AWD vs 4WD: What is All-Wheel Drive and Four-Wheel Drive?

Published on 2 Dec, 2021, 6:47 AM IST

Updated on 13 May, 2025, 8:00 AM IST

Team Ackodrive

11 min read

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The AWD vs 4WD is a hot topic of debate among car buyers trying to determine which drivetrain best suits their driving needs. If you are looking for a rugged SUV or a versatile crossover, you've likely come across the terms AWD and 4WD. Both drive systems send power to all four wheels, but they work differently and are made for different types of roads. This article will walk you through everything you need to know about AWD and 4WD, such as how they work, their main differences, their pros and cons, and how much fuel they use.

Contents

What is All-Wheel Drive?

All-wheel drive, or AWD, is a type of drivetrain that moves both the front and back wheels at the same time. Also, AWD systems have better traction and stability in all kinds of driving situations, like rain, snow, and uneven ground, than cars that only have power in two wheels. There are two main types of all wheel drive cars, automatic AWD and full-time AWD. The system is very popular in crossover SUVs and some sedans because it works smoothly and makes the car easier to handle.

How Does All-Wheel Drive Work?

AWD systems work without the driver's intervention. With full-time AWD, power is always sent to all four wheels through a centre differential. This centre differential determines how much force is needed to keep the wheels from skidding and splits it up. The power is often changed depending on the road condition or the wheels' speed.

When the car has automatic all-wheel drive (part-time AWD), it mainly gives power to two wheels, usually the front wheels. But if sensors see that one wheel is losing its grip, the system instantly sends power to the other. This is controlled by electronics and sensors built into the vehicle that talk to a computer and quickly change how torque is distributed.

Part-time AWD systems might only power the front wheels when driving on a wet highway, but if the system sees the front wheels slipping, it automatically sends power to the back wheels. A full-time AWD system continuously monitors each wheel and automatically adjusts power distribution as needed, even on dry roads or while cornering, to maintain optimal traction and stability.

Types of All-Wheel Drive

All-wheel drive (AWD) systems make vehicles more stable and improve their grip in various driving situations. Different types of AWD systems can be found, depending on how they work. Some are always active, while others engage only when a loss of traction is detected, offering a balance between performance and efficiency.

The primary types of AWD systems can be categorised as follows:

1. Full-Time AWD

Full-time all-wheel drive powers all four wheels. This system is great for drivers who often have to deal with different road situations, like snow, rain, or hairpin roads. It works reliably and consistently without needing to be engaged by hand.

2. Automatic AWD

This kind of AWD system usually works with two-wheel drive but changes to all-wheel drive mode when it loses its grip. Full-time AWD uses more fuel than this choice, but it still gives you the safety of four-wheel drive when needed.

3. Part-time AWD

Part-time AWD means the vehicle primarily operates in two-wheel drive, but the driver can engage all-wheel drive when extra traction is needed, such as on wet or slippery roads. This setup helps improve fuel efficiency while still offering added control in challenging conditions.

4. Selectable AWD

Selectable AWD allows the driver to switch between two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive manually. Similar to part-time AWD, it offers greater flexibility and can be used for extended periods, making it ideal for drivers who frequently transition between different road conditions.

What is Four-Wheel Drive?

Have you ever wondered what a 4x4 car is? Four-wheel drive, commonly known as 4WD or 4x4, is a drivetrain system that distributes power to all four wheels simultaneously for improved traction and off-road capability. The driver usually has to engage it manually. It's mostly made for off-road use and rough terrain, so it's common in trucks and SUVs built for fun. A transfer case ensures that the front and back wheels get the same power.

Another benefit of four-wheel drive is switching between high and low gear ranges, which increases torque for negotiating steep or slippery areas. This system isn't as advanced as AWD, but it gives you more control in rough off-road conditions.

How Does Four-Wheel Drive Work?

In a part-time 4WD system, the vehicle primarily operates in two-wheel drive and engages four-wheel drive only when needed. When extra traction is needed, such as during off-road driving or in snowy conditions, the driver manually activates 4WD using a lever or an electronic switch. This turns on the transfer case, which sends the same amount of power to all four wheels.

Full-time, on the other hand, four-wheel drive systems always power all four wheels, and the driver may be able to change how much force goes to the front and back axles. Some 4WD cars have differential locks that can improve grip, which is especially helpful when one or more wheels are off the ground or sliding.

One example is driving an SUV with a four-wheel drive over rough ground. The driver can turn on 4WD with low-range gearing to get the most torque, which lets the car crawl over barriers.

Types of Four-Wheel Drive

Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) systems can be set up in several ways to meet drivers' needs. Depending on the terrain and how well the driver controls it, each type has its perks. These are the two main types of 4WD:

Part-Time 4WD

Most cars have this kind of 4WD. It has to be turned on by the driver manually, and it works best off-road and on rough ground. The car is set to two-wheel drive mode by default.

Full-Time 4WD

Full-time 4WD always sends power to all four wheels, which may give you ways to change how the power is distributed. It's suitable for people who drive a lot in rough terrain and want the safety of a constant four-wheel grip.

AWD vs 4WD: Difference Between 4WD (4-Wheel Drive) and AWD (All-Wheel Drive)

To get the best speed, safety, and fuel economy from a car, you must know about the drivetrain before buying it. AWD vs 4WD are popular systems that improve traction but work in different ways. Here are the main differences between AWD and 4WD:

Parameters	All-Wheel Drive (AWD)	Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
Working Principle	Sends power to the front and rear wheels all the time	The driver engages the system to power all four wheels
Power Transmission	Uses a centre differential	Uses a transfer case
Power Delivery	Varies power to each axle as needed without driver input	Sends equal power to the front and rear wheels
Application	Best for SUVs, crossovers, and high-performance vehicles	Ideal for trucks and off-road SUVs
Flexibility	The driver cannot switch between AWD and 2WD	The driver can switch between 4WD and 2WD
Fuel Efficiency	Generally lower	Better than AWD due to manual engagement

Pros and Cons of All-Wheel Drive

All-wheel drive (AWD) is a good combination of safety, performance, and ease of use in various driving situations. It improves the vehicle's handling and grip, but also has some problems.

Here are some of the pros and cons of AWD:

Pros	Cons
Automatic operation, no driver input needed	Higher vehicle cost due to the complex system
Improved handling in varied road conditions	Not suitable for extreme off-roading
Provides enhanced safety on wet and slippery roads	Lower fuel efficiency
Offers a better grip during cornering	Maintenance costs can be higher

Pros and Cons of Four-Wheel Drive

Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) systems are made to handle rough terrain and complex driving situations. Because they have more power and control, they are great for off-road activities.

Take a quick look at the main pros and cons of 4WD:

Pros	Cons
Superior performance in off-road and rugged terrain	Harsher ride quality than 2WD
Manual control gives the driver more flexibility	Increases vehicle maintenance costs
Better pulling power for towing or climbing	Can lead to drivetrain damage if misused on paved roads
High and low gear options for varied terrain	Not as seamless or refined as AWD systems

AWD vs FWD: Which is More Fuel- Efficient?

When it comes to fuel economy, the comparison of AWD vs. FWD reveals that front-wheel drive (FWD) systems are more efficient. AWD systems are constantly active and send power to all four wheels, requiring more energy and, therefore, more fuel. The continuous load on the engine results in lower mileage.

In contrast, 4WD systems offer slightly better fuel efficiency than AWD because they can be disengaged when unnecessary. In a 4x4 car, the driver can run the vehicle in two-wheel drive mode under normal conditions and only engage 4WD when additional traction is required. This reduces the energy demands on the engine and conserves fuel. However, both AWD and 4WD are generally less fuel-efficient than 2WD systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most important question and their answer related to AWD vs 4WD

Can AWD be used as 4WD?

AWD, or All-Wheel Drive, maximises road traction, especially on slippery surfaces like rain-soaked or icy roads. While it functions similarly to 4WD by powering all four wheels, it's not built for extreme off-road use. AWD systems are great for handling various terrains, such as dirt roads or snowy paths, but they lack the rugged durability of true 4WD setups designed for demanding off-road conditions.

What are the disadvantages of AWD and 4WD?

One of the main drawbacks of AWD and 4WD systems is the added mechanical complexity. Components like differentials and transfer cases increase the vehicle’s weight and intricacy, leading to a higher upfront cost, faster tyre wear, and more expensive repairs and maintenance. These systems consume more fuel due to the added weight and constant power delivery, making them less efficient than standard two-wheel-drive vehicles.

What’s the difference between AWD, 4WD, and 4x4?

AWD automatically distributes power to all four wheels, offering a balanced mix of traction and convenience on various surfaces. In contrast, 4WD allows the driver to control when and how power is delivered, making it better suited for off-road scenarios. The term 4x4 generally refers to vehicles with four driven wheels, typically designed for rugged terrain and off-road performance.

Is AWD more expensive than 4WD?

AWD is usually more expensive than 4WD. This is because AWD systems are more complex and require more sophisticated components, making them costlier to manufacture and maintain.

When should you avoid using AWD?

AWD isn’t foolproof, especially on roads with patchy snow or ice. These inconsistent conditions can throw off the system’s ability to react quickly, especially at low speeds. Many drivers also mistakenly believe AWD vehicles don't need all-season or rugged tyres, which compromises safety and performance in winter conditions.

Is AWD effective in rain?

AWD systems perform well in wet weather, offering improved grip and control. They are among the best options for tackling heavy rain or light flooding, as they deliver power to all four wheels, reducing the chances of slipping or hydroplaning.

Does AWD use more fuel?

Generally, AWD vehicles consume more fuel than their 2WD counterparts due to the added weight and the constant delivery of power to all wheels. While the difference may not be drastic for most drivers, it's more noticeable compared to 4WD systems, which are often heavier and less efficient when engaged.

What problems can arise with AWD cars?

A common sign that something is wrong with your AWD system is unusual noises, such as grinding, clunking, or clicking, especially during turns or acceleration. These sounds often indicate issues with the differentials or transfer case, both of which are critical components of the system.

Is AWD hard to maintain?

Yes, AWD and 4WD vehicles typically require more maintenance than standard front- or rear-wheel drive models. Their drivetrains are more complex, involving additional components that need regular servicing to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Can you turn off AWD?

In some vehicles, AWD can be manually toggled on or off. Engaging the AWD lock mode splits power evenly between all four wheels, which can be useful in low-traction situations. However, not all AWD systems offer manual control; many are fully automatic.

Is AWD the safest option?

Not necessarily. While AWD provides better traction, especially in poor weather, it doesn’t guarantee safety. Many drivers overestimate its capabilities, forgetting that AWD doesn’t replace the need for quality tyres or proper driving techniques. It's a useful tool, but not a substitute for smart driving.

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