4-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel-Drive Systems Explained

What are 4-Wheel-Drive and All-Wheel-Drive Systems? Consumers frequently come across these terms when shopping for a new vehicle. These two systems are popular options in today’s SUVs and cars. Traditionally, 4-wheel-drive systems are available in pickup trucks and SUVs, whose bodies are based on the truck. Often, a particular vehicle model offers more than one system. With these numerous options, many buyers get confused. Actually, there are three basic options: 4WD, part-time 4WD and All-Wheel-Drive.

Part time 4-Wheel Drive is the most basic system and provides the option of changing settings depending on the driving situation. This system is recommended for people who don’t really need 4WD but sometimes go off-roading or want extra security in snowy conditions. These settings range from 2WD, 4WD High and 4WD Low. In a part-time 4WD system, each of the four wheels gets 25% of the torque to prevent wheel spin when in the high or low setting. Also, in some later models, the driver can shift from 2WD to 4WD high while driving but must come to a full stop to shift to 4WD Low.

Meanwhile, a full time 4WD can continue operating unlike in part time 4WD system. Full time 4WD is more advanced and convenient since it allows the driver to change settings while remaining engaged on dry pavement. In a full time 4WD, the driver can choose either High and Low, as well as automatic or full-rime 4WD setting. This type of system is best for people who regularly travel through slippery roads. Shifting from 2WD to 4WD on such conditions may be very tiresome.

All-Wheel-Drive is much like the full time 4WD system in that it always sends power to the wheels with the most traction. However, in an All-Wheel-Drive system there is no 2Wd switch thus it is always operating in 4WD mode. Most AWD systems cannot be taken to extreme off-road situations although some are more rugged than others. All-Wheel-Drive Systems are excellent in cars and crossover vehicles because they don’t add much weight and make them true all-weather vehicles.

Toyota offers a line up of AWD vehicles including the compact car Toyota Matrix, compact SUV Toyota Rav4, midsize SUV Toyota Highlander, minivan Toyota Sienna, and premium large SUV Toyota Land Cruiser. Its line up of 4Wd vehicles include the compact pickup Toyota Tacoma, large pickup Toyota Tundra, large SUV Toyota Sequoia, and the midsize SUV Toyota 4Runner which comes with both a 4wD and AWD system.

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