The difference between all-wheel-drive (AWD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) is a topic of confusion for many car, truck, and SUV buyers. A car buyer should understand the operational differences between ...

The difference is 4WD systems have extra low gearing in a separate gearbox for more torque when off-roading while the All Wheel Drive (AWD) do not have this separate low range gearbox.

Other Drive Types: Four-Wheel Drive and Rear-Wheel Drive Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) Although both 4WD and AWD systems send power to all four wheels, there’s a distinct difference between the two.

Other Drive Types: Four-Wheel Drive and Rear-Wheel Drive Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) Although both 4WD and AWD systems send power to all four wheels, there’s a distinct difference between the two.

Other Drive Types: Four-Wheel Drive and Rear-Wheel Drive Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) Although both 4WD and AWD systems send power to all four wheels, there’s a distinct difference between the two.

Other Drive Types: Four-Wheel Drive and Rear-Wheel Drive Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) Although both 4WD and AWD systems send power to all four wheels, there’s a distinct difference between the two.

Other Drive Types: Four-Wheel Drive and Rear-Wheel Drive Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) Although both 4WD and AWD systems send power to all four wheels, there’s a distinct difference between the two.

Other Drive Types: Four-Wheel Drive and Rear-Wheel Drive Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) Although both 4WD and AWD systems send power to all four wheels, there’s a distinct difference between the two.

Other Drive Types: Four-Wheel Drive and Rear-Wheel Drive Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) Although both 4WD and AWD systems send power to all four wheels, there’s a distinct difference between the two.

Other Drive Types: Four-Wheel Drive and Rear-Wheel Drive Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) Although both 4WD and AWD systems send power to all four wheels, there’s a distinct difference between the two.