AWD vs 4WD - What's the Difference?

Various makes and models of vehicles are equipped with a number of features designed to provide you with optimal safety and traction while on even the slickest of roads. If you're shopping with us here at Nissan of McKinney, we would be happy to walk you through some of these vehicles while explaining their differences. For example, all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are two features available on many of our vehicles. Though they sound similar for the most part, they have very different purposes.

What is All-Wheel Drive?

 The all-wheel drive utilizes your motor and powertrain to power the front and back wheels of your automobile. This feature comes with a full-time AWD mode that will power all four wheels simultaneously, or your vehicle will opt to use part-time all-wheel drive when a boost of traction isn't needed.

You should anticipate your automobile engaging your full-time or part-time AWD as needed. There isn't a button or lever inside of your vehicle that allows you to control the system.

What is Four-Wheel Drive?

Some of the more high-end and larger vehicles on the market come equipped with a four-wheel drive by way of differentials (in three areas), transfer cases, and couplings. All four wheels will also be powered in the full-time 4WD mode, and a part-time mode is also included.

You will have partial control over your 4WD system through the low and high-range selections in this setup. An electronic switch or lever will provide you with this control, and you can choose what you need according to the road that you're driving on. High traction is provided through the low setting, and lower traction is provided through the high setting.

Reach out to Nissan of McKinney if you would like to find out more from our expert team of professionals at our McKinney location. We can provide you with additional information regarding which vehicles come equipped with all-wheel drive versus four-wheel drive.