What Is the Difference Between AWD vs. 4WD?

When shopping for vehicles, you’ll want to know the difference between AWD vs. 4WD. Both of these systems distribute power across all the wheels, but how do they work, and where is one better than the other? That’s what the North Penn Mazda team is here to answer.

All-Wheel Drive

All-wheel drive provides power to all four wheels equally, distributing power across the entirety of the vehicle. That’s meant to improve your grip and traction over a front-wheel drivetrain, especially in snowy or rainy conditions. With i-Activ AWD® on a Mazda vehicle, your wheels will respond to changes in the road to adjust power output for a balanced, smooth drive in the city.

Four-Wheel Drive

A vehicle with four-wheel drive also delivers power to all four wheels, but connects the front and rear wheels for more powerful operation on a single axle. Those axles are also reinforced for higher strength, increasing towing capacity and off-roading capability. It can deliver an immense amount of torque, ensuring that you can tackle tough environments with ease. In many vehicles, four-wheel drive can be activated at specific times for performance tailored to the environment.

Which Is Better?

Both all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive have their own best use cases, so whether you’ll need to upgrade to four-wheel drive depends on your driving habits. All-wheel drive is better on paved roads, giving you a more even ride for urban environments. Four-wheel drive works best in off-road conditions, so adventurous drivers will reap more benefits.

Compare AWD vs. 4WD at North Penn MAZDA

Want to feel the difference between AWD vs. 4WD in person? Our dealership can help you. Contact North Penn Mazda today to schedule a test drive or compare other drivetrain features.