AWD vs. 4WD: What’s the difference?

Quick insights

• 4WD and AWD have been confused over time mostly because 4WD vehicles are technically all-wheel drive.
• An AWD vehicle will power each axle end, but drivers don’t have much control over when and how long AWD is active.
• 4WD vehicles usually have mechanical components that optimize the vehicle for driving in extreme conditions and can be fully toggled on and off.

All-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) get attention in the auto market. What’s all the fuss about? When you drive a car, all the wheels turn, but there’s more to it—mechanically speaking.

Knowing the difference between AWD and 4WD may help the next time you’re shopping for cars. In this article, we’ll explain the differences, pros and cons of these popular automotive features.

What is AWD?

AWD refers to a system that delivers power to each wheel. On its own, the capability of powering each wheel makes a vehicle “all-wheel drive.” So, technically speaking, a unicycle is AWD—power is delivered to a single wheel. On a bicycle, though, power from the pedals usually only goes to one of the two wheels. For AWD, the mechanics supply power to all wheels.

How does AWD work?

AWD can be active part-time or all the time—the system is usually automated and turns on when the need for AWD is detected. You’ll probably find a button, as well, which activates the function on demand. Even though you can manually activate it, AWD won’t necessarily stay on if the conditions don’t warrant it.

More specifically, all the wheels of a vehicle receive power from the powertrain when AWD is active. The powertrain is a combination of important components in a motor vehicle: the engine, transmission and drive shafts, among others. In short, the powertrain, enables a car to move along a surface, whether or not the car has AWD.

Pros and cons of AWD

As with most features of a vehicle, there are advantages and disadvantages to AWD.

Pros

• The automatic on/off aspect of AWD is appealing to drivers who do not want to anticipate when it is needed and toggle it on themselves.
• AWD vehicles can handle some light off-road driving and add traction when road conditions are less than optimal.
• AWD typically balances fuel economy and added traction because the system isn’t always on and drawing extra torque from the powertrain.
• AWD is available on many types of cars, including compacts and crossovers, not just trucks and SUVs.

Cons

• The automatic nature of an AWD system may take getting used to. In conditions when you’d expect AWD to be on, it might be off, and vice versa.
• AWD can wear tires more quickly than front- or rear-wheel driving vehicles.
• The added weight of AWD systems may negatively affect fuel efficiency.
• AWD vehicles are not optimally engineered for difficult and off-road terrain.

What is 4WD?

4WD refers to a system within a vehicle that powers four axle ends. Each end receives the same amount of power, and the mechanical parts responsible for distributing power often optimize the vehicle for very challenging terrain.

How does 4WD work?

While the nuances of 4WD systems vary, they can typically be turned on and off. The general concept is the same, however: Fixed amounts of torque are distributed to each axle end through what is called a transfer case. This distribution enables wheels to move with power and versatility on rugged terrain.

Is 4x4 the same as 4WD?

You’ll usually hear “4x4” in the context of 4WD, and they can mean the same thing on four-wheel vehicles. The first number in this expression indicates the total number of axle ends, while the second number is how many of those ends receive power. Most vehicles have four axle ends, hence why four-wheel 4WD vehicles are 4x4.

Pros and cons of 4WD

Given its common off-road capabilities, 4WD may seem to have nothing but upside. However, there are still pros and cons of this popular drive type.

Pros

• 4WD is effective for driving off-road and in snowy conditions.
• If you need a vehicle for towing, the torque and axle mechanics alone make 4WD quite useful.
• Generally speaking, 4WD vehicles are heavier than normal vehicles and improves handling in extreme conditions.

Cons

• Vehicles with 4WD are often more expensive to buy or lease.
• 4WD can wear tires more quickly than vehicles with drivetrains that power only two axle ends (front or back).
• Although it’s not unheard of, crossovers and sedans with 4WD aren’t common—4WD is mostly exclusive to SUVs and trucks.

AWD and 4WD: Which is better?

Despite their similarities, there are factors that can help you decide between AWD and 4WD:

• Driving conditions: AWD may be better for everyday driving because it provides improved traction and stability in various weather conditions without the need for driver intervention. 4WD is better suited for off-road and challenging terrain or conditions, as drivers can toggle its helpful power delivery system on and off.
• Fuel efficiency: Typically, the amount of power generated by a vehicle’s powertrain costs fuel. AWD and 4WD are both affected by this concept. When active, either drive type may negatively affect your vehicle’s fuel efficiency to one degree or another.
• Price of a vehicle: You’ll find a variety of functions and features affect a vehicle’s price when you buy a car—4WD and AWD are no different. These drive types can affect a vehicle’s price differently, but the end result is often an increase.

In summary

4WD and AWD work similarly in the sense that they both have mechanical ways of powering each axle end of a vehicle. The components used to achieve this vary, but 4WD has a more permanent on/off functionality, while AWD is defined by a more adaptable and automatic system.

In general, 4WD systems are typically more robust and suited for heavy-duty driving applications and conditions. AWD systems, on the other hand, offer convenience and improved handling on various surfaces. Both systems have pros and cons to consider, such as how they might improve your driving experience and affect the price of vehicles.