What’s the Difference Between AWD and 4WD?

2020 GMC Acadia Rear
 

Which kind of vehicle should you get to better handle our Henrico roads, an AWD vehicle like the Chevy Blazer or a 4WD vehicle like the Chevy Silverado? Which is better: AWD or 4WD? Is AWD the same as 4WD? What is the difference between AWD and 4WD? Is AWD better than 4WD in rough road conditions? You have lots of questions, and Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Buick GMC Richmond has the answers! We compare AWD and 4WD drivetrains below to explain the differences.

 

 

Is AWD the Same as 4WD?

Is AWD the same as 4WD? Not exactly. Then, what is the difference between AWD and 4WD? And, which is better: AWD or FWD? The main difference has to do with power distribution. Here’s how power is sent by each drivetrain:

AWD and 4WD – How Power is Distributed

  • Full-time AWD – Power is sent to all four wheels all the time
  • Part-time AWD – Power is always sent to the front axle, but will also be sent to the rear axle when needed
  • 4WD – Power can be sent to the front or rear axle, but can also be sent to the driver or passenger side.

AWD and 4WD – Hitting the Trail

Is there any difference between AWD and 4WD when it comes to going off-road? Is AWD better than 4WD at off-roading in and around the Glen Allen area? Quite the opposite. While an AWD vehicle is better at hitting the trail than a 2WD vehicle, it’s not quite as good as 4WD. A 4WD vehicle has the ability to divert power, not just from front to rear, but also from one side or the other, helping you to avoid problems like getting stuck in ruts, for instance.

AWD and 4WD – Winter Road Conditions

Is AWD better than 4WD in the snow? Yes, an AWD vehicle does do better on snow or icy roads than 4WD. That’s because snow and ice on the road generally call for balancing the power distribution between the front and rear axles, not so much from side to side.

Check Out the AWD and 4WD Vehicles at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Buick GMC Richmond

When it comes to your needs, which is better: an AWD or 4WD vehicle? Come down and take both kinds of cars for a test drive so that you can do your own comparison. We’d be happy to walk you through the differences. But while you’re here, check out our other car buying tips. We’re just a short drive away from Goochland. So, drop by or contact us today!

 

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Hendrick Vehicle Disclaimer:
$899 Dealer Processing Fee not included in advertised price.

All prices exclude all taxes, tag, title, registration fees, government fees and electronic filing fee. Out of state buyers are responsible for all taxes and government fees and title/registration fees in the state where the vehicle will be registered. All prices include all manufacturer to dealer incentives, which the dealer retains unless otherwise specifically provided. Dealer not responsible for errors and omissions; all offers subject to change without notice; please confirm listings with dealer.

All vehicles may not be physically located at this dealership but may be available for delivery through this location. Transportation charges may apply. Please contact the dealership for more specific information. All vehicles are subject to prior sale.

Additional Disclaimers:


*Finance charges accrue from date of financing. Deferred monthly payments for 90 days.  Monthly payment is $17.05 for every $1,000 you finance. Example down payment: 7.5%. Must finance with GM Financial. Down payment required at signing, if applicable. Not available in PA. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 3/3/25. ***Must show proof of a current lease of a 2020 model year or newer Chevrolet vehicle or be a current owner of a 2011 model year or newer Chevy vehicle for at least 30 days prior to the new vehicle sale. Not available with special financing, lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 3/3/25.

*Must show proof of a current lease of a 2020 model year or newer Chevrolet vehicle or be a current owner of a 2011 model year or newer Chevy vehicle for at least 30 days prior to the new vehicle sale. Not available with special financing, lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 3/3/25.

*Finance charges accrue from date of financing. Deferred monthly payments for 90 days.  Monthly payment is $17.05 for every $1,000 you finance. Example down payment: 7.5%. Must finance with GM Financial. Down payment required at signing, if applicable. Not available in PA. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 3/3/25.

*2.4% APR for 36 Monthly payment is $28.82 for every $1,000 you finance. Example down payment: varies by model. Must finance with GM Financial. Down payment required at signing, if applicable. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 3/3/25.

*Monthly payment is $28.16 for every $1,000 you finance. Average example down payment is 24.9%. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 3/3/25. ** Deferred monthly payments for 90 days. Excludes residents of PA. Must finance with GM Financial. Some customers may not qualify. Down payment required at signing, if applicable. Finance charges accrue from date of financing.  Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 3/3/25.

*Length of contract limited.  Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Savings based on Bankrate of 6.11%. Take new retail delivery by 3/3/25. *Limited availability at GMC EV dealers. Monthly payment is $16.67 for every $1,000 you finance. Average example down payment is 12.1%. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 3/3/25. **Only on the 5.3L V8 Engine. Based on MSRP of $59,895. For trade assistance, you must show proof of ownership and trade in a 2011 model year or newer vehicle. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 3/3/25.

*Length of contract limited.  Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Savings based on Bankrate of 6.11%. Take new retail delivery by 3/3/25. **Only on the 5.3L V8 Engine. Based on MSRP of $59,895. For trade assistance, you must show proof of ownership and trade in a 2011 model year or newer vehicle. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 3/3/25.

*Limited availability at GMC EV dealers. Monthly payment is $16.67 for every $1,000 you finance. Average example down payment is 12.1%. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 3/3/25

*Length of contract limited. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 3/3/25. **Deferred monthly payments for 90 days. Excludes residents of PA. Must finance with GM Financial. Some customers may not qualify. Down payment required at signing, if applicable. Finance charges accrue from date of financing. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 3/3/25.

*For Current Lessees of a 2020 model year or newer GM or Non-GM passenger car or truck at least 30 days prior to the lease of a new GM vehicle through GM Financial. Customer remains responsible for current lease payments. Each dealer sets own price. $249/month for 24 months. Your payments may vary. Payments are for a 2024 BUICK Envista FWD Preferred with an MSRP of $23,495. Based on due at signing amount of $2,809 (after all offers). 24 monthly payments total $5,976. Must show proof of lease. Option to purchase at lease end for an amount to be determined at lease signing. Lessor must approve lease. Lessee pays for maintenance, repair, excess wear and disposition fee of $495 or less at end of lease. No security deposit required. Payments may be higher in some states. Not available with other offers. Take new retail delivery by 03-03-2025.

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Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Buick GMC Richmond 37.6588, -77.6309.