4-Ward Thinking: Is 4 Wheel Drive the Best?

With all the SUVs on the road today, you might think off-roading was the national pastime-or that four wheel drive (4WD) was a necessity. What is it about 4WD that puts it on so many people's must-have list? And what's the difference between it and other options?

The lowdown on 4WD

During normal use, 4WD vehicles transfer the majority of engine power only to the rear wheels. But when additional traction is required, a lever can be switched that then transfers power to all four wheels.(So if one tire loses grip, there are now three others available to help-instead of one.) This makes 4WD vehicles more maneuverable in rough terrain and bad weather. That's why off-road vehicles, snow plows, and tow trucks all have it. The biggest downside to 4WD: It can add several thousand dollars to the sticker price of a new car.

All wheel drive (AWD) is a form of 4WD where power is always transferred to all four wheels-there's no lever flipping involved.

Other options include:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) In this system, power from the engine is transferred to the front tires, offering increased traction and safety. FWD provides easier handling, especially in harsher weather and snow. Most of today's popular, mid-priced cars have FWD.

Rear-Wheel Drive With RWD, power from the engine is transferred to the rear tires, splitting the weight of the vehicle evenly between the front and back ends. This allows for better cornering and stopping power, and a smoother ride. Most pickup trucks, sports cars, and luxury sports sedans have RWD. The downside is that RWD cars are harder to handle in poor weather and are prone to spinouts.

Whether 4WD is the best option is probably a matter of opinion. While it's certainly a nice option, all drive trains will get you where you’re going. And keep you safe.