If you're in the market for a new car, there's a good chance you're facing an important question: should you get an AWD or 4WD model, and what's the difference?

There's no difference between 4WD vs AWD, right? Wrong. With the rise of the crossover over the last two decades, the line between a softroader and a genuine off-roader has become blurred, and ...

We describe how all-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD)—also known as 4x4—work, explain their similarities and differences, and how these two systems can be confused for one another.

The difference between all-wheel-drive (AWD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) is a topic of confusion for many car, truck, and SUV buyers. A car buyer should understand the operational differences between ...

The difference between all-wheel-drive (AWD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) is a topic of confusion for many car, truck, and SUV buyers. A car buyer should understand the operational differences between ...

4WD systems have drawbacks. They're typically bigger and heavier (often adding more than 200 pounds) than AWD systems, and they usually create more friction. Part-time systems without a center ...

The main difference between AWD vs. 4WD is that all-wheel drive powers all four wheels at all times and 4WD powers all four wheels only when put into 4WD mode.

4WD vehicles allow manual engagement of the four-wheel-drive mode, providing maximum grip to all four wheels, while AWD vehicles automatically distribute power to each wheel based on road conditions.

AWD has snuck into 4WD vehicles as a setting, too. Some 4WD Fords, such as the F-150, include 4A (for “4WD Auto”) alongside the 4WD’s traditional 4L and 4H (4-High) modes.

No, they are not the same when it comes to off-roading. Find out more about 4WD and AWD here.

While the market offers a wide array of AWD and 4WD models, find out how both systems differ and which of the two is actually stronger?