What's The Difference Between 4x4 And 4WD? - The News Wheel

XFacebookLinkedInWhatsAppShareReddit

If you’ve ever heard people talk about off-road vehicles, you’ve probably heard the term 4×4 (four-by-four). And if you’ve ever shopped for a car, you’ve probably heard of 4WD (four-wheel drive). But unless you’re a car buff, you’ve probably wondered: what’s the difference?

Well, truthfully, a lot of people use the terms interchangeably. But that doesn’t mean they actually mean the same thing. 4×4 and 4WD both mean that power is sent to four wheels to control the vehicle, but it’s a little more complex than that.

All 4×4 vehicles have 4WD, but not all 4WD vehicles are 4x4s.

4WD Trucks: Check out the new 2018 GMC Sierra

Each number in 4×4 has its own meaning. The first number in this format signifies the vehicle’s number of wheels. If you’re in a standard car, SUV, or pickup, the first number will usually be 4. It will only change with larger vehicles like commercial trucks. The second number signifies how many of the wheels receive power to make the vehicle move. In a 4×4, all four wheels receive the power. In a 4×2 vehicle, only two of the vehicle’s four wheels receive power.

However, this isn’t necessarily synonymous with 4WD. Yes, a 4×4 vehicle has 4WD. But let’s say you have a larger six-wheel truck with two powered axles. That would be a 6×4 (a six-wheel vehicle powered by four wheels) and also considered a 4WD vehicle.

With that being said, it’s fairly uncommon to come across six-wheel vehicles on the road. That’s why 4×4 and 4WD are often used interchangeably. However, it’s important to know the difference if you’re shopping with your new vehicle’s drivetrain in mind.

Half-Ton Crew Cabs: Learn more about GMC’s plans for upcoming truck models

Source: 4×4 ABC

Meg Thomson is a writer, photographer, blogger, and activist. When she isn’t writing, Meg can be found immersing herself in television scripts, adopting and playing with animals, or updating lists of her dream travel destinations (the list never ends). Meg believes writing is power, and equality is essential. She is determined to make a difference in the world, one word at a time. See more articles by Meg.