4×2 vs. 4×4: What’s the Difference and Which Is Better?

While you’re perusing vehicles for sale online, you might notice that some trucks and SUVs are 4×4, while others are 4×2. What do the terms 4×4 and 4×2 mean, and which option should you choose for your next vehicle?

What’s the Difference Between 4×4 and 4×2?

Before we jump into what differentiates 4×4 and 4×2 vehicles from one another, it’s important to understand the difference between drive wheels and non-drive wheels.

• Drive wheels transfer tractive force (derived from the engine’s rotational force) to the road, causing the vehicle to move.
• Non-drive wheels are just along for the ride—they do not transfer tractive force to the road.

Trucks and SUVs often come in both two-wheel drive (4×2) and four-wheel drive (4×4) configurations.

• Two-wheel drive (4×2) vehicles have two drive wheels and two non-drive wheels.
• Four-wheel drive (4×4) vehicles have four drive wheels.

Let’s take a closer look at both designs.

What is 4×2?

The term 4×2, which means that the vehicle is two-wheel drive, is generally used to describe rear-wheel drive trucks and SUVs.

With a rear-wheel drive layout, rotational force from the engine is transferred from the transmission to a driveshaft, which connects to the differential and the rear wheels. The rear wheels transfer tractive force to the road, thereby setting the vehicle into motion.

Note: You may also see the term two-wheel drive written as 2WD.

What is 4×4?

Many trucks and SUVs are four-wheel drive (4×4). Most four-wheel drive systems are part-time, meaning the driver can switch the vehicle from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive on demand. The four-wheel-drive system is usually engaged by pressing a button or pulling a lever. There are also some applications that have a full-time four-wheel drive system in which all four wheels are continuously driven.

In a typical four-wheel drive system, rotational force from the engine is transferred from the transmission to a transfer case. The transfer case connects to two driveshafts: one that goes to the front differential and one that goes to the rear differential. Each of the differentials turns a set of drive wheels whenever the four-wheel drive system is engaged.

ELI5

Think of your car as a big, strong spider with wheels instead of legs. Most of the time, the spider walks using just two of its legs to save energy. But when it needs to crawl over tricky terrain, it can use a special switch to activate all four legs, just like a car using all its wheels. The "brain" of the spider is the transfer case, which decides how to send energy to the front and back wheels. Some spiders always use all their legs, while others only do it when needed. When all the legs work together, the spider moves steadily and confidently across any surface, just like a car with a four-wheel drive system.

Not everyone is an auto repair expert. ELI5 (“Explain Like I’m Five”) provides layperson-friendly explanations of complex automotive concepts, systems, & parts, so you can fully understand their importance. Great for casual car owners and DIY beginners! Powered by AI.

Note: You may also see the term four-wheel drive written as 4WD.

Which is Better: 4×4 or 4×2?

Whether four-wheel drive or two-wheel drive is a better choice will depend on how you plan to use your vehicle.

The advantages of a four-wheel drive system include:

• 4×4 vehicles can drive all four wheels for increased traction when traveling over challenging terrain.
• 4×4 vehicles often have a higher towing and payload capacity than 4×2 vehicles.
• 4×4 vehicles generally have a higher resale value than 4×2 vehicles.

The advantages of a two-wheel drive system include:

• 4×2 vehicles typically weigh less and are more fuel-efficient than 4×4 vehicles.
• 4×2 vehicles usually cost less than 4×4 vehicles
• 4×2 vehicles have fewer parts and cost less to maintain than 4×4 vehicles.

Because four-wheel drive can route power to all four wheels, the design provides excellent traction, making it ideal for traversing challenging terrain. If you travel off-road or through heavy snow, 4×4 is the way to go.

Meanwhile, two-wheel drives have only two drive wheels—an arrangement that provides limited traction. For this reason, 4×2 vehicles aren’t typically recommended in low-traction situations, such as traveling off-road or navigating deep snow.

One perk of 4×2 vehicles, however, is that they usually weigh less (because they have fewer parts) than their 4×4 counterparts. That reduction in weight makes two-wheel drives more fuel-efficient than four-wheel drives.

Two-wheel drives also usually cost less to purchase and maintain than four-wheel drives. If you’re looking at two versions of the same vehicle—one that’s 4×2 and one that’s 4×4—the 4×2 variant will almost always be less expensive to purchase and own.

The downside is that 4×2 vehicles often have a lower resale value than those with 4×4. Two-wheel drive vehicles also tend to have lower towing and payload capacities than those with four-wheel drive.

4×2 vs. 4×4 Truck: Which Should You Choose?

Should you choose a two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive for your next vehicle? The answer to that question will depend on your lifestyle.

If you don’t need the additional traction that a 4×4 vehicle provides, going with a 4×2 is often the best choice. Two-wheel drives cost less and are cheaper to own than four-wheel drives.

Be realistic when making your decision—do you really need the capability of a four-wheel drive vehicle? Weigh the pros and cons of both options and decide which choice is best for you.

Upgrade Your Ride with Trusted Performance Parts

Whether you drive a 4×4 that loves the trail or a 4×2 that’s happiest on the highway, the right parts can make a big difference in how your vehicle feels and performs. Maybe you’re after better handling, a tougher look, or smoother power delivery. Whatever your goal, the JC Whitney Performance Hub is the place to start.

The JC Whitney Performance Hub is your go-to spot for off-road, Jeep, truck, classic VW, and restoration parts. From lift kits and lighting to performance exhausts and vintage components, our hub brings together the brands enthusiasts actually ask for. Top brands, one hub. The best names in off-road, performance, and restoration, all right where you need them.

JC Whitney has been around since 1915, earning the trust of drivers who like doing things their own way. Whether you’re fine-tuning your 4×2 or beefing up your 4×4, you’ll find quality JC Whitney parts built to match your drive. Visit the JC Whitney Performance Hub and see how easy it is to keep your ride ready for anything.