4x4 vs. AWD

[ISUcy08]

Today was the last straw for my 2WD Ranger trying to get around in this snow. I went to the bank and got an auto loan. I am wanting a 4x4, but I see a lot of SUV's are AWD. Is AWD basically the same?

[Cy Hard]

Hell no, it's only the same on very few models which are permanently all time AWD with equal wheel distribution. Most are FWD that has a computer kick them into AWD when it thinks necessary. They do ok, but not the same as a 4x4.

[Tri4Cy]

4WD vs AWD: What's The Diff? - Tech Feature - Motor Trend

[Gunnerclone]

Nothing beats a true 4X4.

[Ames]

AWD is all the wheels all the time. Typically a car or suv thing. 4x4 you engage and disengage. Typically I wouldn't say you directly compare them. If you want a truck or full size suv you are probably getting 4x4. Smaller suv or car you'd get AWD. Mainly because most mid and small suv are really basically cars. I'd say pick a size and you'll get what you get. AWD is going to hurt mileage. Might as well get a mid or small SUV with FWD.

[Incyte]

What would Dave Ramsey drive (WWDRD)?

[Doc]

Today was the last straw for my 2WD Ranger trying to get around in this snow. I went to the bank and got an auto loan. I am wanting a 4x4, but I see a lot of SUV's are AWD. Is AWD basically the same?

For snow, I think you want limited slip differential. It's not necessarily a true 4x4 because you can't lock the wheels if you get one off the ground, but it is much more preferable on snow than an open differential because the computer will transfer power to wheels to provide more traction on snow.

A locking differential is nice, but it's not really needed in your situation. There are very few SUVs that have one that are also road-friendly.

[GrindingAway]

It depends how many wheels the vehicle has. AWD could be a 2x2, 3x3, 4x4 etc.

[ISU_phoria]

Essentially 4x4 is controlled by the driver.....you decide when to engage/disengage the 4x4.

AWD vehicles has a computer decide when the 4x4 (AWD) is used and does so when is senses the main drive wheels beginning to slip.

It really depends on how much control you want over the feature.

Also, if you're comparing traction to your rwd Ranger, even a fwd vehicle will give you substantially better traction in snow, ice, etc.

[erikbj]

my last two SUV's have been AWD and have had zero issues getting around in the snow.

[CtownCyclone]

Either one would be better than a 2WD pickup that's Ranger sized.

[dmclone]

Front wheel or AWD with good tires will serve 99% of the people. Tires are the most import part. I had a car that went from the worst car I've ever driven in the snow (Would get stuck with 2 inches of snow) to being one of the best just by changing tires. If the tires say something like "summer only" performance tires, they are not kidding. A great example of this is the Subaru performance cars. You put summer tires on them and even with AWD they suck. You put good tires on them and they become rally champs.

[mtowncyclone13]

4WD vs AWD: What's The Diff? - Tech Feature - Motor Trend

way too technical.

for laymen - AWD is a computer telling just the front two wheels to spin or all four wheels to spin. 4X4 is a manual shift where all four wheels get power to propel the vehicle. You can turn with AWD but it's darn near impossible to turn with true 4X4 on.

I have a GMC Envoy with both AWD AND 4X4(!)

[CyCrazy]

my last two SUV's have been AWD and have had zero issues getting around in the snow.

Agree, I had a Bravada with AWD and it was a tank for me plowed through anything. Sadly she died a painfull death this summer. For now I am driving a 2WD Sonoma and it sucks pond water...........

[NickTheGreat]

The limited slip diff is nice so the vehicle can turn, which like someone siad above, a GM will do. I rarely put my truck in true 4x4, just the Auto 4x4 which is essentially AWD (being computer controlled). I do like the fact that with my truck, I can turn it off.