What's the Difference Between AWD and 4WD?

AWD uses rear, central, and front differentials (the component that compensates for the difference in distance travelled by your inner and outer wheels when you take a turn) to power all four wheels at once. 4WD (sometimes referred to as 4x4) uses two differentials, rear and front, and a transfer case (the component that, through the use of drive shafts, transfers power from the transmission to the axles) to power all four wheels at once. And there’s the technical, though abridged, difference between AWD and 4WD, but what does all this mean for you? Which drivetrain will best suit your needs?

Here’s a quick glance at the pros and cons of both:

4WD offers you the best traction in off-road conditions, so if you spend a lot of time driving on dirt roads or live in an area that experiences heavy rain or snowfall, this might be your best option. 4WD can also be turned off to give you fuel economy a big boost. But, 4WD also inherently adds weight to your car and will raise the MSRP of the vehicle, so overall a vehicle enabled with 4WD is going to cost you more.

AWD will improve your grip and handling in all types of conditions and you don’t need to worry about turning it off and on. Vehicles with AWD give you a more athletic driving experience with tighter control over your ride. But, as with 4WD, AWD decreases your fuel economy. Also, AWD is not as well-suited as 4WD for intense off-roading.

Both drive trains add value and capability to your vehicle; either way, you can’t go wrong!