What is the difference between all wheel drive and 4×4?
some vehicles are equipped with all wheel drive, meaning they are in 4×4(high) at all times. this provides better traction, but can reduce fuel economy. vehicles that state they are 4×4 mean they have a transfer case, and you can “lock in” the front tires so they will drive along with the rear, giving you better traction. normally 4×4 vehicles, the back tires are the only driving force untill you engage the front tires. also, 4×4 vehicles generally have a 4×4 low, and a 4×4 high. the 4×4 low is for extreme traction, at a low gear ratio, meaning you cant drive over 20-30 mph because of low gear ratio. the 4×4 high, is for higher geared traction, such as rainy conditions, thus all wheel drive, and 4×4 high are basically the same, other than you can go from 4×2, to 4×4 high, to 4×4 low, and a all wheel drive basically stays in 4×4 high all the time….. whew………..