This is the difference between AWD and 4WD in the simplest terms possible
Published on Dec 28, 2025 at 11:34 AM (UTC+4)
by Molly Davidson
Last updated on Dec 11, 2025 at 7:56 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
You probably know the basic difference between AWD and 4WD, but now a car salesman has broken down the differences in a way that makes it clearer than ever.
The car salesman in snowy Wyoming just provided the simplest explanation in quite a hilarious way.
No buzzwords. No diagrams. Just a clean breakdown that finally makes perfect sense.
Turns out, the secret is right there in the name.
DISCOVER SBX CARS – The global premium auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie
The ‘A’ stands for automatic in AWD
Kellen Whitehead from Fremont Motor Company explains it like this: AWD basically runs itself.
It drives as a two-wheel system most of the time, but when the sensors feel slip, the computer instantly kicks in all four wheels.
You don’t do anything – it decides for you.
Think of it as the automatic transmission of traction.
Hilariously, he even demonstrates the difference with his body in the snow.
And it makes the difference super clear.
That’s why most crossovers, sedans, and EVs rely on AWD.
It’s smooth, seamless, and great for unpredictable road conditions.
And that one letter – ‘A’ – is all you need to remember.
Automatic.
Easy.
No technical jargon, no salesman talk.
Where 4WD and RWD fit in
Four-wheel drive plays by old-school rules.
It starts as two-wheel drive, but you make the call to change over when things get a rough.
There’s a lever, knob, or button that switches power to all four corners – the kind of system you’ll find in trucks and serious off-road rigs.
It’s the opposite of automatic – manual, mechanical, and made for people who want full control.
Then there’s RWD, the setup behind most sports cars.
It sends power to the back only, giving sharper handling and better balance, but not much help on icy roads.
So next time someone drops drivetrain acronyms into conversation, just remember ‘A’ is for automatic, ‘4’ is for control, and ‘R’ is for rear.
DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie
Molly Davidson is a Junior Content Writer at Supercar Blondie. Based in Melbourne, she holds a double Bachelor’s degree in Arts/Law from Swinburne University and a Master’s of Writing and Publishing from RMIT. Molly has contributed to a range of magazines and journals, developing a strong interest in lifestyle and car news content. When she’s not writing, she’s spending quality time with her rescue English staffy, Boof.
