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4×4 (4WD) vs AWD vs 2WD Cars & SUVs

4x4 (4WD) vs AWD vs 2WD Cars & SUVs

A 4×4 car or SUV, also referred to as 4×4 (4WD) or 4-by-4, suggests a system in which a vehicle’s engine powers all 4 wheels uniformly. Normally talking, when it involves cars and SUVs, there are only four choices: four-wheel drive, all-wheel drive (AWD), front-wheel drive, and rear-wheel drive. As you may imagine, there are benefits and downsides to each one. The distinction is about traction.

For some vehicle drivers traction is essential for serious weather conditions, such as mud or snow. For others, traction refers to speed and handling. While these may look like wonderful additions for any type of motorist, the flip-side is that sending power to all four tires needs a much more complex drivetrain system, enhanced automobile weight, and normally a loss to fuel efficiency. Choosing the right one for you is typically a balancing act of pros vs cons based on your own specific requirements.

To assist in you learning and comprehending more regarding 4×4 vehicles, allow us to compare the different drivetrain choices: 4×4 or 4-wheel drive (4WD), all-wheel drive (AWD), and two-wheel drive (2WD).

What is a Four-Wheel Drive SUV or Car?


4WD vs 2WD vs AWD

Knowing the differences between four-wheel drive (4WD), two-wheel drive (2WD), and all-wheel drive (AWD) is essential to obtaining the best car for your needs.

Two-Wheel Drive (2WD): FWD vs RWD

To better understand what is the definition of 4WD vehicles and their inner workings, it might be best to initially take into consideration what is the meaning of 2WD. As you may already presume, two-wheel drive engines just utilize two of the four wheels to put the car in motion and keep it moving. Typically speaking, there are only two types: front-wheel drive (FWD) and rear-wheel drive (RWD). Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. However, modern vehicle technology, such as traction control, has the ability to even these out more as time goes on.

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

With modern vehicle engines situated in the front, FWD lorries have the shortest drivetrain systems, frequently making them lighter, a lot more fuel efficient, and less costly to make or maintain. The front part of the car essentially draws the back part behind it. This aids it preserve a straight line and is less most likely to spin out in extreme weather.

What is Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)

While FWD may already sound like a fantastic choice, rear-wheel drive (RWD) is not without its own benefits, too. Under typical conditions, nonetheless, RWD cars have better acceleration and turning than FWD models. Firstly, they are pushing their own weight ahead rather than pulling it. Second, initiating a turn from the back needs much less initiative.

Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)

As mentioned previously, four-wheel drive (4WD) is a car drivetrain system that directly powers all 4 wheels. 4WD is normally made for off-road driving and, normally speaking, 4 wheels have two times the traction of two. Four-wheel drive is frequently paired with locked differentials for ideal off-road performance. Without getting too technical, locked differentials simply means that the two wheels on the exact same axle are locked together, even if one has traction and the other does not. This is specifically handy to gain back traction in snowy conditions, rough surfaces, or when stuck in the mud. In general, 4WD is excellent option offered on 4×4 SUVs and many outdoor leisure SUVs. It is very easy to turn on or turn off, depending on the circumstance.

All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

AWD is similar to 4WD because the engine offers power with the drivetrain to all four wheels. Generally talking, however, AWD is designed for speed and handling, as opposed to off-road scenarios. It is, in general, a much more smart type of 4×4 innovation. AWD is constantly monitoring the traction of all 4 tires and sending basically power per individual wheel relying on what it requires. This technology is referred to as ‘Torque Vectoring’. In addition, when it concerns high-end vehicle performance, some selections of AWD are created to send extra power to the rear tires to boost acceleration, or similarly decrease back wheel power when switching on slick roads.

What is a 4×4 Car?

Purely speaking, 4×4 cars have engines that power all 4 wheels. In many cars, in addition to crossover SUVs, the 4×4 drivetrain systems are four-wheel drive (AWD), and not four-wheel drive (4WD) as typically found in vehicles and off-road SUVs. As formerly mentioned, the AWD systems in 4×4 cars make use of torque vectoring to separately manage the traction of each tire in order to give optimum safety and performance.

What is a 4×4 SUV?

4×4 SUVs additionally have engines that power all four wheels. They are usually designed to be used primarily for off-road or bad road conditions. Some more recent, advanced versions, however, now provide torque vectoring to separately manage the performance of each wheel. The majority of models rely upon locking and unlocking the differentials (diff lock) to best handle performance.


You might still be questioning whether four-wheel drive (4WD) is far better than two-wheel drive (2WD), and which is ideal for you. Sadly, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Picking between 4WD, AWD, FWD, or RWD depends on several variables. Both essential questions to ask yourself are these. What do you utilize your car for? What seasonal weather do you face? Equipped with that expertise, obtaining one-on-one guidance from a certified professional is the most effective area to start your trip. Plus, if you’re seeking even more information regarding 4×4 cars or 4×4 SUVs to buy in the San Diego, CA area, after that come by Volkswagen of Kearny Mesa today. We eagerly anticipate helping you discover more concerning the meaning of 4×4 automobiles.

4×4 (4WD) vs AWD vs 2WD Cars & SUVs | Volkswagen of Kearny Mesa

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Volkswagen of Kearny Mesa
Volkswagen of Kearny Mesa
8040 Balboa Avenue
San Diego, CA, 92111 US
(858) 300-8160
Volkswagen of Kearny Mesa 32.8228011, -117.1495453.