I explained the difference between 4WD and All wheel drive (AWD) systems as a heavy duty mechanic with my Ram 2500 Power wagon 4wd lock system vs a 2023 Subaru outback wilderness edition AWD system. I go over the pros and cons for both the 4wd system and an AWD system you guys can decided and buy what vehicle is best for you.


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With the snow about the start coming down I thought it would be fun to try and explained some major differences between an all-wheel drive system and a traditional 4wd system like you would see in a pick up truck.

a ton of new SUV's and crossovers are all coming in all wheel drive set ups which are great but I think there are some questions as to what is the difference between an awd system and a 4wd system. are they the same or are they actually different.

The first major difference is that Awd vehicles usually utilize a third differential or a center differential which is critical because this is what allows the driveline to not bind up on dry pavement. and this is why AWD vehicles can drive constantly be feeding power to all 4 wheels without worry.

AWD systems are superiors for on road applications because anytime there is a loss of traction power can be diverted to another wheel.

Where an AWD system falls short and where a 4wd system becomes more advantageous is when going off road. because a 4wd system uses a more traditional fully locking transfer case which forces all power to be equally split 50/50 between front and rear drivelines. something an AWD system cannot do with a center diff.

moral of the story is that both 4x4 systems attempt to give the best traction possible but for on road use AWD systems are better and for off road use 4x4 systems tend to be a better fit.

there are obviously exceptions some AWD have fully locking center diffs which make it exactly like a traditional transfer case. but they are far and few between.