Car care · Elgin Auto Sales & Service Center · Elgin, IL
AWD vs. 4WD: What Is the Difference?
All-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) both send power to all four wheels, but the systems behind those labels work differently, and carmakers do not use the names the same way. The clearest way to compare them is to look at how real systems are described in their owner's manuals. This guide uses three 2026 examples: a Dodge Durango with AWD, a Ram 1500 with 4WD and a Jeep Compass with Jeep Active Drive.
Full-timethe Durango single-speed AWD needs no driver input
Part-timeRam 4WD HIGH and LOW are for loose, slippery surfaces only
25 mphtop speed in Ram 4WD LOW and Durango AWD LOW
Same tiresall three manuals require matching tires
The short answer
In the manual examples, all-wheel drive works on its own: the Durango's single-speed system provides full-time AWD with no driver interaction required. Traditional four-wheel drive is something you select: the Ram 1500's 4WD HIGH and 4WD LOW make the front and rear wheels turn at the same speed and are designed for loose, slippery road surfaces only, while 2WD is for normal driving on dry pavement. Some systems blur the line, with an automatic 4WD AUTO setting on a truck, or a low range on an AWD SUV, so check how your own vehicle's system is described.
How all-wheel drive works
The 2026 Dodge Durango Owner's Manual describes its single-speed (HI range only) transfer case as providing convenient full-time All-Wheel Drive (AWD), with no driver interaction required. It adds that the Brake Traction Control system resists any wheel that is slipping to allow additional torque transfer to wheels with traction.
The 2026 Jeep Compass Owner's Manual describes a similar automatic approach for Jeep Active Drive: the system is automatic with no driver inputs or additional driving skills required. Under normal driving conditions the front wheels provide most of the traction; if they begin to lose traction, power is shifted automatically to the rear wheels, and on dry pavement under heavy throttle torque is sent to the rear in a preemptive effort to improve launch. Jeep calls this four-wheel drive, which shows how loosely the labels are used.
From the 2026 Dodge Durango Owner's Manual (publication 105478_26_WD, edition E2; All-Wheel Drive Operation, page 141) and the 2026 Jeep Compass Owner's Manual (publication 102916_26_MP, edition E1; Jeep Active Drive, page 121), read November 4, 2026.
How part-time four-wheel drive works
The 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual describes an electronically shifted transfer case that the driver operates with a 4WD control switch on the instrument panel. Its positions are:
- 2WD: for normal street and highway driving on dry hard surfaced roads. The manual says driving in 2WD has greater fuel economy benefits because the front axle is not engaged.
- 4WD HIGH: engages four-wheel drive so the front and rear wheels spin at the same speed, for additional traction on loose or slippery road surfaces only.
- 4WD LOW: low speed four-wheel drive with increased torque over 4WD HIGH, for additional traction and maximum pulling power on loose or slippery surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
- 4WD AUTO (five-position transfer case, GT models): sends power to the front wheels automatically when the vehicle senses a loss of traction, and may be used during varying road conditions.
- N (Neutral): disengages both driveshafts, for flat towing behind another vehicle only.
The manual warns that driving in 4WD HIGH or 4WD LOW on dry, hard surfaced roads may cause increased tire wear and damage to the driveline components. For driving in snow and ice, see also our winter car care guide.
From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (publication 104308_26_DT, edition E2; Four Wheel Drive, pages 198 to 200), read November 4, 2026.
AWD vs. 4WD side by side
Here is how the three manual examples compare:
| Dodge Durango AWD (single-speed) | Ram 1500 4WD (four-position) | Jeep Compass Jeep Active Drive | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver selects it? | No: full-time, no driver interaction required | Yes: 2WD, 4WD HIGH, 4WD LOW or N with the 4WD control switch | No: automatic; 4WD LOCK and (Trailhawk) 4WD LOW buttons available |
| Everyday dry roads | Stays in AWD | 2WD; 4WD HIGH and LOW are for loose, slippery surfaces only | AUTO mode, usable on and off road |
| Low range | Not on the single-speed system; AWD LOW on the electronically shifted transfer case | 4WD LOW, 25 mph maximum | 4WD LOW on Trailhawk models only |
| Fuel economy note in the manual | Not stated in the AWD section | 2WD has greater fuel economy benefits | AUTO reduces fuel consumption by disconnecting the drive shaft where conditions permit |
From the 2026 Dodge Durango Owner's Manual (pages 141 to 142), the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (pages 198 to 200) and the 2026 Jeep Compass Owner's Manual (pages 121 to 122), read November 4, 2026. Equipment varies by model and trim.
Where the AWD and 4WD labels blur
The manuals show why the badge alone does not tell you how a system works:
AWD with a low range
The Durango's optional electronically shifted transfer case has AWD AUTO, AWD LOW and N. AWD LOW locks the front and rear driveshafts together and, like the Ram's 4WD LOW, is designed for loose, slippery road surfaces only, with a 25 mph (40 km/h) limit.
4WD that runs on its own
The Ram's five-position transfer case adds 4WD AUTO, which sends power to the front wheels automatically when the vehicle senses a loss of traction.
4x4 that works like AWD
The Compass's Jeep Active Drive is automatic, with the front wheels providing most of the traction under normal conditions. Where equipped, Active Drive Control locks the Power Transfer Unit to ensure immediate availability of torque to the rear axle.
From the 2026 Dodge Durango Owner's Manual (pages 141 to 142), the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (page 200) and the 2026 Jeep Compass Owner's Manual (pages 121 to 122), read November 4, 2026.
Rules AWD and 4WD vehicles share
All three manuals insist on matching tires. The Ram and Durango manuals say proper operation depends on tires of equal size, type and circumference on each wheel and that any difference can cause damage, and the Compass manual says unequal tire sizes may cause failure of its Power Transfer Unit. So when you replace tires on an AWD or 4WD vehicle, replace them as the manual specifies; our guide on how often to rotate tires covers keeping wear even.
Both the Ram and Durango manuals also warn that because the extra driven wheels provide improved traction, there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping speeds. In other words, do not let the extra traction tempt you to go faster than road conditions permit.
From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (pages 199 and 201), the 2026 Dodge Durango Owner's Manual (page 142) and the 2026 Jeep Compass Owner's Manual (page 121), read November 4, 2026.
AWD and 4WD service at Elgin Auto Sales & Service Center
Our service department works on all makes and models. If a 4WD or AWD warning light is on, a shift will not complete, or you hear new noises from the driveline, tell us what happened and our technicians will take a look. Shopping for a used AWD or 4WD vehicle? Browse our used inventory and read how to test drive a used car.
Our service department at 1200 E. Chicago St. in Elgin is open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is closed Sunday. Schedule service, see our service specials or get directions.
AWD vs. 4WD FAQ
What is the main difference between AWD and 4WD?
In the 2026 manual examples, AWD runs automatically: the Dodge Durango single-speed system is full-time with no driver interaction required. Part-time 4WD is selected by the driver: the Ram 1500's 4WD HIGH and 4WD LOW are for loose, slippery surfaces only, and 2WD is for dry pavement.
Can I drive in 4WD on dry pavement?
Not in a part-time 4WD position. The 2026 Ram 1500 manual says driving in 4WD HIGH or 4WD LOW on dry, hard surfaced roads may cause increased tire wear and damage to the driveline components. Use 2WD, or 4WD AUTO if your transfer case has it, which the manual says may be used during varying road conditions.
Is AWD or 4WD better in snow?
Both add traction on slippery roads. The Ram 1500 manual says 4WD AUTO may be used during varying road conditions, and the Jeep Compass manual has a SNOW mode for roads covered with snow. Either way, the Ram and Durango manuals warn that improved traction creates a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping speeds.
Does AWD use more fuel?
The manual examples suggest it can. The Jeep Compass manual says its AUTO mode reduces fuel consumption by allowing the drive shaft to disconnect where conditions permit, and the Ram 1500 manual says 2WD has greater fuel economy benefits because the front axle is not engaged.
Do AWD and 4WD vehicles need matching tires?
Yes. The Ram 1500, Dodge Durango and Jeep Compass manuals all call for tires of equal size and type, and say mismatched tires can damage the drivetrain, transfer case or Power Transfer Unit.
What are your service hours?
Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. We are closed Sunday.
4WD or AWD acting up?
Schedule service at 1200 E. Chicago St. in Elgin and tell us what your vehicle is doing.
Sources
All-wheel drive, four-wheel drive and Jeep Active Drive details are from the 2026 Dodge Durango Owner's Manual (publication 105478_26_WD, edition E2), the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (publication 104308_26_DT, edition E2) and the 2026 Jeep Compass Owner's Manual (publication 102916_26_MP, edition E1), used as manufacturer examples and read November 4, 2026. Other vehicles work differently, so check your own owner's manual. Service hours are from our service page, checked the same day.
- 2026 Dodge Durango Owner's Manual (All-Wheel Drive Operation), Dodge / Mopar, read November 4, 2026
- 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Four Wheel Drive; transfer cases), Ram / Mopar, read November 4, 2026
- 2026 Jeep Compass Owner's Manual (Jeep Active Drive; Selec-Terrain), Jeep / Mopar, read November 4, 2026
- Service department and service hours, Elgin Auto Sales & Service Center
- Home page: address and all makes and models, Elgin Auto Sales & Service Center