What Is The Difference Between Jeep 4WD, AWD and 4x4?

What Is The Difference Between Jeep 4WD, AWD and 4x4?

 ·  March 16, 2023

Australia has harsh weather and road conditions. If you want to drive comfortably and safely in such situations, you need a Jeep 4WD, AWD (all-wheel drive) or a 4x4. Before you choose a vehicle, learn ab the differences between all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. It will help you choose as per your requirements. 


AWD (All Wheel Drive)


AWD is a much more advanced system than a two-wheel drive, especially when driving off-road or in rain or snow. The advanced technology lets the vehicle automatically decide when to operate on all four wheels. 


The adaptable technology balances traction and fuel economy without the driver having to intervene and think about what the vehicle needs to do next. The driver can concentrate on driving, enabling them to drive safely. It is available on various SUVs, cars, and crossovers. 


The all-wheel drive connects the vehicle's engines to the front and rear wheels. The SUVs and cars can alter the amount of power that goes to the wheels. Apart from this, you can also disconnect power from one set of wheels. It is commonly known as part-time all-wheel drive. 


Most small and medium SUVs and cars send power to the front wheels. When these vehicles get equipped with AWD, sensors help monitor the front wheels, and if they slip, the all-wheel drive gets engaged. It will help you drive the vehicle efficiently. 


Some vehicles use all-wheel drive technology, sending power to the front and rear wheels. Even though the system never gets turned off, the energy transmitted to the front and rear wheels gets regulated. 


The most significant benefit of AWD is that the power to the wheels shifts immediately. There isn't any delay, which results in the front and rear wheels being more balanced. 


4WD (Four-Wheel Drive) or 4X4


Vehicles with the four-wheel drive system link the front and rear wheels and split power evenly between them. With this system, you can drive safely even in difficult weather conditions. It is beneficial when you go off-road. You will usually find this in larger cars, SUVs and trucks. 


The transfer case is a crucial piece of equipment that connects the front and rear wheels and transfers the engine power equally between them. It will enable the front and rear wheel axles to rotate at the same speed. 


Vehicles with 4WD give you the much-needed advantage when driving off a slippery slope or going off-road. You can power through even if many wheels lose traction. 


There is usually a switch in vehicles with 4WD, which lets the driver shift from a four-wheel drive to a two-wheel drive. Most often, drivers prefer using the 4WD only in slippery driving conditions or off-road. There could be considerable wear and tear on the tires and other damages if you continue to drive only in 4WD mode. 


Most of the latest models and trims of SUVs and Jeeps have an automatic system, which lets the vehicle switch to a particular mode depending on the terrain you are driving. The automatic mode gets switched on when you go at a slow speed. 


Differences Between Jeep 4WD and AWD and 4X4


The Jeep 4WD and AWD send power from the engine to the front and rear wheels so that your driving can benefit from the extra traction. It is beneficial if you are driving off-road or through rain and snow. 


All-wheel drive has a variable connection, which helps the vehicle shift power at any speed, whereas four-wheel has a transfer case that transfers the energy evenly to the rear and front wheels. 


Some advanced vehicles with 4WD systems have additional equipment that enables them to shift to AWD. Some AWD systems offer terrain-specific driving modes, which provide more capabilities than the 4WD. 


You must understand that AWD has explicitly got designed for light off-road and on-road driving. It makes driving easy for most small and medium SUVs and car drivers. 


The Four-wheel drive system has got designed to escape challenging driving conditions for heavy vehicles. It is beneficial when you are driving through heavy rains or snow. 


4WD or AWD – Snow and Off-Road


Vehicles with 4WD have additional equipment and features such as locking differentials and transfer cases, which makes them better equipped to handle steep inclines and muddy roads. 


You can also drive these vehicles comfortably in the snow. The additional ground clearance on some four-wheel drive vehicles will also help you navigate deep snow. 


All-wheel drive vehicles can also handle snow and other challenging weather conditions. If you drive on roads ploughed after snow, AWD offers a better ride than four-wheel drive. If the snow is too deep, then 4X4 is a better choice. 


If you get snow tires fixed for all-wheel drive cars and SUVs, they will do much better in snow. You can choose AWD or 4WD, depending on the type of terrain you frequently drive on. 


Just Jeeps will enable you to access Australia's most genuine auto parts and accessories. Irrespective of whether you drive a car or SUV or Jeep, or truck equipped with AWD or 4WD, you can buy the best vehicle parts at reasonable rates when you visit our website.


Please visit our website to browse the vast selection of engine and transmission parts, wheels and tires, braking systems, batteries, interior and exterior parts, mirrors, bumpers, and other parts and accessories you need to improve the performance of your vehicle. 


You don't have to wait for the ordered auto parts and accessories to arrive at your location. Order with us, and we will deliver the car parts anywhere you want in Australia. Save time and money when you choose to buy from us. 


Every auto part we sell gets tested for its performance and efficiency, and only those vehicle parts that have undergone stringent testing get listed online. 


Our excellent customer service has made us the favourite of all buyers of auto and aftermarket vehicle parts in Australia. Irrespective of whether you want to customise your vehicle or improve its performance, we have everything you need to ensure that your SUV looks and performs as well as a new one.

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