What's the Difference Between All-Wheel and Four-Wheel Drive?

We see vehicles like the Fiat 500X Trekking that come with all-wheel drive, and then other vehicles like the four-wheel drive available on the Jeep Wrangler, but what separates the two? Is one better than the other? Is it better to have four-wheel or all-wheel drive in the winter? We’ll talk about the differences and help you to choose the option that bests fits your needs and lifestyle.

All-Wheel vs Four-Wheel Drive

All-wheel drive is the most common option and offers a boost to driver confidence in tough driving conditions. All-wheel drive offers power to all four wheels of your vehicle, but will switch the power to whichever two tires have the best traction at any given time. For example, if you’re driving on ice and your front wheels lose traction, the all-wheel drive system will transfer power to the rear wheels to ensure you maintain control.

Four-wheel drive on the other hand, offers power to all four tires all the time. When you have four-wheel drive, you will experience reliable traction in most driving conditions, as power at all wheels gives your vehicle the ability to keep moving. Going off-roading and heavy towing are great reasons to have four-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive systems use rear-wheel drive in normal conditions, and can be switched into the four-wheel drive setting when conditions require the boost in traction.

Is Four-Wheel Drive Better in Snow?

When it comes to diving in the snow, the road conditions often change quickly. For those doing a lot of driving in the city and on the highway will feel comfortable and benefit from the confidence of all-wheel drive, as the vehicle will adapt to the changing surroundings, moving power to the wheels that need it, while braking the ones that have lost traction. While front-wheel drive will offer the best fuel economy, all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive both can create a more comfortable and safe driving experience in the icy, snowy weather of winter.

All-Wheel Drive Vehicles for Sale Kenosha WI

If you’re interested in an affordable, all-wheel drive vehicle in Kenosha, come check out the 2017 Fiat 500X with AWD at Palmen Fiat. We’ve got the inventory you need, at the prices and financing plans to fit your budget. Schedule a test drive appointment online or give us a call today!