AWD vs. 4WD: What’s the Difference?

2021 Range Rover Evoque AWD

With a full lineup of 4WD Land Rover models available at Land Rover Charleston, you may be wondering if AWD is the same as 4WD. Actually, Land Rover AWD and 4WD are two different configurations. So what is the difference between AWD and 4WD, and which can deliver the performance you’re looking for on your Huntington drives? Below, we compare the benefits of AWD vs. 4WD to help you decide.


What is Land Rover AWD?

The primary difference between AWD and 4WD is torque distribution. Land Rover AWD (all-wheel drive) is a drivetrain configuration that directs torque to both the front and rear axles as needed to maintain traction. As a result, you’ll experience greater traction and control than with FWD (front-wheel drive) and RWD (rear-wheel drive) systems, which limit power to the front and rear axles, respectively.

There are a couple of different types of AWD: full-time AWD sends power to both axles all the time, while part-time AWD saves fuel by activating only when it’s needed. You’re most likely to see AWD systems on unibody vehicles like compact crossovers.

What is Land Rover 4WD?

Land Rover AWD (all-wheel drive) systems are more common in vehicles with truck-based platforms, like the Range Rover Sport and the rest of the Land Rover lineup. While AWD models send power to the front and rear axles, 4WD vehicles send power to each wheel individually. 4WD offers an extra level of control on difficult off-road terrain, which is why 4WD comes standard on every Land Rover SUV. In the following section, we’ll compare AWD vs. 4WD side-by-side to see the unique benefits of each.

Which Models Have AWD?

Which Models Have 4WD?

Which is Better: AWD or 4WD?

So is AWD better than 4WD, or vice versa? The answer really depends on what kind of performance you’re looking for, and how much time you spend on the road vs. offroad trails in Parkersburg. So should you choose an AWD or 4WD drivetrain?

If you’re looking for enhanced traction in a wide range of weather conditions on your drives in Wheeling, you’ll be best served by a Land Rover AWD vehicle. Those looking for advanced capability on rugged off-road terrain will find what they need with a 4WD model.

Browse Land Rover AWD and 4WD SUVs at Land Rover Charleston!

Now that you know the difference between AWD and 4WD, you’ll know what to expect from Land Rover 4WD capability. Explore Land Rover performance accessories, and contact us to schedule a test drive at our showroom in Charleston today!

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