and having the ultimate toughness.
Cost and the Service of Your Deck
It’s no secret that both AWD and 4WD systems cost more than those standard 2WD models usually $1,500-$3,000 more when you’re buying them. They also carry weight, which can affect fuel economy.
Final Thoughts
There may also be a larger maintenance bill from additional components such as transfer cases differentials and more complicated drivetrains. 4WD systems need to be used properly, to avoid causing damage to the drivetrains that operate them (such as driving on dry roads with 4WD engaged).
