AWD vs. 4WD

There is a solid lineup of AWD Chevrolet vehicles for sale near Springfield at Leman’s Chevrolet City Llc, but as you shop, you may be curious if AWD is the same as 4WD. The short answer is no. So, what is the difference between AWD and 4×4, and which is the better option for you? Is all-wheel drive good in snow? We explore the intriguing questions surrounding all-wheel drive in snow and whether all SUVs come equipped with four-wheel drive. Learn more and then check out all the Chevrolet SUVs and crossovers for sale at our dealership in Bloomington!

Difference Between AWD and 4×4

AWD vs. 4WD: What Is AWD?

What’s the difference between AWD and 4×4? Let’s dive into all-wheel drive first. AWD, or “all-wheel drive,” is a drivetrain configuration in which torque is directed from the engine to the front and rear axles to all four wheels via differentials. There are a couple of different kinds of AWD systems, including full-time AWD and part-time AWD. As their names suggest, full-time AWD systems send torque to the front and rear axles all the time. In contrast, part-time AWD systems can monitor road conditions and driving behavior to decide when it makes sense to send torque only to the front axle.

AWD Highlights:

• Smart Traction: Makes independent decisions for optimal traction.
• Fuel Efficiency: Balances fuel efficiency with enhanced traction.
• Versatile: Suited for paved roads with light-duty off-road capabilities.
• Wide Availability: Widely available across various car segments.

4WD vs. AWD: What Is 4WD?

4WD, or “four-wheel drive,” is a traditional 4×4 drivetrain. The principal difference between 4WD and AWD is that while 4WD systems are able to send power to the front and rear axles, they’re also able to direct a specific amount of power between the left and right wheels. In general, 4WD systems are designed for maximum off-road prowess and are usually built into vehicles with truck-based platforms.

4WD Highlights:

• Rugged Durability: Built tough to handle extreme conditions.
• Off-Road Utility: Extra useful when driving off-road.
• Towing Power: Found on vehicles with higher towing capacities.
• Vehicle Size: Mostly available on larger SUVs and trucks.

Other Types of 4WD:

• Full-time 4WD operates continuously on-road and at any speed, impacting fuel efficiency but providing utility on pavement.
• Off-road-specific equipment, like locking differentials and low-speed gearboxes, is manually controlled for extreme off-road conditions.

Do All SUVs Have 4-Wheel Drive?

Do all SUVs have 4-wheel drive? Despite common belief, not all SUVs are equipped with a four-wheel-drive system. While many are categorized as SUVs, some models do not offer a four-wheel-drive option. However, the classic off-road adventure SUVs often feature the 4×4 system.

AWD vs. 4WD: Is AWD or 4WD Better for You?

Determining whether AWD or 4WD suits you depends on your driving habits. If your journeys primarily involve paved roads with occasional light off-roading, an AWD vehicle is the ideal choice. For more challenging off-road terrain, such as mud, rocks, or slippery inclines, or if towing heavy trailers is part of your routine, a 4WD vehicle is better suited.

AWD vs. 4WD in Snow: Is AWD Good for Snow?

When choosing between AWD and 4WD for snowy conditions, think about your daily routes. Is AWD good for snow? Whether you’re driving through snow-covered fields or icy Normal roads in winter, the key to safe snow driving is having the right winter or snow tires and using chains when needed. With the right tires, AWD vehicles handle snow well, especially in areas where roads are regularly plowed and gritted. AWD provides more flexibility than 4WD in these situations. However, if roads are unplowed and the snow is deep, AWD vehicles might struggle without enough ground clearance.

In snowy conditions, 4WD vehicles can be used, but on plowed and gritted roads, it’s recommended to turn off 4WD. Most manufacturers advise against driving at freeway speeds in 4WD mode. To get the most out of 4WD, use it to pull away from slippery spots, drive at lower speeds on snow-covered roads, or handle deeper snow where the extra ground clearance of some 4x4s comes in handy.

Browse AWD & 4WD Vehicles at Leman’s Chevrolet City LLC!

Wondering if all-wheel drive makes a difference in snow? Secure your winter drives with AWD or 4WD options from Leman’s Chevrolet City Llc. Explore our extensive inventory of new Chevrolet vehicles, including AWD SUVs and 4WD SUVs, in our pre-owned collection. Schedule a test drive today to experience the capabilities of both drivetrains and find the perfect vehicle for your needs. Contact us online, and let us help you navigate the road ahead with confidence!