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AWD vs. 4WD: Here’s the Difference, and How Each Works

Keeping your car’s traction on a slippery surface can be challenging, whether because of rain, snow, or dirt and gravel. Lost traction represents a real safety threat to drivers and their passengers. This is where all-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) can help.

These systems are similar in sending power to all four wheels. Distributing the vehicle’s power, they help its tires achieve and maintain better traction during acceleration.

Though AWD and 4WD are similar, how they work is different, and each system has its pros and cons.

How Does AWD Work?

In an AWD system, torque is automatically sent to all four of a vehicle’s wheels. Drivers typically don’t need to act to start the process, though some systems offer selectable modes that allow drivers to determine how power is distributed.

There are two types of AWD: full-time and part-time. With a full-time system, torque is sent to all four wheels 24/7. With part-time AWD, power is typically sent to the front or rear axle during everyday driving. Sensors determine if there is a need for extra traction, such as when there’s rain, snow, or mud on the ground. Then, the part-time AWD sends power to both axles.

AWD System
AWD System / Photo Credit: Volkswagen

One important note to consider: AWD (and 4WD) only help you with acceleration. They can help you get started on slick surfaces, but neither can brake better than a vehicle with just two-wheel drive, even on slippery surfaces. They also don’t increase the grip of your tires themselves, so they won’t help you if you’re coasting around a corner, although they can help you maintain traction when accelerating around a corner.

Pros of AWD

  • Better Traction When Accelerating on Slippery Surfaces: Drivers frequently traveling in rain or snow will see some serious benefits from AWD. It gives you better control of the vehicle in treacherous situations and can help prevent accidents.
  • Better Performance in Sports Cars: Some sports cars use AWD systems to boost performance. The added traction this system provides while accelerating can result in faster launches and cornering.
  • Easier to Use Than 4WD: AWD is user-friendly since it typically requires no driver input.

Cons of AWD

  • Worse Fuel Economy Than FWD and RWD: Because they have more parts in their drivetrains and weigh more, AWD vehicles deliver poorer mileage than their two-wheel-drive (2WD) counterparts, and this can increase your fuel costs over the long term.
  • Not as Effective Off-Road as 4WD: Compared to 4WD, AWD isn’t as effective in off-road situations. The typical 4WD system is more rugged than AWD, allowing it to perform more capably when taken off the beaten path.
  • More Expensive Than FWD and RWD: Adding an AWD system can cost thousands of dollars since it’s typically offered as a relatively expensive option.

What Types of Vehicles Have AWD?


2020 Subaru Outback / Photo Credit: Subaru
2020 Subaru Outback / Photo Credit: Subaru

You’ll find AWD offered across a wide range of vehicles. It’s available in hatchbacks like the Toyota Prius and sedans like the Ford Fusion. This feature is offered in coupes such as the Porsche 911, wagons such as the Volvo V90, and crossovers such as the Toyota Highlander. You’ll also find AWD in minivans like the Toyota Sienna and full-size vans like the Ford Transit.

In most cases, AWD is offered as an optional feature you can purchase for added cost. However, automakers like Subaru and Audi provide AWD as standard equipment on many models.

How Does 4WD Work?

Like AWD, 4WD sends power to all four of a vehicle’s wheels. However, 4WD tends to be more robust than AWD, making that system a better fit for drivers who go off-road. Also, unlike AWD, 4WD typically offers driver-selectable low- and high-range settings. The low-range setting delivers aggressive traction and is usually used when ascending steep trails or crawling over boulders.

Jeep Wrangler 4WD Lever With High and Low Range
Jeep Wrangler 4WD Lever With High and Low Range / Photo Credit: Jeep

With 4WD, both full-time and part-time systems are offered, as is the case with AWD. A full-time 4WD system continuously sends power to all four wheels, although some of these systems allow the driver to choose how power is distributed between the axles. With a part-time system, the default setting sends power to two wheels, and it’s up to the driver to engage 4WD when extra grip is needed. Depending on the vehicle, this may be done using a switch, lever, or button.

Pros of 4WD

  • Does Better Off-Road Than AWD: The primary benefit of 4WD is its ability to perform well in off-road situations. This setup is durable, rugged, and excellent for conquering trails.
  • Usually Has an Off Switch: Also, unlike AWD, drivers can sometimes manually deactivate 4WD, allowing the system to deliver better fuel efficiency.

Cons of 4WD

  • Worse Fuel Economy: 4WD systems typically achieve poorer mileage than drivers would get with comparable 2WD vehicles. 4WD vehicles usually also achieve worse fuel economy than AWD vehicles due to the heavier-duty parts they have.
  • More Expensive: Like AWD, 4WD is usually offered as a fairly pricey option.

What Types of Vehicles Have 4WD?


2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon EcoDiesel
2020 Jeep Wrangler / Photo Credit: Jeep

You’ll find 4WD in sturdy vehicles built to shine off-road. It’s available in compact trucks such as the GMC Canyon and Toyota Tacoma and full-size trucks such as the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado. This feature is also offered in off-road-oriented SUVs like Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner. Last but not least, 4WD is available in full-size SUVs such as the Land Rover Range Rover and Chevrolet Tahoe.

AWD vs. 4WD: Which Should I Choose?

One fundamental question is: Will you take your vehicle off-roading?

For the small percentage of people who spend a great deal of time off-road, 4WD makes the most sense. This system is tough enough to tackle the great outdoors.

However, we imagine most drivers are primarily interested in a system that can hold its own in rainy and snowy conditions. Suppose you’re mainly concerned with boosting traction on wet or icy roads. In that case, AWD gets the job done, and it’s available in a wider variety of vehicles, many of which offer a more comfortable ride than their 4WD counterparts.

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