Differences Between All-Wheel Drive and Four-Wheel Drive

June 24th, 2020 by Fix Auto USA

The demand for all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles is off the charts and, according to industry experts, will only increase over time. Meanwhile, the old-school 4-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicle, long favored by off-road traditionalists, has been updated and upgraded into a leaner, meaner machine. 

As they become more similar, consumers are, understandably, having a little trouble differentiating between the two. Both systems can send power to the front and rear wheels, and both can hold their own in inclement weather and challenging terrain. 

This blog will look begin at a basic level, by asking, what is four wheel drive? Then we will examine the differences between all wheel drive and four wheel drive, and finally, we will consider the question, is all wheel drive or four wheel drive better for you?

First, let’s take a look at the data.

Consider this: 45 percent of new vehicles sold in the U.S. are equipped with either AWD or 4WD, according to an Edmunds analysis.

According to global automobile research firm Wards Intelligence, nearly two-thirds of all trucks sold in the U.S. were equipped with AWD in 2017. Estimates are that the U.S. will be producing more than 6.4 million AWD vehicles annually by 2025.

What is four wheel drive?

The 4WD is defined in part by its drivetrain configuration, which distributes power from the engine to all four wheels simultaneously. It also has a “low” gearing ratio for driving very slowly in challenging, off road terrain, and locking differentials, which prevent one wheel from slipping if another wheel has traction.

If you are in the market for a 4WD, you will need to choose between a full-time system, which automatically switches between 2- and 4-wheel-drive, and a part-time system, where the driver manually shifts from one mode to the other.  

What is four wheel drive? The answer to that question is different today than what it was 20 years ago. The traditional 4WD vehicle was associated with serious off-road enthusiasts. While it still is, in recent years it has become more sophisticated and fuel efficient.

What is all wheel drive (AWD)?

Full-time AWD uses all four wheels continuously, whereas part-time AWD operates most of the time in two-wheel-drive mode unless road conditions change; if more traction and control is needed, it delivers power to all four wheels.

AWD systems are great for driving on a road with snow and ice. Car-based SUVs and some minivans are typically equipped with AWD.

Differences between all wheel drive and four wheel drive

When examining all wheel drive vs four wheel drive, a good place to start is with a strengths/weaknesses comparison. 

4WD strengths

When it comes to navigating challenging terrain and hairy situations like climbing over boulders, crossing rivers, and traversing steep, low-traction hills, nothing beats a 4WD.

Most 4WD systems are equipped with high and a low gear range and differentials, which allow the left and right wheels to turn at different speeds for enhanced traction. (Note that these features are strengths for off-road enthusiasts, they may be considered drawbacks for drivers who just want to take their SUV to work and maybe go camping on the weekends.)

4WD drawbacks

4WDs can feel stiff and be difficult to turn and park. For drivers accustomed to the way smaller cars handle, they can feel less stable. Also, driving a 4WD requires more hands-on involvement. And finally, they tend not to be fuel-efficient, though this too is beginning to change.

What is four wheel drive today? While the traditional 4WD system lives on, it is decidedly not your grandparents’ 4WD. The modern 4WD system has been vastly improved by the engineers, who have enhanced their efficiency, traction, and handling. While it is still the preference of hardcore off-road enthusiasts, 4WD is now incorporated into a wider array of sophisticated, even luxurious, makes and models.

AWD strengths

Generally speaking, AWD systems require no or very little input from the driver. That is not to say that drivers can be inattentive; it just means that the system works automatically.

Another advantage is the full range of choices that consumers have. AWD is available on a wide variety of models and makes, from smaller-sized sedans to SUVs.

AWD vehicles tend to be stable and safe in unfavorable road conditions and can hold their own in light off-road terrain, including mud and sand. Unlike 4-wheel-drive vehicles, AWDs can be driven on dry pavement without damaging the vehicle.

Finally, AWD vehicles tend to get better gas mileage than 4WDs.

AWD drawback

AWD vehicles are heavy and certainly weigh more than a 2WD powertrain. The mechanical complexity of an AWD system could mean that your car will require more maintenance as it gets older. Also, the fact that they are not suited for heavy off-road driving may be a drawback for more adventurous drivers.

All-wheel drive vs. four-wheel drive

Is all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive better? Every person, of course, is different, and it all depends on where you live, how you plan to use your vehicle, among other considerations.

When comparing all-wheel drive vs. four-wheel drive, consider these factors:

Urban vs. rural

If you live in a remote or rural area, where you are more likely to experience inclement weather or need to go off the beaten path for work or recreation, the 4WD might be more suitable. However, that one factor – where you live – must be weighed against other factors.

Safety

Which is safer, all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive? Neither. There’s a perception out there that AWD and 4WD are safer than your average 2WD car, but that’s simply not true and could give drivers a false sense of security.

Granted, both 4WD and AWD can help a vehicle accelerate when the roads are slippery and provide better traction, but neither improves your ability to make a sharp turn or to bring your car to a stop.

When asking, is all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive better or safer, remember that any vehicle can slip and lose traction and spin out of control if pushed hard enough. If you are concerned about safety, invest in all-terrain or winter tires, which actually help with handling, turning, and stopping in snowy conditions.

Off-road enthusiasts

Off-road aficionados tend to have a soft spot in their heart for the traditional 4-wheel-drive vehicle. They like the challenge of going off the beaten path and navigating adverse conditions and extreme situations, and place great confidence in the superior performance and power of a 4X4.

Off-road enthusiasts prefer trucks and SUVs that have higher ground clearance and are adept at handling rugged, uneven terrain, from steep hills and deep snow to boulder-ridden mountains and sand dunes. They also like the maximum pulling power that four-wheel-drive systems give them, including the ability to carry or tow heavy loads. This is the one category where the 4WD system has a clear advantage.

Consider climate

If you live in a cold climate, or spend a reasonable amount of time in the mountains, you are accustomed to navigating various road surfaces in a short amount of time. Both AWD and 4WD will perform well in inclement weather, from soft snow to hard-packed snow and ice.

On the other hand, if you will be encountering deep snow or more extreme winter weather, a four-wheel-drive may suit your needs better. If you get stuck in a snowdrift, have to navigate an icy hill, or need to get to work before the roads have been plowed, there’s nothing like a 4WD to save the day.

If you live in a dry climate like Southern California, the weather may not be a factor. Unless you spend a lot of time in the mountains or are an off-road enthusiast, then AWD would seem to have the edge.

Economics

If you want a vehicle with either a 4WD or AWD, you are going to pay a premium in the order of a couple thousand dollars, give or take a few.

Both systems add a good amount of weight to the vehicle, you can also expect lower gas mileage, though newer models are touting their increased fuel efficiency. Finally, the cost to repair a 4WD or AWD tends to be higher than a 2WD.

We hope you found this overview helpful. To summarize, we started by discussing what is four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, and then we compared all-wheel drive vs. four-wheel drive. We also analyzed the differences between all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, and asked is all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive better… We gave you our best answer: it depends!

To learn more about 4-wheel drive, read our Complete Guide to 4-wheel drive here.

This blog post was contributed by Fix Auto San Francisco – Eddy Street a leading industry expert and collision repair shop servicing all communities in the greater San Francisco area from Anza Vista, Downtown, Chinatown, Yerba Buena, South of Market, Western Addition, and Van Ness – Civic Center.