What Is the Difference Between AWD and 4WD?

If you’re buying a private-party car, you’re probably looking for AWD, unless you need a vehicle specifically for extensive rugged off-road driving. We’ll get into the differences between AWD and 4WD so you have all the info you need to make an informed decision.

What Do AWD and 4WD Have in Common?

All-wheel drive and four-wheel drive both send power to all four wheels of a vehicle for enhanced traction and control.

Unlike two-wheel-drive (2WD) vehicles, where power is sent to either the front or rear wheels (depending on whether the car is front-wheel drive or rear wheel drive), all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive systems power all wheels. Four powered wheels are better than two when tires are slipping.

Let’s look at how 4WD and AWD differ.

What is Four-Wheel-Drive?

Unlike AWD (which is always active), 4WD is engaged manually as needed by the driver. A 4WD vehicle is two-wheel drive most of the time, and 4WD when switched to that mode.

Maximum traction for challenging terrain such as mud, snow, slippery spots or sand.
Off-road capability: it offers superior performance when driving off-road or in rugged environments.
Versatility: 4WD can be engaged or disengaged depending on driving conditions.
Towing capability: 4WD provides extra traction and stability when towing heavy loads.
Power distribution: 4WD sends a fixed amount of power to each axle (AWD distributes variable amounts of power between axles).
Mechanical components: 4WD uses a transfer case, while AWD uses a center differential.
Fuel efficiency: a four-wheel-drive typically consumes more fuel than an all-wheel-drive because of mechanical complexity.
Handling: 4WD isn’t good on paved roads at high speeds. Drivers switch off the 4WD and drive in 2WD mode.
Cornering: 4WD can make on-road cornering difficult when engaged, while AWD corners well.

What is All-Wheel-Drive?

Unlike 4WD, all-wheel-drive continuously monitors and adjusts power delivery to each wheel as needed.

Improved stability: enhances vehicle control and stability during acceleration and cornering.
All-weather capability: performs well in diverse weather conditions without needing manual engagement.
Safety: counteracts wheel slip and loss of control, especially in sudden maneuvers or emergencies.
Intended use: AWD is designed for improved on-road performance and handling in a range of weather conditions.
Cornering: AWD systems handle cornering more effectively, providing better control and reducing understeer or oversteer on paved roads.
Fuel economy: AWD systems offer better fuel economy than 4WD systems.
Lesser off-roading capability: AWD systems are not as capable as 4WD systems for serious off-road use.

AWD vs 4WD

Both systems improve traction and handling in challenging conditions. 4WD is better suited for more extreme off-road use, while AWD is oriented towards everyday driving in different weather conditions.

Here are the key differences between the two:

	AWD	4WD
Engagement	Always on	Can be switched on and off
Usage	Everyday driving	More extreme conditions
Efficiency	Generally more fuel-efficient	Typically less fuel-efficient
Capability	Good for a range of weather conditions	More capable in severe off-road situations

How Do I Know Which One is Right For Me?

Your driving needs and typical environments will determine whether AWD or 4WD is the better choice for you.

If you’re navigating city streets or dealing with unpredictable weather, AWD is best because it offers convenience with its automatic traction control.

If you’re an adventurer seeking to conquer rugged terrain or plan to tow heavy loads, 4-wheel-drive provides enhanced power and control.

Popular Vehicles With AWD and 4WD

Here is a list of the most popular AWD vehicles:

Here are some popular four-wheel-drive vehicles:

AWD vs 4WD FAQ

Is AWD or 4WD better in snow?

Both AWD and 4WD perform well in snowy conditions, but they have different strengths.

AWD is better for driving on regular winter road conditions, while 4WD is better for driving in deep snow or unplowed areas.

Can you go 4WD in an AWD?

If you have an AWD vehicle, you can’t switch it to 4WD mode because they are fundamentally different systems designed for different purposes.

Why are trucks 4WD instead of AWD?

4WD remains the preferred choice for most truck manufacturers and buyers because of its advantages in ruggedness, capability, and versatility.

Can I drift with AWD?

While it’s possible to drift with an AWD car, it’s more challenging and less common than drifting with rear-wheel drive vehicles.

Are AWD cars safer?

While AWD can provide some safety benefits, especially in challenging driving conditions, it’s not a guarantee of overall vehicle safety. Safe driving practices, proper maintenance, and other safety features play crucial roles in vehicle safety regardless of the drivetrain.

Is AWD good in the rain?

AWD is good in rainy weather. It improves traction by powering all four wheels, helping you maintain better control on wet roads. This extra grip makes it easier to accelerate and corner safely in slippery conditions.

Why is AWD bad for off-roading?

While it’s not as good as 4WD, it can be used for light off-roading. If you’re going on light gravel or dirt roads, AWD will do just fine. All-wheel-drive systems provide power to all four wheels continuously, using a center differential to distribute power between the front and rear axles.

Is an AWD transmission the same as 4WD?

While both systems power all four wheels, their designs, purposes, and capabilities are different. 4WD systems allow the driver to switch between two-wheel, rear-wheel and four-wheel drive modes, featuring a low-range gearing option for enhanced torque.

What are the types of AWD?

There are two types of all-wheel-drive systems:

1. Part-time AWD: also known as “on-demand” AWD (more rare)
2. Full-time AWD: also called “permanent” or “always-on” AWD (very common)

What is the most popular car with a full-time AWD system?

Here are the most popular vehicles that have a full-time AWD system:

– Subaru Outback

– Audi Quattro

– Honda CR-V

What is the difference between front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive?

All-wheel drive and front-wheel drive are very different.

– FWD sends power only to the front wheels. The engine and transmission are located at the front of the vehicle, which can provide better fuel efficiency and more interior space. FWD is good for driving on dry roads and under normal conditions.
– AWD, on the other hand, delivers power to all four wheels. This provides better traction and handling, especially inclement weather or during acceleration.

Which pickup trucks have 4WD?

Here are the some pickup trucks that have 4WD:

Do I need snow tires if I have 4WD?

While 4WD performs amazing in winter conditions on its own, pairing it with snow tires provides the best possible traction, control, and safety for winter driving.

The combination of 4WD and snow tires offers superior performance in challenging winter conditions.

Is there a vehicle that has full-time 4WD?

Full-time 4WD systems, also known as permanent 4WD, continuously power all four wheels and typically include a center differential that allows for different speeds between the front and rear axles. That makes them suitable for driving on both high-traction surfaces and low-traction conditions without needing to switch modes.

Here are the three most popular vehicles with full-time 4WD:

Which drivetrain performs best on slippery roads?

While both all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive perform well in slippery conditions, AWD is more convenient to use, because in most cases you have to turn on 4WD manually.