What Is The Difference Between AWD And 4WD?

Comparing 4WD And AWD

Car users often get confused quickly because of the different terminologies used to describe vehicle features. There are various terms used to describe cars, but the concept of Awd and 4wd stays on top of the list. Most modern SUVs fall into either category. You must have quite a sound understanding of these terminologies. This will come in handy when you decide to buy a car.

You could only pick from a selection of large trucks and full-size SUVs in the past if you needed a vehicle that had four driven wheels. Part of the constraint was that these vehicles were designed for work chores or for going on off-road adventures. However, things have changed considerably now. There are different types of SUVs: all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD).

What is the difference between these two categories of vehicles? How would you know which of them is right for you? These are some questions that may race through your mind as you begin to ponder on which of these SUVs you should choose. The Awd vs. 4wd terminology is often confusing. Awd systems have become more robust, while the 4wd has become more sophisticated, making it harder to distinguish them.

More surprising and even confusing is the fact that many manufacturers often use these terms interchangeably. Suppose you have good information about how these systems work and their advantages and disadvantages. By doing so, you can make a well-informed decision the next time you want to go shopping for your next truck, family SUV, or midsize SUV.

What Does All-Wheel Drive Mean?

All-wheel drive refers to a system that powers the rear and front wheels. There are two of these drive systems; the first is known as the all-time or full-time AWD, which continuously drives all four wheels of the vehicle.

The second system is known as a part-time all-wheel-drive or automatic AWD system. It makes use of AWD only when necessary. These part-time systems are usually in two-wheel-drive mode to conserve fuel. They switch to AWD only at the point when traction is needed.

How All-Wheel Drive Works

Awd systems usually operate without any form of input from the driver. Some offer selectable modes to control the level of power sent out to the wheels. All four wheels receive torque through various viscous couplings, differentials, and/or multi-plate clutches. These assist in the distribution of power to the wheels to optimise traction.

Full-time Awd

Front and rear axles of a full-time AWD vehicle are driven all the time. This AWD system improves the vehicle's traction and exerts full power on the wheels when driven on dry pavement. Where the roads are slippery, like in the snow, mud, or ice, additional traction is given for better handling.

Part-time Awd

Part-time AWD (All Wheel Drive) sends torque to two driven wheels, which can be either the front or the rear wheels in a regular operation. After that, the system will automatically engage the remaining two wheels where the road conditions call for additional traction.

An array of electronic sensors is featured in modern part-time AWD systems, and they send information to a computer that determines the amount of power that should go to each wheel.

AWD hybrid cars belong to another vehicle segment that is fast gaining traction. Vehicles in this segment have a combination of good fuel economy and all-weather capabilities.

The Pros And Cons Of All-Wheel-Drive

One key advantage of AWD is that the driver does not have to bother with engaging the system. The system is either engaged automatically or when it detects a loss of traction. Power is released to the part where it is needed. You will find AWD on a wide variety of vehicles, from compact sedans to all sizes of common AWD SUVs, so you can choose what works for you.

Serious off-roaders do not consider AWD the right choice for them, although the system can work under different conditions, including rain, snow, and light off-roading. Modern AWD systems now seem to be better received by drivers after various improvements in capabilities. However, with AWD, the cost of a vehicle is increased in most cases while fuel economy reduces.

What Does Four-Wheel Drive Mean?

You will likely come across four-wheel drives in pickup trucks and large SUVs. Generally, the term is used for the traditional system for driving all four wheels of a vehicle. If you want a vehicle that is suitable for crawling over rocks, rivers with water levels up to side mirrors, or off-roading through the desert, then what you need is probably 4WD.

The 4WD systems are generally powered by a mechanical connection and use a series of front, rear, and centre differentials and transfer cases with couplings to give torque to the vehicle's four wheels.

The systems have increased in sophistication over the years. This allows connection and disconnection between 4WD through buttons and knobs. However, several traditional 4WD systems are managed via a lever that appears like a second gear shifter that is mounted on the floor.

How Four-Wheel Drive Works

A 4WD, often referred to as 4x4, is designed to send torque to the four wheels of a vehicle to increase the vehicle's traction when needed. This is almost like the way an AWD system works. However, 4WD systems were designed to be more robust than AWD systems and can definitely fair better on rugged terrain.

There are two types of 4WD systems, namely, full-time and part-time. Several 4WD systems have low and high ranges from which the driver can select using a floor-mounted mechanical lever or an electronic switch. A vehicle can have maximum traction in an off-road environment. The high setting comes in handy on slippery on-road situations like black ice, loose sand, packed snow, or gravel.

Full-time 4WD

A full-time 4WD system also works with all four wheels continuously receiving power. You may find in some designs that drivers are given the option to control how power is released to the front and rear axles via selectable modes.

Part-time 4WD

This system offers real traditionalist four-wheel propulsion and is usually seen in SUVs and trucks that are manufactured for both work and play under extreme conditions. Here you will find that two wheels usually drive the vehicle, and in most cases, it would be the rear wheels.

It will be solely up to you as the driver to decide whether to engage 4WD when it is needed by pushing a button or shifting a lever. Some systems make it possible for the driver to lock up the vehicle's differentials when there is a need for extra traction under extreme off-road situations.

The Pros And Cons Of Four-Wheel-Drive

A 4WD can handle adverse conditions that may be on the road and off it. Although you may find these systems in well-designed SUVs and luxury trucks, they are built to provide pulling power over rugged terrain. They are well designed for both work and play in rugged landscapes. Nowadays, you will discover that the 4WD has been refined and improved significantly.

The make and the model of the 4WD often determine how it is paired with a heavy-duty suspension, which can lead to a stiffer ride than you would experience when you drive AWD or 2WD. These systems can also seriously affect a vehicle's fuel economy and increase the initial purchase cost.

Are You Looking To Buy An AWD Or 4WD?

You should consider several factors as you contemplate buying either of the two systems. Where you reside and the condition of the roads you will drive regularly should be a significant factor when buying a 4WD or AWD.  At this point, the issue of AWD vs. 4WD comes up, and you will have to make an educated decision. There is the issue of personal preference, which you will have to factor into the equation too.

You can get cars, SUVs, and trucks of all sizes that operate with all-wheel-drive. That means there is a wide range of vehicles to choose from if you decide to go with AWD. These vehicles can offer increased traction during winter road conditions, and if you choose the right car, you just might be in a position to afford some light off-roading. These vehicles are great and can function on different occasions.

They are capable of fewer compromises regarding fuel economy and ride quality while rendering power to all four wheels. One other significant difference between AWD and 4WD is that a vehicle that uses a 4WD can compromise fuel economy and ride quality. However, it is a good choice for people living in remote areas. Go for a 4WD if you are constantly confronted with extreme weather conditions or you fancy challenging off-road adventures.

You will be able to manage deep snow, rocky terrains, and steep grades better with 4WD. With all the information available on these two types of systems, the final decision on what you should buy is yours to make, but remember to go for what will make economic sense and give you the most pleasure. However, should you need any extra information, you can always reach out to a car buying and selling company to assist you through the selection process.