The Under the Hood
Show
Dear Motor Medics, I want to know about four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
I am looking at a 2021 Subaru with all-wheel drive and a 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee with all-wheel drive and fulltime four-wheel drive. This is a lot to take in and the lots where I am looking to purchase one of these vehicles are not connecting with me on the explanation I am looking for.
I want to know about the different systems and which one is best. I would prefer one that has a two-wheel drive position but none of these do. Will parts wear faster on these vehicles since they don’t?
Thank you, Jack in Toledo Ohio Dear Jack, Four-wheel drive has a switchable system with a two-wheel drive position usually with a low and high range and sometimes even a full-time mode.
An all-wheel drive may not be switchable at all by the driver and a full-time four-wheel drive is also an all-wheel drive but may have a two-speed transfer case giving you the option of both low and high range. Any system that you can put into two-wheel drive mode will help with drivetrain wear, but an all-wheel drive system often puts itself into two-wheel drive mode automatically by way of decoupling two of the drive wheels when not needed to save fuel and wear.
It’s all consumer choice but a fully automatic system that puts itself into two-wheel drive can save wear and give you added safety through increased traction.
Take care, The Motor Medics
- Log in or Subscribe to post comments.