Difference between All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)

It sound like the same thing, that all the 4 wheel engaged. Technically it is the same where all the wheel was engaged during the move. But the thing that make this two different is the way of the four-wheel engaged.

All-Wheel drive vehicles engaged permanently all the four wheel drive all the time without option to rear wheel drive only (2WD). Four-Wheel drive vehicle has manually engaging temporary four-wheel or two-wheel drive. Mean here that the driver have an option either to use 4WD or 2WD they need depend on the terrain condition.

Usually 2WD will be used on highway while 4WD engaged when off-road or rough terrain, towing or on heavy load. For a better traction and handling especially on wet road, 4WD and AWD is the best compared to 2WD.

 Examples of AWD vehicles

Examples of 4WD vehicles