All-Wheel Drive vs Four-Wheel Drive
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In today's automotive industry, there are numerous different drivetrains. Of course, the vehicles with rear-wheel drive or front-wheel drive are pretty much self-explanatory, but it tends to get confusing when looking at vehicles in which all four wheels are driven. These are called either all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicles. While its easy to assume these terms are interchangeable, they operate differently in ways that can make a difference in the capability. To help you choose the right drivetrain, we'd like to give you a comprehensive breakdown of all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive systems. Continue reading below to learn more!
All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
The term all-wheel drive is fairly self-explanatory in that it means all four wheels are being powered. This means that, when you press the gas pedal, torque is sent from the engine to both the front and rear axles to provide additional traction on slick road conditions. AWD systems allow for a range of torque splits so that the wheels turn at different speeds to better perform on all road surfaces. You will most commonly find AWD in sedans and small SUVs. AWD vehicles use either full-time or part-time AWD. For example, Subaru uses a full-time AWD system, sending power to all four wheels all the time. Part-time AWD, however, is oftentimes referred to as on-demand AWD. This is because on smooth, dry roads, part-time AWD will operate in two-wheel drive. But when the vehicle encounters less-than-ideal road conditions, the system will engage the other axle using a power transfer unit (PTU), automatically shifting to all-wheel drive without driver intervention.
Benefits and Examples of AWD
There are many benefits to getting either a full or part-time AWD vehicle. First and foremost, AWD provides continuous traction on any road surface without needing to push a button, shift a knob, or pull a lever. You'll notice with a part-time AWD system, more fuel efficiency is achieved than full-time AWD because of two-wheel drive being the default drive mode. An example of part-time AWD is Jeep's Active Drive 4x4 system, which you can find in the Renegade, Compass, and Cherokee.
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
Four-wheel drive is the drivetrain you'll most commonly find in trucks and larger SUVs. Much like AWD, 4WD sends torque to both axles. However, 4WD gives drivers the ability to lock the driveshafts, meaning that, instead of using different torque splits, torque is split evenly between both axles and all four wheels will be driven at the same speed. Additionally, 4WD differentiates itself because it can be manually selected by shifting a lever or pushing a button. Vehicles with 4WD are most commonly used by drivers who frequently visit off-roading trails, as they provide better traction than any other drivetrain.
Benefits and Examples of 4WD
4WD vehicles are best suited for taking on rugged terrain or hauling heavy loads. Since the driveshafts can be locked, additional traction is provided when taking on loose terrain like snow, sand, and mud, as well as rugged terrain like rocks and logs. Many 4WD models come with 4-Low and 4-High modes. 4-High mode is best for driving at high speeds in inclement weather. Meanwhile, low mode provides optimal traction at low speeds, like crawling over tough terrain. Examples of these systems are the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator's Rock-Trac and Command-Trac 4x4 systems. Meanwhile, the Grand Cherokee uses Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II, which both also use high and low modes.
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While there are many similarities between AWD and 4WD, there are also many differences. We hope that this page has answered any questions you might have had about your options when shopping for a new vehicle. If you're interested in learning more about which is best for you, come see our knowledgeable sales team in-store, and they will guide you toward the right vehicle for you. We hope to see you soon!