AWD Vs. 4WD: Which Style You Should Choose For Outdoor Adventures, Per An Automotive Expert

When it comes to choosing outdoor adventure gear, there are a lot of decisions to be made. While the majority of the essential gear list is focused on items for personal comfort and safety, including backpacks, first-aid kits, socks, etc., the decision of what kind of vehicle to choose for your outdoor adventure is incredibly important. One of the worst mistakes travelers make when renting or purchasing a car for outdoor adventuring is choosing the wrong kind. And one of the biggest questions in making that choice is whether to choose all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD).

To help answer this question, we spoke to expert automotive writer Travis Langness from our sister site SlashGear. He explains that the difference between AWD and 4WD is not as complicated as it seems. "Both AWD and 4WD drive all four wheels of your vehicle, but they're typically used in different scenarios. All-wheel drive is often equipped to regular passenger vehicles like sedans and crossovers. For the most part, these systems shift seamlessly between driving two wheels and four wheels without the driver noticing. Four-wheel drive systems typically require physically shifting the vehicle from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive (or selecting the shift via digital controls)."

With those technical definitions out of the way, we can dive deep into the specifics of what types of outdoor adventure scenarios warrant the use of 4WD and which warrant the use of AWD. Because while the systems seem similar, they can have vastly different applications.

Developed by a British engineer in the late 19th century, 4WD came into its own during WWII and eventually hit the civilian market in the late 1940s. The system works by connecting the vehicle's front and rear axles through a transfer case. This distributes engine power equally between the axles, allowing for better traction over tricky terrain. "4WD is typically necessary while off-roading over very slippery or uneven surfaces. Deep mud and snow often require four-wheel drive as well," says Travis Langness.

On most vehicles, 4WD is a part-time system. This means that you can change from 2WD to 4WD via a floor-mounted manual shifter or an electronic switch on the dashboard. You typically have a choice between 4-HI — which offers a 1:1 power ratio to the wheels — and 4-LO, which changes up the torque on the axles for better traction at slower speeds.

Some common and popular 4WD SUVs for rental or purchase include the Jeep Wrangler, Land Rover Defender, Ford Bronco, and the Toyota Land Cruiser or 4Runner. Any of these are a great option if you're someone who is looking to explore terrain that is not suitable for a commuter car. Langness has one thing to keep in mind, however: "Don't assume you can get to a remote destination or travel up a snowy mountain just because your vehicle has AWD or 4WD. Check the road conditions, read your owner's manual, and bring some basic off-road recovery gear with you if you plan on going somewhere remote."

AWD cars were pioneered by Subaru during the 1970s. The idea was to provide your commuting vehicle with more stability and grip by equipping it with a system that, unlike a 4WD truck, never shuts off. It constantly sends power to all four wheels, regularly making adjustments as necessary to provide the best possible grip. It's very user friendly and comes in handy when you're adventuring places that aren't ultra remote, but still off the beaten path.

It's really the type of terrain you're driving over that will dictate your choice between an AWD and 4WD vehicle. "For most dirt roads, all-wheel drive should get things done just fine," says Travis Langness. So while it won't provide the kind of serious off-roading capabilities as a 4WD vehicle, an AWD car is excellent for traveling to that cabin out in the woods, down a sandy trail to the beach, and even over a bit of snow to get to the ski lodge.

As for what vehicle to choose, your options are almost endless. Nearly every major automaker sells an AWD vehicle, but some of the best include the Subaru Outback or Crosstrek, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Volvo XC60. So whether you're headed to the underrated, yet gorgeous, wilds of Canyonlands National Park or looking to drive America's most scenic road trips, an AWD or 4WD car is going to be your best bet for an excellent adventure.