AWD vs. 4WD: What’s the Difference?

Land Rover has a long history of making full-size vehicles designed for everything from the daily Fort Lee commute to a tough off-road adventure. At Land Rover Manhattan, we’re proud to offer a full lineup of Land Rover vehicles, including the Defender, Discover, and the iconic Range Rover. If you’re shopping for a new vehicle, you’ve probably come across the acronyms “AWD” and “4WD.” AWD stands for all-wheel drive while 4WD stands for four-wheel drive. These terms may sound similar, since most vehicles have only four wheels, but there are some important distinctions between AWD vs. 4WD. It’s a good idea to be aware of the difference between AWD and 4WD as you shop for your next ride, so you can stay as informed as possible. The service team at Land Rover Manhattan has put together a guide outlining the basics of AWD and 4WD, as well as answering questions like, “Is AWD better than 4WD,”, in the guide below.

What is AWD?

All-wheel drive is a drivetrain configuration where torque is directed from the engine to the front and rear axles to all four wheels via differentials. There are two types of all-wheel drive systems: full-time AWD and part-time AWD. Full-time AWD directs torque to the front and rear axles all the time, while part-time AWD monitors road conditions as you drive and sends torque only to the front axle to maximize traction. AWD is most commonly found on vehicles with unibody frames.

What is 4WD?

Four-wheel drive is the traditional 4×4 drivetrain, capable of directing a specific amount of power between the left and right wheels. By contrast, all-wheel drive sends the same amount of power to all four wheels. Four-wheel drive systems are ideal for drivers who are looking to take their Land Rover through inclement weather conditions such as snow and sleet, or up into rural areas with rough and uneven terrain. You can usually find four-wheel drive on large SUVs and trucks, although they’re becoming more common on smaller sedans as well.

Which is Better: AWD or 4WD?

There’s no one answer to the question of, “Is AWD better than 4WD?” The truth is that it depends on your unique driving needs. All-wheel drive is better for vehicles that are mostly handling things like city snow and the occasional long-distance road trip. Four-wheel drive is better for drivers who want to embark on rugged off-road adventures or haul heavy cargo to and from a worksite.

Browse AWD and 4WD Vehicles with Land Rover Manhattan

Now that we’ve answered the question of “What is the difference between AWD and 4WD,”, you might want to test out the drivetrain for yourself! Stop by our dealership to set up a test drive around The Bronx, and we’ll get you behind the wheel in no time. You can also contact our office with any questions, or to learn more about AWD or 4WD drivetrains, and a member of our team will be happy to help you. Be sure to check out our car buying tips for more advice on finding your next ride!