If you’re shopping for an SUV or truck in Massachusetts, you’ve probably come across the terms 4 wheel drive, 4WD, 4x4, and AWD. They all have to do with how power gets to the wheels, but they don’t all work exactly the same way.
Here in New England, that difference can actually matter. Between snow, ice, hills, slush, and roads that aren’t always plowed right away, it’s worth knowing what you’re getting before buying your next vehicle.
What Is 4 Wheel Drive?
4 wheel drive, usually called 4WD, is a system that can send power to all four wheels of a vehicle. It’s most commonly found in trucks and larger SUVs and is designed to give you more traction when road conditions get difficult.
Many 4WD vehicles let you switch between two wheel drive and four wheel drive. During normal driving, you may stay in two wheel drive. When you’re dealing with snow, mud, loose gravel, or rough roads, you can switch into 4WD.
Some 4 wheel drive vehicles also have a low range setting, usually called 4L or 4 Low. This is meant for situations where you need extra traction and torque at low speeds, such as deep snow, steep terrain, or off road driving.
The exact system varies from vehicle to vehicle, so it’s always a good idea to understand how the 4WD works in the specific truck or SUV you’re considering.
What Is a 4x4 Vehicle?
One of the most common questions we hear is, what is a 4x4 vehicle, and is 4x4 the same as 4WD?
For the most part, yes.
A 4x4 vehicle has four wheels and the ability to send power to all four of them. In everyday car shopping, 4x4 and 4WD are generally used to describe the same thing.
The bigger difference is between the types of four wheel drive systems. Some vehicles have part time 4WD, which means the driver chooses when to engage it. Others have full time systems that are designed to power all four wheels during normal driving.
So if you’re comparing 4x4 vs 4WD, don’t get too caught up in the wording. What matters more is how the system in that particular vehicle works.
What Is AWD?
All wheel drive, or AWD, also sends power to all four wheels, but it usually works differently than traditional 4WD.
Most AWD systems work automatically. The vehicle monitors traction and adjusts power between the wheels when needed. There’s usually nothing the driver has to turn on or off.
That makes AWD a great fit for everyday driving, especially here in Massachusetts. You can drive normally on a clear day, and if you suddenly hit snow, slush, or a slippery road, the system is already there to help.
AWD is especially common in crossovers and SUVs, although you’ll also find it in sedans and other vehicles.
Traditional 4WD is generally built with more demanding conditions in mind, while AWD is designed to give you added traction during normal everyday driving.
4WD vs 4x4 vs AWD
Here’s a simple comparison.
| Drivetrain | How It Works | Best For | Common Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4WD | Sends power to all four wheels and may allow the driver to select different drive modes | Snow, rough roads, towing, job sites, and off road driving | Trucks and larger SUVs |
| 4x4 | Another common term for a vehicle capable of powering all four wheels | Snow, difficult roads, and rough terrain | Trucks and SUVs |
| AWD | Automatically adjusts power between the wheels based on traction | Everyday driving, rain, snow, slush, and changing road conditions | SUVs, crossovers, and sedans |
For most shoppers, the easiest way to think about it is that AWD is built for everyday traction, while traditional 4WD is usually built for situations where you need more capability.
Do I Need 4WD?
Not necessarily.
A lot of people start shopping for a vehicle in Massachusetts assuming they need 4 wheel drive because of the winters. Depending on where and how you drive, AWD may be all you need.
If you mostly commute on highways and maintained roads, an AWD SUV can be a great option. You get added traction when roads get slippery without having to think about turning the system on.
If you regularly drive on roads that aren’t plowed right away, have a steep driveway, work on job sites, tow, or spend time on rough roads, a 4WD or 4x4 vehicle may make more sense.
If you’re looking for a truck, 4WD is also worth considering even if you don’t plan on going off road. New England weather can change quickly, and having the extra capability can come in handy during the winter.
What About Towing?
If you plan on towing, 4WD can be useful, especially when you’re pulling a trailer on snow, gravel, grass, or other slippery surfaces.
But 4WD alone doesn’t determine how much a vehicle can tow.
Engine, transmission, axle ratio, payload, towing package, and the specific configuration of the vehicle all matter. Two trucks that look nearly identical can have very different towing capacities.
If towing is important to you, make sure you’re looking at the actual towing capacity of the vehicle rather than assuming a 4x4 can automatically handle what you need.
How Much Does 4x4 Cost?
There isn’t one set price difference between a 4x4 and a two wheel drive vehicle.
On a new vehicle, choosing 4WD may increase the price depending on the manufacturer and trim. With used vehicles, there are more factors involved. Mileage, age, condition, options, service history, and demand all affect the price.
There are also some ownership costs to consider.
AWD and 4WD vehicles have additional drivetrain components that may require maintenance over time. Some 4WD vehicles may also get slightly lower fuel economy than a comparable two wheel drive version because of the additional weight and equipment.
That doesn’t mean 4WD is expensive to own. It just means drivetrain should be one part of the overall comparison when you’re shopping.
What Works Best for a New England Winter?
This is where the AWD vs 4WD conversation gets more practical.
Massachusetts winters are unpredictable. You might leave your house on dry pavement in the morning and drive home through several inches of snow that night. Even after a storm is over, you can still be dealing with slush, ice, snow covered side streets, and messy parking lots.
For most everyday driving, AWD is extremely convenient because you don’t have to do anything. The system is always working in the background and can react when traction changes.
4WD can be a better fit if your winter driving tends to be more demanding. If you live somewhere that takes longer to get plowed, regularly drive through deeper snow, or need a truck for work, a 4x4 may be worth it.
But there’s something just as important as the drivetrain: your tires.
Having AWD or 4WD doesn’t make a vehicle unstoppable in the snow. It can help you get moving, but your tires still play a major role in stopping and turning. Good tires, proper maintenance, and careful driving are important no matter what you drive.
So, Which One Should You Buy?
It really depends on your lifestyle.
If you’re looking for a comfortable everyday SUV that can handle a Massachusetts winter, AWD is a great place to start.
If you want a truck or SUV with more capability for deeper snow, towing, rough roads, or work, look at 4WD and 4x4 vehicles.
And if you’re comparing two vehicles, don’t make the decision based on AWD or 4WD alone. Look at the tires, mileage, condition, ground clearance, maintenance history, fuel economy, and how you’ll actually use the vehicle.
Sometimes the better vehicle overall is more important than the badge on the back.
Shop AWD and 4WD Vehicles at S&E Auto Sales
At S&E Auto Sales in Weymouth, we have a wide selection of used SUVs and trucks, including AWD and 4WD options that are a great fit for New England driving.
Take a look at our Pre Owned SUV Inventory or browse our Pre Owned Truck Inventory to see what we currently have available.
Not sure whether AWD or 4WD makes more sense for you? Come see us. We can walk you through the differences between the vehicles you’re considering and help you find something that fits the way you actually drive.
You can also visit our Financing page to learn more about your financing options before you shop.
