As cars develop in features and technology it can quickly become overwhelming to know what exactly to pay attention to and what all the car-lingo even means. If you have been pretending to know the difference between 4-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, and 2 wheel-drive you are not alone. These terms get used interchangeably and also passively and it can be difficult to know what you actually need and what is all hype. So we are here to help sort out the common misunderstandings and guide you on the best option for you and your lifestyle.
2 Wheel Drive
Let’s start with the basics. We all want a car that is safe. Part of what makes a car safe is the amount of traction the car has with the road. Although this includes type of tires, weight of the car etc., the majority of this traction comes from which axle the car distributes power to. A classic car such as the Hyundai IONIQ EV Series II, typically comes with 2wd, meaning the engine sends the power to a single set of wheels. This could be the front two wheels or the back two wheels. These types of vehicles are ideal for areas with predictable, mild weather. And, because the power is distributed to only two of the wheels, not all four, they tend to be less expensive and more fuel efficient.
4 Wheel Drive
For the real off-roading, heavy towing capacity, or extreme weather conditions, a 4 wheel drive (also known as 4×4) vehicle is your best bet. These vehicles distribute the power to all four wheels by connecting the front and rear axles with special hardware called a transfer case. This hardware distributes the power equally between the front two wheels and and back two wheels making it ideal for heavy terrain. Keep in mind that the driver is responsible for turning on and off the 4wd feature at their discretion (unlike the all-wheel option described below). Hyundai offers a variety of 4wd vehicles that include the popular Santa Fe, and the slightly larger Palisade Series II. If you’re really looking to haul an extra large load, check out Hyundai’s Mighty Truck Fleet advancing Kiwi with the tools needed to succeed.
All Wheel Drive
Now that we have discussed the two opposites of 2wd and 4wd, let’s talk about the combination; all-wheel drive. This powertrain model utilizes your cars intelligence to automatically switch between the use of two wheels or all four wheels. This is a great balance between fuel efficiency and traction. Hyundai offers a large variety of all-wheel drive which include the all new Hyundai Tucson, the Kona Series II, and even an electric option the IONIQ 5 just to name a few.
There are many options when purchasing a new vehicle but you can quickly narrow it down by gaining an understanding of what is out there and then comparing it to your daily needs. If you find yourself still stuck try going in and giving a few vehicles a test drive, you will find that you discover what you love most by experiencing it for yourself. Discover the thrill of driving again. Book your test drive today.