As Americans focus more on capability and shift the market away from small cars towards crossovers, many cars, trucks, and SUVs are available in front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. Simply put, front-wheel drive vehicles send power to the front tires only, while all-wheel drive vehicles can send varying amounts of power to the front and rear wheels depending on the conditions and the type of all-wheel drive system. 

Read on, and this article will explore the differences and benefits of front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

### Types of Drivetrains

#### Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

Front-wheel drive is a powertrain configuration in which the engine drives only the front wheels, connecting to them via a transmission and/or differential, sometimes known as a transaxle.

#### Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)

Rear-wheel drive vehicles send power to the rear tires only, and engines generally have a mechanical connection to the rear wheels via a transmission and driveshaft. Though RWD cars are not included in this comparison, it is good to know the basics.

#### All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

All-wheel drive vehicles connect the engine to all four wheels. Many all-wheel drive vehicles can vary the amount of power sent to each axle or even each wheel. AWD cars use a variety of configurations to achieve power delivery, as well as to change the amount of power going to the front or rear wheels. Most all-wheel drive systems are always engaged and require no action from the driver to select which wheels receive power. Because power needs to be sent to all four wheels, AWD cars have more mechanical parts to send power to the front and rear axles.

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#### Four-Wheel Drive (4WD or 4x4)

Like all-wheel drive, 4WD systems can send power to all the wheels. Generally, four-wheel drive is a selectable mode in which the driver must engage. A low-range setting (sometimes abbreviated "4L" in vehicles) is intended for limited conditions like snow-covered roads, muddy trails, or crawling over rugged terrain. 

Using low range for anything above low speeds driving can increase tire wear and damage drivetrain components. Four-wheel drive vehicles have a transfer case or buttons with multiple speeds, high for driving at normal speeds and low for situations where torque is needed, and speeds are very low, like crawling over obstacles. Though some 4WD trucks and SUVs still have this part-time system, many adopted a full-time four-wheel drive system long ago, with an automatic setting that can be left activated most of the time. 

### Front Wheel-Drive Benefits

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) was more common in the United States, but manufacturers moved many cars to front-wheel drive, especially small ones. Because there is no mechanical connection from the engine in the front to the wheels in the back, there is no transmission tunnel hump running through the center of the vehicle. That means more space in the occupant compartment and helps make smaller cars' interiors more comfortable. 

Front-wheel drive vehicles generally get better fuel economy than comparable AWD vehicles. Because the engine only powers two wheels, there is less energy loss to the drivetrain, resulting in better efficiency. Front-wheel drive cars typically weigh less than all-wheel drive cars, increasing efficiency and reducing the wear on suspension and brake components. Over time, a more fuel-efficient, lighter car with fewer parts to maintain will likely cost less to own. Front-wheel drive is also usually less expensive upfront; when comparing cars with both options, AWD is generally a costly add-on. 

Though AWD cars are expected to have better traction, FWD cars have a significant traction advantage over rear-wheel drive vehicles because the engine's weight sits above the drive wheels. Because the car is pulling rather than pushing, it is more likely to experience understeer than spin out because of oversteer caused by the rear wheels. Some drivers find this easier in slippery conditions. 

### All-Wheel Drive Benefits

The expected main advantage of all-wheel drive vehicles is increased traction. The ability to send power to where the tires have the most grip means that AWD systems perform better in almost all road conditions. AWD cars can put power to the ground more reliably in ideal conditions for faster acceleration times, distribute power for better handling with less chance of spinning out, and find grip in slippery conditions.

All-wheel-drive vehicles are also typically better for off-road driving than FWD vehicles. However, AWD should not be considered a replacement for something like a four-wheel-drive Jeep, Land Rover, or Toyota for serious off-roading. However, all-wheel drive will be a benefit compared to front-wheel drive for taking a dirt road to a campsite.

Though performance cars use a variety of drivetrain configurations, all-wheel drive is now popular for sports cars. Audi and Subaru famously use AWD in their rally cars and offer AWD systems in their sports cars for the street. The AWD version may also have a higher towing capacity for some vehicles in either AWD or FWD. This higher capability may be worth the extra cost upfront and lifetime cost if it is best suited to your lifestyle. 

### Front-Wheel Drive Cons

The main drawback of FWD compared to AWD is the lack of traction. Ultimately, the physics of powering two or four wheels means that AWD vehicles will have some advantages. Depending on the climate you live in, your lifestyle, or the type of performance you want from your car, there may be better options than front-wheel drive. If you need extra grip less often, you can save money by sticking with FWD.

### All-Wheel Drive Cons

The main drawback of AWD vehicles is cost. Adding the AWD option usually costs extra upfront when buying a new car. They are less fuel efficient and will cost more at the pump. There are more components to maintain, which means more fluids need to change, and there is a higher cost to own. Heavier vehicles also wear brakes and tires more quickly, meaning shorter intervals between buying tires and replacing brake pads. AWD vehicles also usually require the replacement of all four tires simultaneously to avoid damaging drive train components. 

Though all-wheel drive may be more capable in most ways, it sometimes has a lower payload capacity than its two-wheel drive counterparts. This is due to the extra weight of the all-wheel drive system. Consider your real-life needs and daily usage to decide if all-wheel drive is necessary for you.

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### Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

The conversation gets messier as more new vehicles use hybrid or electric powertrains. All-wheel drive EVs generally have at least two motors, with one driving each axle, and can have up to four motors with power sent directly to each wheel. 

Some hybrids use a system called E-AWD, which may send engine power to the front axle via a traditional mechanical link while sending electric power from a battery to the rear wheels when traction is needed. That system has the packaging and efficiency benefits of a FWD vehicle, while adding the extra grip of AWD. These systems continue to evolve as technology changes, but they open up a whole new realm of automotive powertrain options. 

### Do You Actually Need All-Wheel Drive?

For most drivers, the short answer is no, you don't NEED all-wheel drive. With proper tires, like all-season tires for many parts of the country and dedicated winter tires for snowy climates, a front-wheel drive car will handle your daily driving duties just as well as an all-wheel drive vehicle, and at significant savings over the life of the car. The more miles you drive, the more savings you can see by opting for front-wheel drive, in addition to the upfront savings on the car's initial cost.

Though you can get by without it, you may want to choose AWD if you live in an area with a lot of winter weather. All-wheel drive can provide extra grip for getting going from a stop in slippery conditions. Though there is added grip for getting going from a stop, and all-wheel drive can also help in the turns when driving conditions are slick, it is not a silver bullet for icy roads. 

All-wheel drive has limitations and does not help you stop the car more quickly. If snowy roads are the norm where you live, dedicated winter tires are highly recommended, and cautious driving is a must. Don't let yourself become overconfident because of your car's AWD system.

More outdoorsy drivers may also want to select all-wheel drive. An all-wheel drive powertrain's additional capability and towing capacity may help get to unpaved and more remote areas or tow a small camping trailer. 

Don't confuse AWD for a true off-roader. Proper recovery points, high ground clearance, locking differentials, and a transfer case with low range are required to tackle more challenging and remote trails. Four-wheel drive vehicles are the best option, but research is needed because not all models, such as the [Land Rover Defender](https://www.autolist.com/land+rover-defender) or [Toyota 4Runner](https://www.autolist.com/toyota-4runner), come off-road ready out of the box. 

![2024 Toyota 4Runner Exterior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/4UGY6DFZkLqeJKqCiqGwiG/f3ccb3ffab8505c2a991399146db59bf/2024_Toyota_4Runner_Exterior.jpg)

There is great debate about which drive system is best for performance driving. Porsche, for example, offers the 911 series in both AWD and RWD, but its most hardcore track car, the [GT3 RS](https://www.autolist.com/porsche-911-gt3+rs), is available in RWD only. Front-wheel drive sports sedans like the [Honda Civic Type R](https://www.autolist.com/honda-civic-type+r), [Acura Integra Type S](https://www.autolist.com/acura-integra#trim[]=Type%20S), and [Hyundai Elantra N](https://www.autolist.com/hyundai-elantra+n) prove that front-wheel drive performance cars can deliver plenty of excitement. 

![2024 Acura Integra Type S Review Full View Photo (Styling)](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/5rdnWJ0Niovjq8tHdmF7Ru/9807565396a7f32dd9a5204794da29c5/2024_Acura_Integra_Type_S_Review_Full_View_Photo__Styling_.jpg)

Small pickup trucks can also be found in both FWD and AWD configurations. The [Ford Maverick](https://www.autolist.com/ford-maverick) is available as a fuel-sipping FWD Hybrid or with a more powerful turbocharged engine and AWD. Even sedans like the [Toyota Camry](https://www.autolist.com/toyota-camry) can now be upgraded to AWD because buyers want the perceived benefits of all-wheel drive.

![2024 Toyota Camry Exterior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/6P34UHGayap69C5xhTDHr8/82055632a63ca2f905877770cd57d1d4/2024_Toyota_Camry_Exterior.jpg)

All wheel drive vs front wheel drive: Front-wheel and all-wheel-drive are self explanatory names, but there is a lot more to it. This guide digs a little deeper, and can help you decide what's best for you.

AWD vs FWD – What’s the Difference and Do I Need AWD?

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