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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!
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:
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:
Other Types of 4WD:
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.
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.
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.
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!
Eligible Tire Brands: BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Continental, Cooper, Firestone, General, Goodyear, Hankook, Kelly, Michelin, Pirelli, and Uniroyal.
*Ad, written estimate, or Internet quote for identical tire(s) from a competing tire retailer/installer located within 100 miles of the dealer required during guarantee period for price match. Tire match price must be determined prior to applying a tire manufacturer rebate, if any. At participating GM dealers only. Offer ends 12/31/2026.
Eligible Tire Brands: BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Continental, Cooper, Firestone, General, Goodyear, Hankook, Kelly, Michelin, Pirelli, and Uniroyal.
Eligible brands are GM Genuine Parts ($20 rebate per strut), ACDelco Gold ($15 rebate per strut) or ACDelco Silver ($10 rebate per strut).
*Offer ends 11/30/2026. Purchase and installation must be made at a participating U.S. GM Dealer. Limit four strut rebate claims per VIN. Rebate will be issued as a Visa® Gift Card. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details around how to claim rebate, which must be submitted by 12/31/2026.
Eligible brands are GM Genuine Parts ($20 rebate per strut), ACDelco Gold ($15 rebate per strut) or ACDelco Silver ($10 rebate per strut).
Eligible brands are GM Genuine Parts ($20 rebate per shock), ACDelco Gold ($15 rebate per shock) or ACDelco Silver ($10 rebate per shock).
*Offer ends 11/30/2026. Purchase and installation must be made at a participating U.S. GM Dealer. Limit four shock rebate claims per VIN. Rebate will be issued as a Visa® Gift Card. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details around how to claim rebate, which must be submitted by 12/31/2026.
Eligible brands are GM Genuine Parts ($20 rebate per shock), ACDelco Gold ($15 rebate per shock) or ACDelco Silver ($10 rebate per shock).
Eligible brands are GM Genuine Parts ($30 rebate per brake rotor set), ACDelco Gold ($20 rebate per brake rotor set) or ACDelco Silver ($15 rebate per brake rotor set).
*Offer ends 11/30/2026. Purchase and installation must be made at a participating U.S. GM Dealer. Limit two brake rotor rebate claims per VIN (one per axle). Rebate will be issued as a Visa® Gift Card. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details around how to claim rebate, which must be submitted by 12/31/2026.
Eligible brands are GM Genuine Parts ($30 rebate per brake rotor set), ACDelco Gold ($20 rebate per brake rotor set) or ACDelco Silver ($15 rebate per brake rotor set).
Eligible brands are GM Genuine Parts or ACDelco Original Equipment ($10 rebate per sensor).
*Offer ends 11/30/2026. Purchase and installation must be made at a participating U.S. GM Dealer. Limit four tire pressure monitor sensor rebate claims per VIN. Rebate will be issued as a Visa® Gift Card. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details around how to claim rebate, which must be submitted by 12/31/2026.
Eligible brands are GM Genuine Parts or ACDelco Original Equipment ($10 rebate per sensor).
Eligible brands are GM Genuine Parts ($30 rebate per brake pad set), ACDelco Gold ($20 rebate per brake pad set) or ACDelco Silver ($15 rebate per brake pad set).
*Offer ends 11/30/2026. Purchase and installation must be made at a participating U.S. GM Dealer. Limit two brake pad rebate claims per VIN (one per axle). Rebate will be issued as a Visa® Gift Card. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details around how to claim rebate, which must be submitted by 12/31/2026.
Eligible brands are GM Genuine Parts ($30 rebate per brake pad set), ACDelco Gold ($20 rebate per brake pad set) or ACDelco Silver ($15 rebate per brake pad set).
*Offer ends 11/30/2026. See participating GM Dealerships for details and list of tire brands. Purchase and installation must be made at a participating U.S. GM Dealer. Highest or equal value tire will be $1. Maximum consumer purchase price of $450 per tire. Additional taxes and fees may apply. Offer subject to availability and may change at any time. Limit one offer per VIN. No other tire offers apply. DEALER INSTRUCTIONS: For each valid tire offer redeemed at your dealership 10/1/2026-11/30/2026, claims for reimbursement can be submitted via the GM Tire Central website.
*Tax and more than 6 quarts of oil extra. Excludes diesel engines and Corvettes. See owner's manual for specific oil grades recommended by vehicle model.
*Tax and more than 6 quarts of oil extra. Excludes diesel engines and Corvettes. See owner's manual for specific oil grades recommended by vehicle model.
*Tax and more than 8 quarts of oil extra. 8-quart dexos®R oil change may be required on 2021-2024 6.2L engines, please check with your dealership. Excludes diesel engines and Corvettes. See owner's manual for specific oil grades recommended by vehicle model.
*Tax and more than 8 quarts of oil extra. 8-quart dexos®R oil change may be required on 2021-2024 6.2L engines, please check with your dealership. Excludes diesel engines and Corvettes. See owner's manual for specific oil grades recommended by vehicle model.
*Installation and rotor inspection included. Turning or replacing rotors, all other services, and tax extra. Excludes enhanced-performance brake pads and some vehicles. **Please see your Dealer to learn more about the warranty part details and qualifications.
*Tax extra. Excludes coated rotors, enhanced-performance rotors, medium-duty trucks, and other select vehicles. **Please see your Dealer to learn more about the warranty part details and qualifications.
*Tax extra. Excludes coated rotors, enhanced-performance rotors, medium-duty trucks, and other select vehicles. **Please see your Dealer to learn more about the warranty part details and qualifications.
*Tax extra. Installation extra on some vehicles. **Please see your Dealer to learn more about exclusions and the warranty part details and qualifications.
*Tax extra. Installation extra on some vehicles. **Please see your Dealer to learn more about exclusions and the warranty part details and qualifications.
*Tax extra. Installation extra on some vehicles. **Please see your Dealer to learn more about exclusions and the warranty part details and qualifications.
*Tax extra. Installation extra on some vehicles.
*Tax extra. Installation extra on some vehicles.
*Tax extra. Installation extra on some vehicles. **Please see your Dealer to learn more about exclusions and the warranty part details and qualifications.
*Tax extra. Installation extra on some vehicles.