What (Exactly) Does Four Wheel Drive Mean?

The Meaning of 4x4 vs 4x2

• The first digit refers to the number of wheels.
• The second digit refers to the number of driven wheels.
  
  • 4x4 (four by four):
    A vehicle with four wheels that's powered by four wheels (4WD)
  • 4x2 (four by two):
    A vehicle with four wheels that's powered by two wheels (2WD)

Today's vehicles offer a number of different drive train systems designed to help out in slippery conditions. For example, a four-wheel drive vehicle may come equipped with "Full-time 4WD", "Part-time 4WD", or "Automatic 4WD".

Here's what you should know about each, and when you should actually drive in 4WD mode.


Types of 4WD Systems

When to Use 4WD

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