Understanding the Difference Between 2WD, 4WD, And AWD
With a handful of things to consider and know about, shopping for a brand-new or pre-owned car can be overwhelming. Three of the most common terms are the 2W, 4W, and AWD. What do these terms mean, and why should you care? Understanding these drivetrain configuration systems can make a huge difference in your driving. Here’s a quick breakdown to help in understanding the difference between 2WD, 4WD, and AWD to help you get the right pick for your driving needs.
Key Takeaways
- Understanding the difference between 2WD, 4WD, And AWD will help you make an informed decision on which drivetrain is best for your driving needs.
- A 2WD or two-wheel drive means the vehicle is powered by two of its wheels.
- Four-wheel drive (4WD) puts all of the engine’s power to all of the vehicle’s four wheels simultaneously or when needed (activated).
- AWD vehicles automatically distribute power to all four wheels based on the needed traction for the situation.
Understanding the Difference Between 2WD, 4WD, And AWD
Understanding 2WD
A 2WD or two-wheel drive means the vehicle is powered by two of its wheels. While all four wheels will spin as the vehicle moves forward, only two of the wheels provide the power to push the vehicle.
Two Types of 2WD
There are two types of two-wheel drive, front-wheel drive (FWD) and rear-wheel drive (RWD), and both setups affect how the vehicle behaves on the road.
Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Front-wheel drive systems are mostly found in sedan cars. They have better traction on snowy and wet roads and better fuel economy as they are lighter. FWD vehicles are more compact, making them more suitable for city driving. Moreover, they have better engine response since the power from the engine doesn’t need to go through multiple components, which causes power reduction.
FWD cars also have bigger boot spaces as they don’t need their drivetrain to take up space in the back of the car. They are also cheaper to manufacture, making FWD more affordable than their RWD counterparts. The same goes for their repairs and replacements.
However, the workload of FWD is placed in the front of the vehicle; the front suspension and wheels take much of the weight, which can affect the steering of the vehicle.
Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
Rear-wheel drive vehicles work by transmitting the power from the engine to the rear wheels; thus, they have better acceleration than their FWD counterparts. They also perform better in steep inclines, as the vehicle’s weight tends to be at the center, giving the rear tires more grip.
Since the function of the rear wheels is solely to steer the vehicle, RWD vehicles have better handling and stability, especially in high-speed maneuvers and on various terrains. Moreover, they have better towing capacity.
RWD vehicles, however, tend to be heavier. Since engine power has to move from the engine all the way to the rear wheels, the distribution of energy causes some power loss along the way, which affects fuel consumption.
Understanding 4WD
As its name suggests, Four-wheel drive (4WD) puts all of the engine’s power to all of the vehicle’s four wheels simultaneously or when needed (activated). This system is common among trucks and off-road SUVs. With that said, this system is optimized for off-roading situations, as it makes the vehicle capable of navigating through rough terrains and rugged landscapes, wading through deep water, tackling steep hills, or even climbing through boulders. Moreover, 4WD can handle tough weather conditions such as mud and snow.
There are two basic settings of 4WD: the long-range gear and the high-range gear. The low-range is used for intense off-roading, such as steep hill climbs or crawling over rocks. The high-range, on the other hand, is excellent for loose gravel, sand, and snow.
Many 4WD vehicles in the market allow drivers to switch between 2WD and 4WD settings, allowing users to save fuel when the four-wheel drive setting is unnecessary, such as in city driving.
The downside of 4WD is that it requires more fuel to run than its 2WD counterpart. Moreover, it is more expensive and requires more maintenance due to the added components in the drivetrain.
Understanding AWD
All-wheel drive (AWD) is often interchanged with 4WD, but while the vehicle operates the same in both drivetrains, they are different. For AWD vehicles with 2WD and 4WD capabilities, the power to switch through different settings is done by the vehicle automatically, making AWD vehicles more versatile.
Unlike 4WD, where the driver needs to switch to the 4WD setting to tackle rough terrain, AWD vehicles automatically distribute power to all four wheels based on the needed traction for the situation. This makes AWD vehicles the ideal vehicle for rain, snow, light off-roading, or slippery and uneven roads where steady traction is needed.
Also, unlike 4WD, the AWD is specifically designed for on-road adaptability rather than off-road performance. This is why you often see this AWD with crossovers, sedans, SUVs, and hybrid vehicles.
Bottom Line: Which System Is for You?
Whether you are looking for a fuel-efficient family haulier, a vehicle for your weekend off-road adventures, or a proficient machine that can quench your thirst for thrills, understanding the difference between 2WD, 4WD, and AWD will simplify your buying process. Each system is designed to handle certain challenges and suit specific driving needs. So do your homework, test drive vehicles, and choose wisely! No matter which drivetrain you choose, investing in a Mopar extended warranty offers peace of mind.
FAQs
What is the difference between 2WD, 4WD, and AWD?
The main difference between these drivetrains is the number of wheels that move while you’re driving. A two-wheel drive uses two vehicles to power the vehicle forward, and a four-wheel drive means it derives power from all four wheels (as it does with an all-wheel drive).
Is it okay to drive in AWD all the time?
No. It is not recommended to drive with an AWD all the time and it’s best to reserve this for certain road types, such as rugged terrains or when off-roading. These conditions require all four wheels to manage the risky and treacherous driving conditions.
Does AWD use more fuel?
Yes, AWD vehicles consume more fuel than 2WD vehicles. It is due to the added power you generate using four wheels, which requires more fuel. However, any difference in fuel mileage is insignificant if you don’t engage AWD all the time.
Is AWD better than 2WD in rain?
2WD works fine for rain and light snow, especially if you have a front-wheel drive vehicle. For intense rains and snow, you will need an AWD vehicle for that.
Does AWD need tire rotation?
Yes. Proper and regular tire rotation is among the most basic maintenance procedures for AWD vehicles to prevent uneven tire wear and increase tire life span.
Is AWD good in rain?
An AWD is ideal for driving in rain. It makes it easier to manage and control the vehicle in the wet road conditions. However, 2WD vehicles with good set of tires can also be suitable for driving in the rain.
