The Benefits of AWD vs. 4WD in SUVs
Which Is Best for Your Outdoor Adventures?
AWD and 4WD seem like they should offer the same benefits. The two systems are similar, but 4WD is a better fit for outdoor adventures.
Many SUVs come with either all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) drivetrain options. Both these configurations send power to all four of an SUV’s wheels, but they don’t operate in quite the same way.
How Does 4WD Work?
Before AWD became a popular option in modern vehicles, drivers looked for 4WD SUVs when they wanted either greater off-roading capabilities or better traction on paved surfaces. 4WD systems lock the front and rear axles together so all four wheels rotate at the same speed.
There are two types of 4WD systems. Full-time 4WD is always on, while part-time 4WD vehicles operate by default in 2WD. Full-time 4WD systems feature a clutch or center differential that allows the front and rear driveshafts to move independently, offering maximum confidence on any surface.
Part-time 4WD vehicles don’t have a center differential. Instead, they lock the front and rear driveshafts when drivers engage the 4WD system. Drivers should keep their SUVs in 2WD mode under usual driving conditions to avoid excess wear and overheating.
How Does AWD Work?
AWD is similar to full-time 4WD in that it constantly powers all four of a vehicle’s wheels. The primary difference is that while 4WD SUVs have a 4-low setting, AWD vehicles do not.
As with 4WD, there are two types of AWD systems. Full-time AWD always sends some engine torque to both the front and rear axles, altering how much power goes to each depending on the wheel grip. Part-time AWD lets vehicles operate as 2WD vehicles most of the time, then switches over automatically when there’s slippage in the primary drive wheels.
Because AWD SUVs lack a low-range setting, they’re less capable off-road. Drivers who only plan on doing light outdoor adventuring and otherwise want to stick to paved surfaces and dirt roads may prefer AWD SUVs, but serious outdoor enthusiasts will need a 4WD system.
What Makes 4WD So Much Better for Outdoor Adventures?
A 4WD SUV has more going for it as an adventure vehicle than just the ability to engage a 4-low setting. 4WD vehicles also tend to be better at towing. They usually feature more robust drivetrains designed for heavier use.
Outdoor adventurers often need to use their SUVs to tow additional gear or toys, sometimes over rough terrain. When that’s the case, the 4-low setting on a 4WD vehicle offers maximum torque and traction, increasing the SUV’s utility in off-road scenarios.
When Is AWD a Better Option?
Every situation is a little different. Some drivers who love camping and off-roading might prefer to stick with an AWD SUV that can get them to the campground with ATVs, dirtbikes, or other smaller off-road vehicles in tow so they can get better fuel efficiency the rest of the time.
AWD SUVs are also easier to drive since they feature computerized systems to control power to each axle. There’s never a need to stop the vehicle to switch over from one drive mode to another. Plus, AWD systems react quicker to changes in road conditions since they don’t require a human response.