What Is AWD, 4WD And 4x4? Let's Decode These Off-Road Jargons

If you plan to buy an SUV, or if you're like us and love reading about them, you must have come across these two terms: AWD (All-Wheel Drive) and 4x4/4WD (Four-Wheel Drive). These terms define the type of drivetrain used in the vehicle. Both systems power all four wheels of the vehicle but their working principles are different.

Both these systems may seem similar at a glance but are very distinct from each other in many ways. AWD is used in almost all types of cars such as sedans, hatchbacks and SUVs whereas the 4WD system is generally found in traditional body-on-frame vehicles such as trucks and SUVs.

But which one is ideal for you? That's what we plan to find out in this story.

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AWD, 4WD and 4x4 explained with use cases

Let's start with the one you find scribbled on a lot of SUVs these days.

AWD (All Wheel Drive)

The AWD is a sophisticated system that propels all four wheels of any car simultaneously. But its more than just about driving all four wheels.

The car's brain in an AWD setup keeps reading the traction on all four wheels and intervenes when there's trouble. In the event of an off-road situation where one or many of the wheels are struggling to love the vehicle, the system cuts in and manages power delivery accordingly: helping the struggling wheel with more power while cutting off the privileged one from the engine's supply. The goal is to ensure that all wheels have the right amount of traction to go through whatever the road throws.

There are two subsets of the AWD system: full-time AWD and part-time AWD.

In full-time AWD power is delivered to all four wheels at all times. On the other hand, the part-time AWD propels the vehicle through only two wheels, either rear or front. It only sends power to the rest of the wheels if the vehicle starts losing traction.

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4x4 or 4WD (Four Wheel Drive)

To get out of extremely difficult terrains, the 4WD system offers a low-range transmission mode that prioritises torque delivery over speed. 4WD systems, like the one you find on a Maruti Jimny or a Thar 4x4, concentrate all of the engine's power to generate as much torque as possible to all wheels. This method of controlled and consistent power delivery is crucial for getting an offroader out of tricky situations.

A 4WD sends equal power to all four wheels via a transfer case. These systems also have differential locks to spin all the wheels at the same speed to help get out of any tricky situation with ease. Adventure tourers love four-wheel drive vehicles because of their manual nature. It gives a sense of control which no other drivetrain can offer. Hence, it is wildly popular among true off-road enthusiasts.

Just like AWD, there also are two types of 4WD systems; part-time 4WD and all-time 4WD. 

Vehicles with a part-time 4WD system normally run on 2WD. The 4WD can be engaged, if needed, to improve the traction. The biggest USP of part-time 4WD is that it comes to life whenever summoned and gives almost everything in the driver’s hands. 

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AWD vs 4WD: Who should choose what?

Well, it entirely depends upon the use case. If you use the car mostly on slippery or snowy roads or even mild off-road scenarios, then any vehicle with AWD should be your choice. 

If you are someone who likes taking the cars off-road for adventures in mud, sand and deep snow, then a 4WD system is a must-have. 

If you have never encountered such situations, you should get a 2WD car because it will save you a lot of money in acquisition and fuel costs.

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