The difference between Front Wheel Drive, Rear Wheel Drive, All Wheel Drive, and Four Wheel Drive

If you're scouting dealerships for a new vehicle, you might hear terms like "front-wheel drive (FWD)" and "all-wheel-drive (AWD)" tossed around. This jargon refers to the drivetrain, an assembly of parts that enables a car to move forward.

The drivetrain affects your vehicle's performance, cost, and safety. It may even influence how much you pay for auto insurance. So, it's crucial to understand how it works so you can choose the type that's best for your needs and driving style.

What is a drivetrain?

The drivetrain is a group of components that deliver power from the car's engine to the driving wheels. The driving wheels are the ones that rotate the axles, propelling the vehicle into motion.

Vehicles generally have one of four drivetrains:

• Front-wheel drive (FWD)
• Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
• All-wheel drive (AWD)
• Four-wheel drive (4WD)

What’s the difference between FWD, RWD, AWD and 4WD?

The difference between drivetrains stems from how the engine distributes across the wheels, which, in turn, affects the vehicle's traction, handling, fuel efficiency, and more.

Front-wheel drive (FWD)

In FWD, the engine supplies power to the front wheels only. This configuration is the most common, especially in smaller vehicles like sedans and hatchbacks.

A FWD setup is notable for its simplicity, affordability, and exceptional fuel economy, making it appealing to drivers in urban environments. Cars with FWD operate best on even, well-maintained roads but also fare well in rain and light snow.

Rear-wheel drive (RWD)

In an RWD system, the engine shares power with the back wheels, so the rear axles push the vehicle forward. Once the industry standard, today, you'll mostly find RWD on pickup trucks, sports cars, and luxury sedans.

RWD provides a more balanced weight distribution than FWD since the engine and driving wheels are on opposite ends of the vehicle. As a result, cars with RWD offer better handling and performance, making them a good fit for smooth roads in areas with moderate climates. Their power makes them ideal for towing heavy loads, too.

All-wheel drive (AWD)

In AWD vehicles, the engine supplies power to both the front and rear axles, depending on road conditions. So, all four wheels can spring into action if necessary. For example, if you're driving up a hill and losing traction in your front wheels, the rear axles will kick in to offset the loss.

AWD vehicles are well-suited for varying and unpredictable environments, including those with heavy rain and snow. They also perform well across uneven terrain, so you can take them off-roading.

A wide range of vehicles offer AWD: SUVs, crossovers, coupes, sedans, minivans, wagons, and some trucks and sports cars.

Four-wheel drive (4WD)

In 4WD, the engine connects power equally to the front and rear axles at all times, which enhances the vehicle's power and durability. This feature makes 4WD vehicles ideal for extreme off-roading: climbing steep hills, traversing massive boulders, pressing through dense mud, etc.

A 4WD drivetrain is typically found on jeeps, trucks, and other vehicles specifically built to handle rugged and treacherous terrains.

How do you decide which drivetrain to get?

Below are some things to consider when deciding on your preferred drivetrain:

Cost

If you're working with a tight car budget, FWD is the most affordable option, followed by RWD. These drivetrains are cheaper to build and repair, resulting in a lower price tag and maintenance costs. You'll also get better mileage.

Location

Vehicles with FWD and RWD are suited for urban settings with smooth, paved streets that experience mild weather. If you frequently drive on slippery roads, through heavy snowfalls and rural trails, you'll benefit from the versatility of AWD. Vehicles with 4WD excel on rugged, uneven roads, letting you easily tackle mud, gravel, and deep snow.

Lifestyle and driving habits

FWD is a good fit if your driving routine consists mainly of commuting and running errands. RWD will serve you well if you crave swift acceleration, smooth braking, and superior handling. AWD works best for all-around driving performance, whether on bumpy roads, fresh pavement, or snowy highways. A vehicle equipped with 4WD is a no-brainer if you enjoy off-road exploration in the backcountry.

Does your vehicle's drivetrain impact your auto insurance premium?

The drivetrain isn't a specific factor that insurance providers consider when calculating auto insurance rates, so it shouldn’t directly affect your premium.

However, it may have an indirect impact as the drivetrain usually influences other factors that determine the cost of your policy. These include your car's make and model, year, historical claims, safety features, repair costs, and theft risk.

According to the Lowestrates.ca auto insurance quoter, a 35-year-old male* with a clean driving record who drives a 2024 Honda CR-V EX-L 4DR can expect to pay the following rates, depending on their location and drivetrain option:

Downtown Toronto, Ontario

Grovedale, Alberta:

As you can see, the AWD commands a higher insurance rate than 2WD in downtown Toronto, but a much lower one in rural Alberta.

These premiums are based on the claims associated with each specific Honda model. While each insurance company uses prices their rates differently, it’s possible that the AWD model incurs more claims in Toronto (perhaps due to high theft rates or more reckless driving) and fewer claims in Alberta (due to its superior performance on rugged and snowy terrain).

The bottom line on drivetrains

Even if you're not a gearhead, it's worth familiarizing yourself with the different drivetrains when shopping for a vehicle. Learn about their capabilities and limitations to pick one that suits your needs and allows you to drive confidently. Consider your driving habits, lifestyle, budget, the weather in your area, and insurance rate when deciding.

Compare auto insurance rates to ensure you’re always getting the best coverage at the lowest price for your vehicle.