What is the difference between an All Wheel drive and a Four Wheel drive, and is the difference that big?
All-Wheel Drive (AWD): A drivetrain that employs a front, rear and center differential to provide power to all four wheels of a vehicle. This type of drivetrain is typically used in sports cars and sedans.
Four-Wheel Drive (4×4): A drivetrain that employs two differentials and a transfer case to provide power to all four wheels of a vehicle. The 4×4 drivetrain is used on SUV’s and off-road vehicles.
Aside from serious off-road enthusiasts, most drivers never come close to needing the capability that 4×4 systems provide over and above AWD systems.