Individuals who are in the market for a car, sport utility vehicle (SUV) or truck capable of on and off-road use will want to consider certain related specs, one of which is the driveline, which is part of the powertrain. Most people are familiar with the terms ”two-wheel”, “rear-wheel” or “front-wheel” drive, which is a literal description that indicates which wheels the engine controls. For example, the engine of a front-wheel drive car powers the front wheels, while the back wheels just roll along with them. Off-road vehicles are marketed as four-wheel drive (4WD) and all wheel drive cars (AWD), which means that the driveline is configured so that the engine can power all of the wheels either when manually engaged for low-traction conditions or full-time. While these two terms sound like they mean the same thing and are used interchangeably by sneaky marketers, they are not the same. It is important to understand the difference to avoid a rather costly disappointment.
The Difference Between 4WD and AWD
The main difference between 4WD drive and all-wheel drive vehicles is that the 4WD autos require the driver to change gears for off-road use, and all wheel drive cars do not. The reason why a 4WD auto cannot stay in the four-wheel mode full-time is because this would damage the vehicle’s differentials, which are the gear devices that keep each wheel rotating at a certain speed to allow proper handling. If all wheels rotated at the same speed, the car would be difficult to control when turning corners, so they must be able to rotate at different speeds to allow the driver full control of the vehicle when performing any manoeuvres. A car or truck with an AWD powertrain is built to engage all wheels on any surface without causing damage to the differentials. This is because the all-wheel drive system features a center differential not found in standard 4WD configurations. When the center differential engages, each wheel is powered to rotate at a different speed, which prevents damage when driving on dry, paved roads.
Why Choose an All Wheel Drive Car?
The most attractive feature of an all wheel drive vehicle is its ability to automatically transfer power to different axles when there is a change in surface conditions. While people who only engage in occasional off-road excursions would be happy with a part-time 4WD automobile, there are those who regularly drive in variable or unpredictable road conditions where the AWD feature would be desirable or essential. Below is a short list of examples of individuals who would benefit most from all wheel drive cars:
- Farmers and wildlife rangers,
- Law enforcement/ rescue personnel
- Utility workers
- Rural residents using variable driving surfaces
- Individuals who regularly encounter extreme weather (i.e. heavy rains, snow and ice)
- Residents in mountainous areas or rugged terrain
What are the Best AWD Cars?
As a rule, all wheel drive vehicles are more expensive than traditional 4WD varieties because they offer superior handling and control via parts that are more expensive to manufacture. Even though price is almost always a major factor when choosing a vehicle, it should not overshadow other pertinent considerations, especially when one needs the added safety that an AWD vehicle offers. No doubt one will encounter contradicting and varying reviews and opinions while researching vehicle models and manufacturers. It is hard to find a definitive top all wheel drive cars list, but there are many authoritative guides on the Internet one can compare to see which models appear consistently in favorable reviews. Currently, many consumer review sites mention the following models of all wheel drive cars as top performers:
- Subaru Forrester, small SUV
- Subaru Outback, wagon
- Volvo S60, luxury sedan
- Buick LaCross (V-6 model), sedan
- Audi A3, sports car
Best All Wheel Drive Cars: Subaru Forester and Outback
While these models are all very different, they have some features in common besides AWD transmissions that make them top performers in various conditions and surfaces. Powerful engines are quite important when driving through rugged terrain and on slippery surfaces. The engine must have the power to propel the vehicle over obstacles like rocks and packed mud or snow piles while simultaneously transferring power between wheels for added traction. The best performers feature at least 2.5 to 3.5 liter engines. All of the engine power in the world will not keep passengers safe if visibility and traction are inadequate, however. The car should be equipped with high-power windshield wiper systems that will not freeze up or fail during inclement weather, and heated windshields and mirrors are definitely options to consider. The car should also come with high-quality snow tires. Obviously, the vehicle’s ground clearance is an important factor for driving in snow, but generous ground clearance can also lead to roll-over accidents if the vehicle’s center of gravity is high as well. Crossover or SUV-style wagons and sedans combine good ground clearance with low centers of gravity, making them safer alternatives to large SUVs and trucks.
Buying a new car is certainly an important and expensive investment, which is why most people research various models and brands before heading to the dealership. However, it can be a difficult and overwhelming decision considering all of the various options and specifications listed for each model. To avoid overspending on unnecessary options, a consumer should have a solid idea of his or her needs and desires prior to test driving any autos. Drivers who require the added safety and superior handling of all wheel drive cars should evaluate models that are most suited to their needs and driving environments. One should always keep in mind that no matter how much the vehicle costs, its reputation for safety and performance should be a higher consideration than price.