If you’re a fan of off-roading adventures, chances are you were inside a four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle. Think the Mahindra Thar, the Toyota Fortuner, the Maruti Suzuki Jimny, the Jeep Compass and the Tata Safari. These kinds of cars are suitable for navigating rugged terrain and planning family road trips while enhancing the comfort and safety of passengers.
But what makes a 4WD different from other road cars? And is a 4x4 the same thing as a 4WD? Here’s what you need to know.
Before getting into the nitty-gritty of 4WDs, we need to understand what a drivetrain is. This is the transmission system where components deliver mechanical power and torque to the wheels, enabling the vehicle to move. The type of drivetrain system in a car indicates which wheels receive power directly (the drive wheels), and how it is delivered. The drivetrain does not include the engine or motor that generates the power.
In an all-wheel drive (AWD), all four wheels receive the proper amount of power directly, utilising a front, rear and centre differential. This means that the wheels maintain the most consistent traction regardless of road and weather conditions. Sensors constantly monitor traction and wheel grip, delivering power in proportion to the wheels’ needs. This makes AWD a better system than 4WD for the average driver.
A four-wheel drive system sends power to all four drive wheels. But, unlike an AWD, a four-wheel drive typically offers two modes that drivers can shift between—high range for normal driving conditions and low range for particularly challenging terrain.
An AWD continually works to keep the driver safe and in control, while a 4WD is not an automatic, constant state but a mode that drivers must shift into. Without engaging the 4WD system, most vehicles with 4x4 capability operate in rear-wheel drive (RWD).
Vehicles with these setups require the driver to physically shift into and out of 4WD by turning a knob, pushing a button or pulling a lever. Doing so locks the front and rear driveshafts together, keeping the front and rear axles turning at the same speed. In sand, mud and snow, this means that the engine torque is always being sent to at least one front and one rear wheel, without relying on computers to predict or detect wheelslip. That means there's more power being put to the ground in extremely slippery conditions to get you moving and keep you going.
Generally, all-wheel drives offer superior performance over 4WDs in inclement weather. Through rain, ice or snow, AWDs work automatically and nonstop to provide ultimate traction and stability without requiring additional action by the driver. This allows drivers to better focus on the immediate road conditions while their car automatically adjusts to help maintain safety. In order to achieve the best possible performance in winter weather, both AWD and 4WD cars should be equipped with snow tires.
Technically, the term 4x4 can apply to any vehicle where the engine transmits power to all four wheels. The first number refers to the number of wheels on the vehicle, and the second number tells you how many of those wheels receive power from the engine. Thus, a 4x4 is more accurately applied to AWD systems, which deliver torque to individual tires to improve traction.
Make sure your 4WD is regularly serviced, as well as inspected before and after a journey.
Keep an emergency kit with you at all times. This is so that you can patch up any damages, as well as potentially keep yourself sheltered and safe while waiting for help.
Research each trail beforehand to know what hazards you’re most likely to face. This way, you can avoid journeys that could be too much for your car or your skills.
4WD vehicles handle off-road situations much better than AWD cars. As well as making sure that you have powered wheels, you should get tires that can tackle unsteady terrain and that aren’t likely to burst while you’re off-trail.