The Basics: AWD or 4WD? | Pros, Cons & What You Really Need

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive? Both of them send power to all four wheels, but they do it a lot differently and are meant for different situations. Still confused? That’s OK — take a few minutes and follow along as we break it all down for you right here. Whether you’re shopping for a sedan and are wondering why suddenly everyone seems to be touting AWD, or if you’re looking at an SUV and are curious if you need to go all-out with a truck with that 4WD badge on the tail or if AWD will cut it, Desola Balogun explains the differences, the advantages of AWD and 4WD, and where each system is at its best. If you have questions, we have answers, and we break it all down for you here.

Chapter Breaks -
00:00 Intro
2:41 Off-road
4:43 On-road
5:37 Wrap-up

#awd #4wd #4x4 #nissanaltima #hondacrv #toyota4runner #4runner

[CarMax]

Check out our article on AWD versus 4WD for a deeper dive.

[Tugg]

And this is why I like my setup on my Silverado. It gives you the option of 2wd, AWD, 4 high and 4 low. In Michigan winters, I use multiple modes a day based on road conditions. And best of all, all can be changed on the fly with the exception of 4 low.

[LionRunner]

I got my wife a full-time 4wd. Best of both worlds. I have part-time 4wd because I don't have a problem switching back and forth 2wd to 4wd on pavement when needed. I love how much control 4wd have even on braking and taking curves while foot off the gas. When foot off the gas AWD vehicle are like 2wd.

[off-roadingexplained]

Just buy one that has both ;-) Even if you're not dealing with snow and it rains a lot where you live, it's still awesome to have it.

[carlfogarthy]

IMO the best is permanent mechanic 4x4 layout like LR Discovery 2 or Defender, Toyota Land Cruiser, Mercedes G...
more fuel consumption, more total weight are CONS
more traction, more security, more stability, more braking power, more towing capability, less tyres consuption onroad are PROS

if you put CENTRAL DIFF LOCKS you get the same offroad capabilities as standard 4WD (permanent rear + time front)

hope it helps
ciao

[dahak]

You should also mention that all wheel drive vehicles will go through tires a lot faster. I love my all-wheel drive, but my life cycle for a new tire is almost halved.

[kylediamsay]

3:30 where are you testing these vehicles?
id like to hit that hill climb 😂

[billg]

My my my I can see me getting into a lot of trouble with this rig oh yeah for sure. Thanks for the vid well done. May Peace Health and Happiness follow you and yours

[mikeburton]

I have been driving essentially AWD since I sold my Bronco ll in 1999. I am just moving into my first pickup and I’m surprised to learn that even when you are spending more than 60k on a mid sized truck it doesn’t come with an AWD/ 4wdA function. Hell, my 97 ford up had that option… prices going through the roof but not the important technology>

[kennethcohagen]

All wheel drive is for passenger cars. SUV’s or modern day station wagons. It provides better traction in bad weather conditions. 4X4, four wheel drive is for off road performance. It’s for people who like to drive off on challenging trails or off the trails where the ground they drive on would strand anything else. Think of Jeeps, Broncos. Vehicles who don’t use the extra drive wheels to go to the grocery store.

[beexiong]

Forgot the fulltime 4wd like the lexus gx460.

[artbashmakian]

There are many different types of transfer cases. There are four broad categories. To classify the drive system as AWD or 4WD is silly. If there are four apples in a cart and I point to the cart and say I want all those apples or I want those four apples, the meaning is the same. The vast majority of vehicles that have transfer cases involve four wheels. We should describe the particular type of transfer case in a vehicle instead of saying AWD or 4WD and further clarify and explain their intended application and use.

[tlor]

4x4 - good for rock climbing.

AWD - best in all season conditions and more convenient.

FF and RW - only good if sport car. Lol😂😂

[KVIZZZZLE]

Carmax needs to retrain their detailers, because all their cars are covered in swirl marks

[shalomyisrael]

"True we can't control the weather!"...BUT! absolutely THEY CAN!!!

[Wutface]

Bro... (N)... (You) are of a joyous attitude and are adept at seeming fun and joyous (gay).

It's like the Flintstones, without the Barney Rubble telling you to smoke Lucky Strike™.

Those were the days...

[customchromeofva]

You keep buying all these Ford’s, and I’m gonna have to change the channel!!😂. Nice truck man. Ford had to do its homework to compete with the old ls1 ! But just joking, I won’t change the channel unless you put a Ford engine in Leroy! then i am gone lol

[juliosdiy]

Awd is like the cheap version of 4wd otherwise most smaller cars have awd n most trucks gets 4wd.

[HelenWilliams-qv]

Smith Ruth Miller Christopher Robinson Barbara

[mikeyncali]

It’s all about 4x4 because all wheel drive sux especially Jeeps all wheel drives they suck and I say that because the last 7 years driving them they shutter at take off and the front wheel has a little jerk to them