Many shoppers view all-wheel drive (AWD) and 4-wheel drive (4WD) as safety features in modern cars. When the engine powers all four wheels, that increases a vehicle’s surefootedness across a range of different driving conditions, but there are differences between AWD and 4WD. While vehicles with either system will provide helpful traction in slippery driving situations, 4WD is much better suited to off-road terrain, while AWD performs significantly better in everyday driving.
The Fundamentals
AWD, 4WD, 4x4… they all mean a vehicle’s drivetrain is capable of powering all four wheels at once. This ability gives these vehicles a distinct traction and handling advantage over vehicles equipped to drive only two wheels. The term AWD has evolved to describe a vehicle that drives all four wheels all the time or automatically controls the switch from driving two wheels to all four—and back again—without driver input. 4WD is a term that has evolved to describe vehicles that require the driver to manually switch from 2WD to 4WD with a lever or button.
All-Wheel Drive Is for the Road
Compact SUVs, crossovers, and cars with AWD have grown in popularity, thanks in part to the traction advantages of 4 driven wheels, particularly in inclement weather and on slippery roads. Many car shoppers recognize the traction and handling advantages of AWD, even in vehicles that never leave paved roads. In fact, most cars with AWD have been carefully developed to support this type of use. AWD’s seamless and automatic operation serves as a key safety advantage when driving through unexpectedly inclement situations.
4-Wheel Drive Is for the Trail
Unlike AWD, 4WD systems usually require the driver to select the appropriate drive mode for current conditions. While AWD is common amongst crossovers, you’re more likely to find 4WD on trucks, SUVs, and vehicles intended for extreme off-road use—like the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner. 4WD has an all-out traction advantage over AWD at the expense of automatic operation and refined on-road manners. Since 4WD typically requires the driver to manually select it, it’s less likely to be useful in an emergency situation. 4WD works best in extreme conditions, like low-speed off-road use, where some or all the wheels have little to no traction.
How AWD and 4WD Handle in Snow
From a traction perspective on a snowy road, both 4WD and AWD vehicles handle and accelerate better than a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) or front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicle.
When it comes to handling, such as powering through turns on a curvy, snowy road, AWD is usually the better option. Since AWD is optimized to work on both slippery and dry surfaces, it usually employs additional equipment to help the drivetrain run more smoothly than a 4WD vehicle. This type of system works great on a snowy road, where the traction from each wheel combines to motivate the car.
A 4WD system may be more useful at slower speeds and on rougher roads, where traction is more important than stability. 4WD systems are often able to direct power to as few as one wheel, allowing the tire with the most traction to move the car forward. This is particularly useful on uneven terrain, where only a single wheel may have traction.
AWD Won’t Help Your Car Stop
AWD and 4WD each have undeniable advantages, but these systems do not improve braking in slippery conditions. Good driving habits are the single most important part of staying safe behind the wheel. Check out the CarGurus article on how to drive safely in winter weather. Always consider snow tires if you live in, or expect to be driving in, winter conditions; see our article on who needs snow tires.
The Bottom Line
The line between AWD and 4WD can be blurry. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each system will help you understand which one is better for your driving habits. Since each manufacturer’s AWD and 4WD systems may work slightly differently, make sure you understand the basics and pay attention to the details. Always remember that an AWD or 4WD powertrain can’t make up for unsafe driving, and neither will help a car with worn-out tires stop more quickly in slippery conditions.
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