2WD vs. 4WD vs. AWD

There are many cars, trucks, crossovers and SUV's which offer two wheel drive, four wheel drive and all wheel drive. Additionally, in two wheel drive you can choose between front and rear wheel drive. It seems that right side or left side drive are the only two choices we don't have. Which choice is best for you depends on where you live and drive, and how experienced you are in your particular vehicle.

In two wheel drive vehicles today, most cars and crossovers are front wheel drive. This choice provides good driving characteristics in normal dry, wet and slippery conditions; but in deep snow or on ice still have their limitations. Rear wheel drive vehicles, predominantly performance-type cars and two wheel drive pickups and SUV's, are the most limited in this regard; and would not be recommended for the average driver living in an area which commonly receives snow or icy conditions.

Four wheel drive systems vary, from basic truck and SUV units which require the driver to manually shift from two to four, and which should not normally be driven in four wheel drive mode on dry pavement for any significant distance. These may also have a setting for automatic four wheel drive, where unless the rear wheels start losing traction the disadvantages of full time four wheel drive are not present.|

Many of these systems also offer a high and low range of four wheel drive, and would be considered more hardcore truck-like as opposed to simple use systems. You can think off-roaders and snow plow operators as drivers who really get full use out of the capabilities.

Many passenger vehicles that are classified in the car and crossover segments offer either automatic on-demand or what they refer to as all wheel drive systems. A vehicle which is always in four wheel mode will normally have reduced fuel economy (as will the above vehicles in four wheel drive mode).

An on-demand or all wheel drive vehicle is most appropriate for drivers who live in northern states, or states with mountains which regularly get significant snowfall or icy conditions. While the other options require a comfort and skill level from the driver, the systems like on-demand or all wheel drive will activate
when they sense the need, as opposed to requiring that the driver make the decision.

Bob Tyler Toyota
7201 Pensacola Blvd
Pensacola, FL 32505
850-478-9999
www.bobtylertoyota.com