Why is 4wd better

As Be Forward notes, there are pros and cons to driving two-wheel drive vehicles. The pros include the following:. Esurance points out that most two-wheel drive vehicles come in a front-wheel drive configuration. Except for a few SUVs models, most SUVs are front-wheel drive and feature extra components that can send power to the rear wheels when necessary. Front-wheel drive systems cost less to make and take up less space than rear-wheel drive configurations.

Because a front-wheel drive configuration places the engine's weight above the front wheels, it also gives you better traction.

Front-wheel drive vehicles don't have the driveline hump needed to accommodate a rear-wheel drive system, so you have more room for passengers and cargo.

Consumer Reports notes that pickup trucks, SUVs on truck bases, sports cars, high-performance cars, and high-end sedans feature rear-wheel drive systems. With a rear-wheel drive configuration, trucks can accommodate bulky and robust components. Rear-wheel drive also gives a pickup truck better traction when towing or hauling heavy loads.

Performance cars come with rear-wheel drive because the system balances the car's weight from the front end to the rear end, giving the vehicle improved handling. When the driving and steering are split between the front and rear wheels, it allows for an optimized suspension.

However, because rear-wheel drive vehicles have less traction, most luxury vehicles give you the option of all-wheel drive. As Autotrader points out, most drivers can't tell the difference between front-wheel and rear-wheel drive. However, rear-wheel drive systems are designed for performance, while front-wheel drive systems are designed more for safety, especially in harsh weather conditions.

Front-wheel drive systems are more common in family vehicles. Four-wheel drive systems , according to Economical, often feature in pickup trucks and other vehicles used for off-road excursions. However, more manufacturers are adding them to SUVs and crossover vehicles. In a four-wheel drive vehicle, the engine sends power to all wheels, giving you optimal traction and control, especially on rough terrain. This traction comes in handy if you're driving uphill, over rocky terrain, or through the snow.

Four-wheel drive systems are set up to operate in one of three modes, including:. Vehicles with part-time or automatic four-wheel drive systems tend to be more fuel-efficient because they use less energy to operate in two-wheel drive mode. While sales text often uses the terms four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive interchangeably, as Consumer Reports points out, there are some differences.

Four-wheel drive systems are designed for handling harsh terrain and feature high and low gear ranges for climbing power.

Many four-wheel drive vehicles also have differentials that are locked for optimal traction. Economical points out that, while four-wheel drive vehicles can tackle rocky terrain, steep hills, and deep water, all-wheel drive vehicles are better for driving on slippery winter streets, through mud, and on loose surfaces such as sand.

An all-wheel drive system allows all four of your vehicle's wheels to provide traction. If you frequently drive in conditions where there is low traction, or if you enjoy off-roading, you will greatly benefit from four-wheel drive.

In most cases, 4WD is not necessary. It uses more fuel and can also lead to overconfidence, leading to more situations where you can get stuck. Save money and fuel by only using 4WD when you need it. We sell a large inventory of front-wheel drive , rear-wheel drive , four-wheel drive , and all-wheel drive vehicles.

Shop our complete online inventory. First, what is a drivetrain? AWD Drivetrains The main difference between 4WD and AWD is that four-wheel drive vehicles use two differentials and a transfer case while all-wheel drive vehicles employ a front, rear, and center differential.

Four-Wheel Drive 4WD When 4WD is engaged, the engine sends power to the transmission, which is then split into the front and wheel axles. When to Use 4WD? When you descending at slow speeds while hauling a heavy load. When you are going over steep inclines and declines, such as rocky situations. When you are stuck in snow, mud, or sand; however, stop immediately if your wheels are spinning and follow the advice in this article.

By engaging both sets of wheels, traction and control improves. Additional weight contributes to better grip on the road. The main disadvantage of 4WD is added cost for purchase, maintenance, and fuel. The extra equipment differentials, transfer case, etc.

Added weight improves traction and control, but it also increases the braking distance required to make a complete stop. Lighter vehicles can avoid collision easier than heavier vehicles. Although 4WD improves traction, slow down and use extreme caution on icy, snowy, and slick roads. All-wheel drive can send power to both the front and rear axle unlike vehicles with front- or rear-wheel-drive drivetrains.

Some vehicles, such as the Honda Passport, offer pre-programmed driving modes that optimize how the system delivers power in specific situations such as snow, sand, mud and rain. When all-wheel drive is not needed, the vehicle operates normally without the need for the driver to switch it on or off. Many AWD systems operate similarly to front- or rear-wheel drive vehicles, sending power to only the front or rear until more traction is needed.

High-performance vehicles with AWD use the system to keep the vehicle planted when turning at higher speeds. The way 4WD systems deliver power and traction is different from all-wheel drive. Similar to AWD, both front and rear axles receive power at the same time. Where it differs is that 4WD systems send equal amounts of power to the front and rear instead of allocating power to certain wheels through a more complex system.

Four-wheel drive also is not meant for extended driving on dry pavement, and most systems rely on the driver to shift in and out of it using some kind of mechanism it used to be a very manual process, but now 4WD can be activated inside the vehicle with a lever, button or knob.

When engaged, the front and rear driveshafts lock together, which keeps the axles moving at the same speed. This configuration guarantees that torque is being sent to at least one front and rear wheel, helping the vehicle power through uneven terrain or slippery conditions with ease this also explains why 4WD vehicles can move forward with one tire off the ground. That same characteristic makes them unsuitable for dry-road travel due to binding when turning.

The short answer is that it depends. Drivers can determine the best system based on the primary use of the vehicle daily commuting or weekend adventuring driving style, geographic location and budget.

Both AWD and 4WD will provide better traction than two-wheel drive vehicles in most everyday driving scenarios in winter weather. That means buyers that need to tow heavy loads should consider 4WD. Vehicles with AWD have more confidence and better traction in wet, snow or icy road conditions. By shifting power to the wheels that need it most, AWD systems help vehicles get started on slippery roads and can even help correct wheel slip when the vehicle is underway to help it stay on the road.

It can activate much more quickly and accurately than any human driver. Four-wheel drive shines in deep snow, mud, rough or rocky terrain as well as sharp inclines or declines. Low- and high-range settings allow the driver to dial in the right amount of power and torque delivery to gain the best traction for the situation.

Both systems provide better traction to get going and to stay on the road, but neither helps a vehicle stop. A common mistake that drivers make in snowy or slippery situations is believing that their SUV or truck makes them invincible.