All-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) both send power to all four wheels, but they are designed for different jobs. AWD works automatically and full-time, shifting power between wheels for traction on wet or snowy roads — ideal for everyday driving. 4WD is typically a driver-selected system with a low-range gear for off-road and deep snow, found on body-on-frame SUVs and trucks. For winter roads in New York and New Jersey, either helps you accelerate, but neither helps you stop or turn — winter tires, speed and following distance matter most.

Side by side

AWD 4WD
Operation Automatic, full-time Often selectable (2WD, 4WD High, 4WD Low)
Low-range gear Usually no Usually yes
Best for Paved roads in rain and snow Off-road, deep snow, towing on slippery ramps
Typical vehicles Sedans (S-Class 4MATIC, A8 quattro), crossovers Suburban, Yukon, Tahoe, trucks

How AWD works

AWD uses a center differential or clutch pack to distribute power between the front and rear axles, often combined with electronic brake-based traction control to handle individual wheels slipping. It needs no input from the driver.

How 4WD works

A traditional part-time 4WD system uses a transfer case to lock the front and rear driveshafts together, providing maximum traction on loose surfaces. 4WD Low multiplies torque for steep, slippery terrain. Many modern SUVs also offer an Auto 4WD mode that behaves like AWD on pavement.

Winter reality

Four driven wheels help you pull away and climb hills in snow. But braking and cornering depend on tire grip. A two-wheel-drive car with good winter tires often stops better than an AWD car on all-season tires. Stability control helps too. Read electronic stability control.

In chauffeured fleets

Many chauffeured SUVs, like the Suburban and Yukon XL, have 4WD or Auto 4WD, and luxury sedans often have AWD. Combined with careful driving, that makes winter airport runs far more reliable. Read the 2021 Suburban redesign and holiday airport travel.