If you’re looking for a powerful offroad car, you probably noticed that the best options on the market are either AWD or 4WD vehicles. But what exactly is the difference between them and how does each of them work? The AWD vs 4WD debate has gone on for a long time and if you’re one of those people who is curious about both vehicle types, you’re in the right place.
In this text, we’ll walk you through each of their differences in all important categories. Whether you want to find a vehicle for your next outdoorsy adventure or simply want a vehicle that can handle more slippery terrain, this blog will be helpful for you. By the end of it, you’ll know exactly which vehicle to hire for your needs.
Table Of Contents
What Is An All-Wheel Drive System?
All-wheel drive systems are vehicles that use all four wheels instead of the classical cars that use only the rear wheels, aka two-wheel drive vehicles. This system uses locking differentials to enable power on the front and rear axles. When off-road driving and your car starts to slip, an AWD vehicle is quick to react by shifting the power to both front and rear wheels.
In normal driving conditions, AWD cars turn into two-wheel drive vehicles. These cars are usually made for light off-roading but may struggle in slippery conditions and during challenging off-road driving. Here are the main AWD systems you should know about:
- Full-time AWD – Power is continuously supplied to all four wheels.
- Part-time AWD – Power is sent to either the front or rear wheels, but you can engage the second axle with the engine.
- Automatic AWD – It works similarly to part-time AWD but the vehicle automatically sends power to the front and rear axles.
- Selectable AWD – This also gives you the option between 2WD and 4WD. It works similarly to part-time AWD but can be used for longer.
Since an AWD car primarily works on the rear-wheel-drive system in normal conditions, make sure to check out our deep-dive text about it.
What Is A Four-Wheel Drive System?
A four-wheel drive system is a configuration that provides power to all four wheels. Four-wheel drive models use a system that distributes power to both the front and rear axles at all times, which provides extra traction.
The main benefit of 4WD cars is that they are high-performance vehicles with better off-road capability than any front or rear-wheel-drive vehicle. This off-roading ability will provide you with stability during your drive on rocky terrain.
Both AWD and 4WD are a great choice if you plan to drive off-road, but if you’re planning on dealing with deeper snow, slippery conditions and overall serious off-roading, the latter is a better option. There are two main types of four-wheel drive to know about:
- 4L (four-wheel drive, low range) – It’s perfect for conquering soft terrain like sand and mud.
- 4H (four-wheel drive, high range) – This type will provide you with more traction on firmer grounds, which is great for tackling gravel, dirt roads and tougher sand.
People sometimes wrongly assume that the all-wheel drive systems of specific brands are four-wheel drives. One such example is the Volkswagen 4Motion.
To learn more about the secrets of four-wheel drive, check out our text.
AWD VS 4WD: Comprehensive Comparison
Let’s see how each of those drive systems stands in different categories.
Handling
Both systems are there to improve the vehicle’s performance, with different characteristics. The all-wheel-drive system adjusts the distribution of power between the front and rear axle, and in that way, it improves handling on different road surfaces. 4WD cars may sacrifice some of their handling capabilities for off-roading.
Traction
AWD systems are generally more suitable for on-road conditions, providing improved traction during acceleration and cornering. 4WD vehicles, on the other hand, are very powerful, providing overall better traction when driving off-road.
Adverse Weather Performance
All-wheel drive systems offer everyday practicality. This makes them well-suited for adverse weather conditions, making them effective for daily commuting and highway driving. The AWD system improves traction on surfaces like snow, ice or wet roads. However, if you want to tackle the deep snow, muddy roads or uneven surfaces you can encounter during inclement weather, a 4WD system is a far better option.
Off-roading
When opting for an off-roading adventure, the driver must possess a certain level of skill to handle such terrain and an understanding of the vehicle’s capabilities. The choice between the two will depend on the severity of off-roading and the specific features you require. Overall, AWD can handle moderate off-road conditions, while 4WD vehicles specialise in challenging off-road adventures.
Engagement & Control
Traditional AWD systems often engage automatically based on their sensors. When they detect wheel slippage, they will distribute power to all four wheels. As a result, 4WD vehicles will require way more engagement than the all-wheel drive. But if you find yourself in off-road environments, having precise control over traction is crucial.
Some AWD vehicles allow you to engage and disengage the drive system.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel economy is an important aspect of any vehicle. In general, choosing an AWD system is a better option if you want to improve fuel economy. It will automatically decide when and how much gas each wheel needs based on the road conditions.
The high performance and off-road capability of the four-wheel drive has its price as well. The constant engagement that all four wheels have in 4WD vehicles often results in greater fuel consumption. The manufacturer and exact model also play crucial roles in fuel efficiency.
Vehicle Types & Applications
Four-wheel drive relies on a transfer case, which functions like a centre differential and connects the front and rear wheels. With this type of vehicle, power is distributed to all four wheels at all times. AWD cars provide additional power to the other two wheels when they detect the wheel sliding. In other normal circumstances, it functions exactly like 2WD.
The Nissan Rogue and Honda CR-V are two popular examples of AWD cars, while the Land Rover Defender and Jeep Wrangler are some of your best options for 4WD vehicles.
The popularity of four-wheel cars is rapidly increasing, and it’s expected to reach £19.2 billion in market value by 2032. When it comes to who customers are, women and millennials dominate the market.
Safety
In terms of safety, both driving systems contribute to vehicle stability, but their effectiveness can depend on driving conditions. All-wheel drive cars can provide you with safety during acceleration and on slippery surfaces. Four-wheel drive can make venturing into challenging, rocky terrain feel like a breeze.
While the vehicle itself might be safe, research shows that 4WD vehicle drivers are the most likely to engage in risky driving behaviours, such as not wearing a seatbelt and using a handheld mobile phone.
Cost & Maintenance
The purchase and maintenance cost difference between an AWD vehicle and a 4WD vehicle can vary based on several factors, including the specific make and model of the car. You also have to consider the features integrated into the vehicle.
Towing Capabilities
It’s already known that a 4WD vehicle will help you handle slippery roads, but you probably didn’t expect that this vehicle also boasts capacity for towing heavy loads. A lot of four-wheel-drive trucks are engineered with towing in mind. On the other hand, many AWD systems often prioritise torque distribution for improved on-road performance rather than focusing on towing capabilities.
You can check the towing capacity specs provided by the vehicle manufacturer to determine its capability.
Who Should Hire Or Buy An All-Wheel Drive Vehicle
People who occasionally go on lighter off-road terrain and want a high-quality vehicle should hire or buy an all-wheel drive vehicle. This type of system works best on paved roads and when your vehicle is cornering at high speed. You can also drive it on roads that are affected by inclement weather.
If you prioritise versatility and enchanted traction that works on various surfaces, opting for this type of vehicle is a smarter choice than choosing a four-wheel drive. AWD can also help minimise the risk of wheel slippage, which is particularly valuable in slippery conditions.
Who Should Hire Or Buy A Four-Wheel Drive Vehicle
Daring adventurers whose lifestyle involves getting on rocky terrain often should hire or buy a four-wheel drive vehicle. By sending power to all four wheels, it will enable you to tackle any road you want. You can go camping, hiking or exploring remote areas.
If you want to visit snowy regions and try some exciting winter sports, you can easily do that with this high-quality vehicle. Overall, for challenging off-road environments, a 4WD vehicle is a dream come true.
If you’ve been searching for SUVs for hire, affordable and convenient 4×4 car hire deals are waiting for you here. Contact SDVH to book your preferred option anywhere in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Main Difference Between 4WD And AWD?
The main difference between 4WD and AWD lies in how they distribute power between the front and rear wheels. AWD vehicles generally have an automatic system that continuously monitors and adjusts power distribution to each wheel based on traction conditions. A 4WD vehicle, on the other hand, allows the driver to manually engage or disengage the four-wheel drive mode.
Which Is Better: All-Wheel Drive Or Four-Wheel-Drive System?
Both all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are great choices. All-wheel drive is better for on-road driving, while the four-wheel drive system is better when it comes to challenging off-road escapades. Before making a final choice, make sure to take into consideration your specific driving needs and the environments you’ll be navigating. This will help you determine which system will work better for you.
Can AWD Go Off-Road?
Yes, an AWD can go off-road. It can keep both the front and rear driveshafts turning at the same speed, providing you with traction control and stability, which is especially useful when driving on uneven terrain. However, it’s worth noting that for really tricky, rocky grounds, a four-wheel drive is a better option.
Are All SUVs AWD Or 4WD?
No, not all SUVs are either AWD or 4WD. While many SUVs boast AWD and 4DW systems, there are also models whose centre differential sends the engine’s torque to only two wheels, usually the front wheels. These models can serve well as passenger vehicles, but for better off-roading ability, it’s better to opt for either four-wheel or all-wheel drive.
Are There Electric AWD Vehicles?
Yes, there are electric AWD vehicles. They work just like many all-wheel drive systems in other vehicles, shifting power to all the wheels when it’s necessary. The AWD electric vehicle option is becoming increasingly popular as technology advances. This vehicle can offer a combination of environmental sustainability and an impressive driving dynamic. BMW iX and Skoda Enyaq iV are among the top options for electric AWD cars.
Conclusion
We’ve come to the end of the AWD vs 4WD battle. It is clear that both of these vehicles boast good quality and performance, each in their own way. Now that you know which vehicle is your winner, all you have to do is opt for the best hire deal you can find and embark on your next adventure.