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What is 4WD (four wheel drive)?

Four wheel drive (4WD) is when a vehicle's engine or electric motors drive all four wheels at the same time, giving more traction in slippery conditions. The term 4WD is sometimes used interchangeably with AWD.

Related glossary terms
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AWD (all-wheel drive)AWD (all-wheel drive) is another term for a vehicle that sends engine or motor power to all four wheels
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4x4A 4x4 is a four-wheeled vehicle that drives all four wheels using 4WD/AWD.
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FWD (front-wheel drive)A front-wheel drive (FWD) car sends power to the front wheels only