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What's Better--AWD or 4WD?

The other day I was shopping for my first SUV, so I had to consider all-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) as available options. In both scenarios, the vehicle's power goes directly to all four wheels whenever these systems are in full operation. While these two systems work equally well in wet and slippery conditions, handling isn’t always enhanced, and there are no significant benefits when it comes to braking.

Here at Classic Acura, we're hoping to help our blog readers in Beaumont, TX, so that when they purchase an SUV themselves, they will know about the similarities and differences between AWD vs. 4WD.

So, what’s are the major differences between AWD and 4WD? In simple terms, cars equipped with AWD come with a series center, front and rear differentials. (A differential is basically a box of gears used to tap power from your transmission.) Essentially, an AWD system delivers power to the wheels with the most grip by calling upon the center differential. This power might be split between two wheels on either the front or rear axle and it might also send power to all four wheels at differing levels.

Vehicles featuring AWD systems include both the Subaru Legacy and Ford Fusion. Luxury brands with AWD include the Audi A6 and the Subaru Outback, Ford Edge and Audi Q5 are prime examples of crossover vehicles with AWD.

While AWD usually relates to cars, 4WD is usually used with truck platforms, and you’ll find it in a wide range of pickups like the Toyota Tacoma and Ford F-150. In addition, a handful of today’s SUVs also use them, with the Toyota 4Runner and larger models like the Ford Expedition, Nissan Armada and GMC Yukon, for example.

Vehicles featuring 4WD utilize two differentials and a transfer case. In this scenario, each axle has its own differential, with the transfer case called upon to split the power between the two.

Today's 4WD systems are normally activated by using of a dial or switch found in the cabin and often feature both high and low 4WD gears. When put into high, you can travel at higher speeds at a certain limit that is outlined in your owner’s manual.

When operating in low, low-range gearing is at work, supplying you with more power when you're climbing rocks or navigating through sand or mud. Furthermore, if you’re stuck in a deep rut, low-range gearing is the best way to get out of that mess. You won’t use low range elsewhere as it is designed solely for low-speed driving.

Some of the electric cars and hybrids out there, such as the Tesla Model S and the Acura RLX SH-AWD, also use AWD, but not in its traditional sense.

For the Model S, there is not any mechanical connection (center differential) connecting the disparate two axles. Instead, there is only one electric motor powering both of the front wheels and one or two separate electric motors on the rear axle, with a computerized system controlling how the power is distributed between both the axles and wheels.

Acura also uses a similar arrangement with the AWD system found only in select RLX models, but the carmaker also uses a gasoline engine for enhanced performance. In this scenario, you’ll find an electric motor working with a traditional transmission up front and a duo of rear electric motors operating independently at both rear wheels.

Hope this information will help you to understand the primary differences between AWD and 4WD.

Sources: Motor Trend, Off-Road Adventures and Road & Track

 

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