The Auto Wire on MSN

AWD, 4WD, FWD, RWD: Here's what that alphabet soup on your car actually means

FWD, RWD, AWD, 4WD — they're four of the most common acronyms on a window sticker, and plenty of drivers honestly aren't sure ...

I Drove The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD: Here’s My Honest Review Of Nissan’s Big Family SUV

The name's Pathfinder—Nissan Pathfinder. It's a familiar name that still sounds as if it should be glued onto something with ...
SlashGear

4WD High Vs. Low: A Guide For When To Use Which 4x4 Mode

Since America's first four-wheel-drive truck, owning an off-road vehicle has proven to be a lot of fun. It allows you to adventure on rugged terrain and even drive safer during unpredictable weather ...
autoevolution

AWD vs. 4WD: The Differences Between Them and Which One Is Better for You

There are a lot of misconceptions regarding all-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD). Some say they are the exact same thing; others argue that they are completely different, and one is a much ...
The Drive

AWD vs. 4WD: Know the Differences

When cars first gained popularity, rear-wheel drive (RWD) was the preferred method of propulsion. It also happened to be the only choice. But front-wheel drive (FWD) later took over the mainstream ...
Autoblog

AWD vs. 4WD: What's the difference, and which is better?

View post: 2016 Nissan GT-R For Sale With Just 9k Miles, In Factory Condition. As you’re certainly aware, most cars these days have four wheels. So why do people make a distinction between all-wheel ...
autoevolution

4WD and AWD Systems Explained for Current FCA US Vehicles

From the 2015 Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan to the 2015 Jeep Wrangler off-road all-star, Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles' North American arm is currently employing lots of 4WD and all-wheel drive drivelines.
Car and Driver

AWD vs. 4WD Explained

Here's a comparative analogy for understanding the similarities and differences between all-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD): an espresso is to Irish coffee as all-wheel drive is to ...
The Drive

4WD vs AWD? National Park Service Will Send You a Letter If You Don’t Know the Difference

The automotive industry tends to use two different terms for vehicles that can send power to all four wheels: four-wheel drive (4WD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). There are mild variations of both, with ...
Motor Trend

4WD vs. AWD: What’s the Difference?

The simplest, most old-school versions have no center differential, meaning they permanently split torque 50/50 front/rear and hence should not be driven on dry pavement in 4WD mode because the ...
TopSpeed

4WD Vs. AWD: The Differences Explained

Jack's passion for cars started when Fernando Alonso won his first Formula 1 championship behind the wheel of the blue and yellow R25. Ever since, his enthusiasm for the automotive industry has ...