AWD vs 4WD - What's the Difference?

AWD vs 4WD - What's the Difference?

You can expect a large selection of features offered in the vehicles that are available at Serramonte Ford. Each model year, we bring some of the best automobiles onto our lot for our client's consideration. Some vehicles come equipped with all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. A lot of people don't understand that these are two different features, providing very different functions. We want to help clear up any confusion that may be present regarding AWD vs 4WD.

What is All-Wheel Drive?

An all-wheel drive vehicle has a powertrain that powers both the front and rear wheels of the automobile. In a full-time AWD vehicle, all four of the wheels are moving at a constant pace. There is also a part-time AWD feature that provides motion to two wheels unless additional traction is needed. Then, all four wheels are engaged at the discretion of your vehicle's computer. You don't have to do anything to make this switch, it's something that your vehicle senses for you based on the road surface you're on.

What is Four-Wheel Drive?

Heavier vehicles like a full-size SUV or truck will often come equipped with four-wheel drive. This system utilizes differentials in the front, middle, and rear of the vehicle to provide power to all four of your wheels. A high range and low range are available, and this is something you control as the driver. For optimal traction on road surfaces like ice, you'll opt for the low setting. The high setting is used on slightly slicker surfaces like sand, gravel, or snow.

You can find out even more about all-wheel drive versus four-wheel drive by contacting us here at Serramonte Ford in Colma. Our team of experts can walk you through these inclusions, along with the different vehicle models that we have on-site that are equipped with these features.