AWD Vs 4WD: Which Is Better For Off-Roading? By Travis Langness March 2, 2025 11:45 am EST Travis Langness/SlashGear ...

If you are looking for a vehicle that can handle various terrains, 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are both good choices. However, there are the differences.

But there is a big difference between 4×4 or 4WD and AWD. Each has their own set of benefits and usages. We explain the differences, and their intended usage.

If they aren’t AWD or 4WD, vehicles will use either front-wheel drive (FWD), in which the front wheels are powered by the engine, or rear-wheel drive (RWD), where power goes to the rear wheels.

Part-time AWD For simplicity’s sake, all-wheel drive, then, is 4WD civilized for the masses. Like 4WD, the objective is to drive all four wheels to maximize traction.

The cost of adding 4WD or AWD system on a brand new vehicle ranges between $1,000 to $4,000 depending on the car model, system complexity and some specific features.

"For the average driver, AWD is better – It automatically kicks in as needed," says Raynald Marchand, CSC general manager of programs, in an email. "4WD has to be manually selected, and it's ...