Toyota AWD vs. 4WD: What’s the Difference?

One of the most respected names in the automotive industry is Toyota, known for quality, reliable cars, trucks, minivans, and SUVs. If you live in Birmingham, Trussville, or Hoover, take a look at our new and used inventories and find a vehicle you like at Serra Toyota. There are two highly sought after features that are often confused in trucks and SUVs and those are All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and Four-Wheel Drive (4WD or 4×4).

All-Wheel Drive

First thing to note, AWD can be found on more vehicles than SUVs. In Toyota vehicles, it can be found on SUVs, the Sienna minivan, and even on sedans and hatchbacks with increasing popularity, which is one of the differences between it and 4WD. AWD is a feature that uses all four wheels to power the vehicle. Power from the engine channels torque to all four wheels at the same time, but with most AWD vehicles, the power is not being used all the time. Often AWD vehicles automatically toggle between FWD (Front-Wheel Drive) and AWD seamlessly and automatically when power is needed in slippery conditions, to provide the most fuel-efficient and safest performance. AWD is geared more towards road and highway travel. AWD assists your vehicle in retaining grip and traction when road conditions are slippery from rain or snow. AWD also assists in keeping a grip on the road during high-speed cornering.

Four-Wheel Drive

4WD is usually found on trucks and SUVs. 4WD occurs when the front and rear driveshafts lock and engage together, which keeps the rear and the front wheels turning at the same speed. Torque is directed to at least one rear wheel and one front wheel regardless of the terrain. 4WD is designed for off-road use whereas AWD is for paved roads and highways. Like AWD, 4WD is not always on because it is not really designed for the pavement. To use the 4WD function, it has to be engaged manually through a lever, switch, or button. Typically, 4WD vehicles are made for off-road use. 4WD ensures that when you are in mud, snow, sand, and so on that you have traction to help get you out of a slippery situation. 

What to Choose

If you are struggling with whether you want a 4WD or an AWD, here are some considerations to help you decide:

• If you typically drive on paved roads, and you want a system to help keep you safe in rainy or snowy conditions, AWD is probably the most appropriate. AWD is available on Toyota models like the Sienna minivan, most Toyota SUVs and even sedans like the award-winning Camry or popular vehicles like Corolla, Prius, Crown, RAV4, Avalon and more.
• If you want a vehicle to go off-road to add more adventure and excitement and to give you greater access to the great outdoors, then you probably want a 4WD model. If you are looking to handle a more challenging terrain, get a trail-rated 4WD vehicle like Tacoma or 4Runner. Otherwise, you can get 4WD on vehicles like Tundra, RAV4, Sequoia, Avalon, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Venza, Sienna, Prius, or Camry.

If you are interested in one of these fine Toyota vehicles, we invite you to take it for a test drive and try it out. Contact us at Serra Toyota to schedule an appointment.