{"id":132485,"date":"2025-02-24T16:50:39","date_gmt":"2025-02-25T00:50:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogv2prod.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/?p=132485"},"modified":"2025-03-18T21:14:40","modified_gmt":"2025-03-19T04:14:40","slug":"what-is-the-difference-between-awd-and-4x4","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-is-the-difference-between-awd-and-4x4\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is the Difference Between AWD and 4&#215;4?"},"content":{"rendered":"<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 4<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><style>.kadence-column132485_bb9e43-a1 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column132485_bb9e43-a1 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column132485_bb9e43-a1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column132485_bb9e43-a1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column132485_bb9e43-a1 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column132485_bb9e43-a1 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column132485_bb9e43-a1{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column132485_bb9e43-a1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column132485_bb9e43-a1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column132485_bb9e43-a1 inner-column-1 qk-look-widget\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-row ultp-block-19b009  qk-main-wrap\"><div class=\"ultp-row-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-row-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-column ultp-block-1fb18b\"><div class=\"ultp-column-wrapper\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading132485_8b8040-f8, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading132485_8b8040-f8[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading132485_8b8040-f8\"]{text-align:center;font-size:20px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading132485_8b8040-f8 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading132485_8b8040-f8[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading132485_8b8040-f8\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-family:Inter;font-weight:500;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading132485_8b8040-f8 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading132485_8b8040-f8[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading132485_8b8040-f8\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"kt-adv-heading132485_8b8040-f8 summary-title wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading132485_8b8040-f8\"><span>Summary<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>4x4s can work part-time on two wheels, while AWDs operate on all four wheels by default.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Generally, 4x4s are meant for off-road use instead of being driven on paved roads.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unlike four-wheel drive vehicles, all-wheel drive systems only have one high speed. AWD systems generally have a transfer case with a center differential and don&rsquo;t use low-range gear reduction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The differences between a 4&times;4 and an all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicle often spark some confusion among those who are relatively new to the automotive scene. Let&rsquo;s break down the design and operation of these two drivetrains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4&times;4 vs AWD: Which Is Better?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Generally, a 4&times;4 and an AWD vehicle share a couple of similarities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/awd-vs-4wd-comparison-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"awd vs 4wd comparison\" class=\"wp-image-132487\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/awd-vs-4wd-comparison-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/awd-vs-4wd-comparison-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/awd-vs-4wd-comparison-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/awd-vs-4wd-comparison-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/awd-vs-4wd-comparison-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/awd-vs-4wd-comparison-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/awd-vs-4wd-comparison-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/awd-vs-4wd-comparison.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The differences between a 4&times;4 and an all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicle often spark some confusion among those who are relatively new to the automotive scene.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both drivetrains are significantly more powerful than a regular two-wheel drive vehicle. Both also can send power to all four wheels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In terms of design, both drivetrains usually use a viscous coupling or an electronically controlled clutch to lock or control the center <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/differential\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"differential\">differential<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As far as their differences go, there&rsquo;s certainly a lot to break down.<strong> But if there&rsquo;s one major thing that sets a 4&times;4 apart from an AWD, it&rsquo;s that a 4&times;4 can work part-time on two wheels while an AWD is always operating on all four wheels by default<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A 4&times;4 or four-wheel drive vehicle has a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/transfer-case\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"transfer case\">transfer case<\/a> with a low range. Meanwhile, an AWD vehicle typically doesn&rsquo;t have a transfer case with a low range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Understanding 4&times;4 Systems<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A 4&times;4 vehicle has two differentials&#19968;one for the front wheels and another for the back. In a 4&times;4 setup, the front and rear wheels travel at different speeds when cornering and traversing over dips in the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The transfer case of a 4&times;4 lets the driver select a low-speed, high power gear ratio inside the transfer case while the vehicle is in four-wheel drive mode. These positions typically include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>4H &ndash; four-wheel drive with no gear reduction in the transfer case<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>4L &ndash; four-wheel drive with gear reduction; typically used during low speeds and slippery surfaces<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2H &ndash; two-wheel drive (rear wheels only) in high range; no gear reduction in the transfer case<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Activating any one of these positions will require the driver to turn a knob, push a button, or pull a lever, depending on the vehicle&rsquo;s specifications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Generally, 4x4s are meant for off-road use instead of being driven on paved roads. This is due to the locked driveline, which can make turning difficult. Regular drives on paved roads can also cause the tires of a 4&times;4 to wear unevenly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But when a 4&times;4 is driven on low-grip surfaces, binding won&rsquo;t be much of a problem since the tires can slide freely over the surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Understanding All-Wheel Drive Vehicles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unlike four-wheel drive vehicles, all-wheel drive systems only have one high speed. AWD systems generally have a transfer case with a center differential and don&rsquo;t use low-range gear reduction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An all-wheel drive vehicle uses a viscous coupling that&rsquo;s incorporated into the center differential, which helps provide superior all-weather traction. Most AWD systems have a limited slip differential in the rear, but some can also have the same setup in the front.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With this design, an all-wheel drive vehicle can provide impressive road traction under all driving conditions by default.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Advantages and Disadvantages of 4x4s and AWD Vehicles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both 4&times;4 and AWD vehicles are great options because of how powerful their drivetrains are. Still, they have their own set of advantages and disadvantages that can greatly impact your decision in choosing which is better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pros and Cons of a 4&times;4<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A 4&times;4 is best used for off-roading. Even in its 2WD setting, a 4&times;4 can easily get you over steep hills. But if you&rsquo;re looking for a much-needed boost, going into 4H can get the job done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the advantages of a 4&times;4 is that it can improve <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-is-traction-how-does-it-work-and-other-faq\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"traction\">traction<\/a> when driving under difficult road conditions, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/winter-driving-tips\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"heavy snow\">heavy snow<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/tips-for-first-time-off-roaders-how-to-prepare-like-a-pro\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"rocky paths\">rocky paths<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also, 4x4s tend to be heavier than regular vehicles, so the extra weight helps provide a better grip on the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In terms of disadvantages, a 4&times;4 can be quite costly to maintain because of the complex parts and extra equipment that come with it. You can also expect to spend more on fuel to get a 4&times;4 running because of the extra weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another disadvantage of a 4&times;4 is the increased braking distance required to stop. Heavy vehicles like 4x4s can&rsquo;t avoid collisions as easily as lighter vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pros and Cons of an AWD<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Like 4&times;4 vehicles, AWDs are also known for their improved traction compared to regular two-wheel drive vehicles. When all wheels have power, the probability of a vehicle skidding or slipping is significantly reduced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Exceptional cornering is another feat that drivers love about an all-wheel drive vehicle. Regular vehicles can spin out of control even on a dry surface, but with an AWD, that scenario is less likely to happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With all these advantages, driving an all-wheel drive vehicle can lead to overconfidence, posing a problem for many drivers. Overconfidence in your vehicle can mean you have too much faith in technology. It could cause you to fail your duties as a driver, such as exercising caution when on the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another disadvantage of driving an AWD vehicle is the complex system that comes with it, much like a 4&times;4. The added parts and systems can turn vehicle maintenance into a troublesome task as well as a costly one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">AWD vs. 4WD: The Verdict<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There&rsquo;s really no way to tell whether an AWD is better than a 4WD and vice versa until you look into your own needs as a driver. A 4&times;4 isn&rsquo;t exactly for everybody, and the same goes for an AWD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">4x4s are intended for driving situations that require additional <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-is-torque-in-cars-meaning-measurement-formula-and-more\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"torque\">torque<\/a> or power, such as pulling heavy loads. If you often drive with a trailer in tow, then a 4&times;4 might be the best <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/engine-and-drivetrain\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"drivetrain\">drivetrain<\/a> to get the job done with ease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">4x4s are also suitable for those who often deal with an incline or those who often experience driving under tough road conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As for AWDs, such vehicles are best used by drivers who are constantly dealing with difficult road conditions minus the need for towing.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 4<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>The differences between a 4&times;4 and an all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicle often spark some confusion among those who are relatively&#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-is-the-difference-between-awd-and-4x4\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":132486,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3769,53],"tags":[3074,1550],"ppma_author":[2607,2985],"class_list":["post-132485","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-automotive-world","category-features","tag-differential","tag-transfer-case","entry"],"acf":{"adrotate_specific_mobile_ad":"","adrotate_specific_desktop_ad":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What Is the Difference Between AWD and 4x4? - In The Garage with CarParts.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Read on to find out the differences between an AWD and 4x4 and their respective advantages and disadvantages.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-is-the-difference-between-awd-and-4x4\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What Is the Difference Between AWD and 4x4? - In The Garage with CarParts.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Read on to find out the differences between an AWD and 4x4 and their respective advantages and disadvantages.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-is-the-difference-between-awd-and-4x4\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"In The Garage with CarParts.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-02-25T00:50:39+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-03-19T04:14:40+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/difference-between-the-awd-and-4x4-1.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2048\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1364\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/what-is-the-difference-between-awd-and-4x4\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/what-is-the-difference-between-awd-and-4x4\\\/\"},\"author\":[{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"$id\":\"4\",\"name\":\"CarParts.com Research Team\",\"jobTitle\":\"Expert Automotive Writer\",\"description\":\"The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. 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Richard has worked for nearly 50 years in the automotive field as a professional technician, an instructor, a freelance automotive writer for Motor Age, ACtion magazine, Power Stroke Registry, and others (published every year since May 2000). He has developed training courses and written or edited training material for companies in the U.S. Canada, and the Netherlands, and even Bulgaria. He maintained an \u201cask a mechanic\u201d website for 10 years answering questions emailed to him from all over the world.\r\n\r\nRichard has an instructional automotive YouTube channel \u201cMcCuistian\u201d with 13,500 subscribers and over 1,300 videos. Much of his professional work requires photography and videography in shop environments, but Richard also enjoys taking pictures of landscapes, skyscapes, old barns and houses, small towns. He has produced a coffee table book of digital watercolors called \u201cMemories of South Alabama\u201d created from his personal photos, along with a dozen Christian fiction short original novels and a collection of short stories, all available in Kindle or softcover format. Richard has written a 2,500-word Bible study every week for the past 20 years and uses it to teach a small group at his church every Sunday morning.\r\n\r\n<strong>Credentials:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"author-list\">\r\n<li><p>ASE Certified for more than 30 years in 10 categories, including L1 Advanced Engine Performance and Light Vehicle Diesel.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Professional Mechanic\/Technician for 25 years with experience on diesel and gasoline engines, vehicles and equipment (including hydraulics).<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Spent 5 years in fleet maintenance, 20 years in independent shops and dealerships (VW, Mazda, Renault, Jeep, Ford, Lincoln), specializing in driveability and electronics for the last 14 years of his career at the same dealership.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Senior Contributing Editor at Motor Age Magazine, first published in Motor Age in May of 2000 and every year since. He has won two International Automotive Media Awards for technical articles published in trade magazines.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Has attended hundreds of hours of automotive training from OEMs including GM, Volkswagen, Mazda, Renault, Jeep, Chrysler, as well as additional training at events like KC Vision and MACS (Mobile Air Climate Systems Association).<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Taught college level auto mechanics for 19 years.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Has written for automotive training companies (including course development work for training companies in Canada and the Netherlands) and has been hired to teach professional trade show technician courses at multiple training events in Texas and Alabama.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>While still teaching at the college level, Richard launched a new automotive program in Geneva, Alabama, setting up a dual enrollment department in a new building, organizing the shop and classroom, teaching morning classes to high school students for 2 years while still teaching at the college in the afternoon.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Richard\u2019s college program at Lurleen B. 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