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All-wheel-drive (AWD) and 4-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles both provide more control from all four wheels of the car, so they must be the same, right? Not quite. It can be confusing at first, but each system is designed for a different purpose, with wheel control functions that act differently.
Below, learn what sets these two types of cars apart and the benefits of each so you can determine the best option for your adventures.
What Is an All-Wheel-Drive Vehicle?
AWD cars have a modern drive system for use on the road. They’re common in SUVs, crossovers, motorhomes, and some cars. AWD increases your vehicle’s traction on roads covered in snow or water or even particularly dry conditions by distributing the vehicle’s power amongst all four wheels.
These “always on” systems are ready to work whenever the driving conditions require it. You won’t have to turn it on or off. Both the front and rear axles have distributed torque, and the car’s internal monitoring system responds to any slipping of your wheels. If your front wheels lose traction, the system automatically sends more torque to the rear to keep you and your passengers safe and your car moving in the right direction.
While AWD systems are meant to be used on paved roads, their additional traction can also take you off-road to exciting remote destinations, making these vehicles great for the entire journey.
How Does All-Wheel-Drive Work?
AWD can be full-time or part-time. This doesn’t mean that the system will only be on part of the time; it means that, for part-time AWD vehicles, the torque will either be sent to the front or the back, depending on where it’s needed most. For full-time AWD, torque is always sent to both axles (in varying ratios).
Both systems work automatically without any input from the driver. While some AWD cars might offer a self-engaged mode, it’s not standard and tends to be reserved for extreme driving conditions. Part of the benefit of AWD is that the driver doesn’t need to take any action for it to work.
Full-Time AWD
For full-time AWD, the system monitors the grip on each wheel and determines how much power each set requires. If the rear wheels are slipping, the system will send more torque up to the front to compensate. The same is true for the opposite scenario, sending torque to the back when the rear wheels lose grip. When driving in normal conditions, and neither axel requires more power, torque will be distributed evenly.
Part-Time AWD
For part-time AWD systems, you get extra torque for both the front and back axles, but not simultaneously. Depending on driving conditions, your car will function as either front-wheel-drive (FWD) or rear-wheel-drive (RWD).
What Are the Benefits of AWD?
AWD is better if you primarily use it on the road and want additional support for varying driving conditions.
Better for Inclement Weather
Bad weather, like snow, rain, sleet, or ice, makes the extra traction provided by AWD systems helpful for the driver and ensures passenger safety.
Better for Exploring
AWD works well for those who enjoy exploring and occasionally go off-road to reach a remote destination. It can take you through mud or gravel and safely get you home, all from the comfort of one vehicle.
Better for Road Trips
If you’re driving long distances and don’t want to think about whether or not you need more power or traction at any given time, you’ll love the “always on” nature of AWD vehicles for added safety without added thought.
What is a 4-Wheel-Drive Vehicle?
A 4WD vehicle is typically a truck or van. This system dates back to military and agricultural uses, during which heavy towing power and primarily off-road driving were necessary. 4WD systems are not “always on” the way AWD systems are. They require the driver to engage the 4WD mode manually (using a button or a lever inside the vehicle) so that the wheel axles act in sync with equal power distributed between them.
How Does 4-Wheel-Drive Work?
Two distinct modes are commonly found in 4WD vehicles: 4-Hi and 4-Lo. In 4-Hi mode, the car uses a 1:1 power ratio to the front and rear axles. In 4-Lo mode, the car can multiply torque with many gear ratios at a slower speed. 4-Hi is suitable for high speeds, and 4-Lo is reserved for extreme conditions at a slower pace.
4WD consumes a lot of fuel, so drivers tend to shift out of 4WD and into 2WD when driving on-road or in average conditions to save gas.
What Are the Benefits of 4WD?
4WD is the go-to for heavy towing loads and extreme off-road conditions.
Better for Off-Roading
If your journey consists primarily of off-road paths such as fire roads, dirt roads, mud, snow, or ice, you’ll have more success getting from point A to point B with a 4WD vehicle.
Better Towing Capability
4WD vehicles are also great for helping cars whose batteries have died or who found themselves stuck. Their towing capacity allows them to haul off large trailers or other vehicles.
If a car is dead, you can tow it with a 4WD, or if you have an EcoFlow 800W Alternator Charger, you can jump-start it and allow it to get out on its own.
Better for Extreme Road Conditions
A 4WD vehicle also handles the most extreme on-road conditions better. While AWD can handle a bit of snow or ice, snow-covered gravel or unplowed roads can be challenging, but a 4WD vehicle is up for the task.
What Is the Difference Between AWD and 4WD?
While both systems provide additional power to both car axles, the primary difference is how the system is engaged.
For AWD cars, the system is automatically engaged. It does not require the driver to take any action to send more torque and traction to either axle. The system also has computer monitoring systems that evaluate the car’s performance to determine where it’s most effective to send more torque.
On the other hand, 4WD systems are more robust but act as part-time systems that must be engaged by the driver when additional power is necessary. Instances such as tough off-road driving conditions or heavy tow loads call for turning on the 4WD. 4WD systems give you the flexibility of choosing, but they also put the burden on the driver to make the call on whether to engage them or not.
No matter which one you choose, if your vehicle’s battery dies, you can always charge it with the EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max (and even expand its capacity by connecting it to the EcoFlow Smart Generator (Dual Fuel)) using the EcoFlow Smart Auto Battery Charger as an adaptor between the PPS and your car’s battery.
Is AWD or 4WD Better for Off-Roading?
If the journey you’re taking is primarily off-road, you’ll be best suited with the help of a 4WD vehicle. While AWD cars and SUVs can handle a bit of off-roading, they will struggle with extreme terrain, and you don’t want to find yourself stuck.
Another benefit of 4WD for off-roading is the option of choosing extra power for either the front or rear axle, depending on the terrain you’re trying to navigate. These durable vehicles are built for the harshest conditions, so they can easily handle any off-roading camping adventure you take them on.
And, for those off-roading and camping adventures, don’t forget some comforts of home to make the trip even better. The EcoFlow Wave 2 Portable AC can cool or heat, depending on the weather, so you’ll never be chilly or overheated. And don’t forget fresh food.
The EcoFlow Glacier Portable Refrigerator has multiple compartments for freezing, cooling, and even ice-making. With the help of these two solutions, you’ll always have delicious food and drinks and a comfortable environment, no matter where your 4WD or AWD takes you.
Frequently Asked Questions
For 2WD, the car’s propulsion comes only from the back or the front wheels, and never both. On the other hand, a 4WD system uses a default rear-wheel drive system with the option of engaging the 4WD function for equal propulsion to both the front and back wheels so you can safely navigate extreme terrain, uneven surfaces, or loose footing.
If you’re driving on snowy, unplowed roads, you’re much better off in a 4WD vehicle. AWDs can handle a bit of snow on a paved road, but for off-road adventures or extreme snow depths, you’ll want the option to engage 4WD and send additional power to both axles to get to your destination safely.
AWD vehicles can drive well off-road here and there, but if you spend extensive time off paved roads, invest in a 4WD vehicle for added safety. While AWD systems’ automatic nature is nice, extreme off-road moments call for extreme power that only a 4WD truck or SUV can provide.
Final Thoughts
All-wheel-drive vehicles and four-wheel-drive vehicles sound similar, but they work and are engaged in completely different ways. AWD vehicles have automatic systems that send additional power to either the front or back axle in different ratios as needed, while 4WD trucks and SUVs must be manually engaged and send additional torque to the front and back at the same time in varying ratios to suit the circumstances.
Consider the types of adventures you like to go on to find the vehicle best suited for you. Off-roading expeditions call for a 4WD car, while on-road journeys with inclement weather can be handled well by AWDs.
No matter the vehicle you use for your adventures, remember to stay powered up with solutions from EcoFlow, like the EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max, which can charge your car battery, personal devices, and other appliances as you explore new areas.