4x4 Truck (2024)

FAQs

Is it worth getting a 4x4 truck? ›

The gas efficiency may be lower on a 4×4, while the cost of maintaining the vehicle may be higher. However, if you're in the market for a truck that can improve your towing capacity in challenging conditions, you may benefit from springing for the 4×4.

The advantages of a four-wheel drive system include: 4×4 vehicles can drive all four wheels for increased traction when traveling over challenging terrain. 4×4 vehicles often have a higher towing and payload capacity than 4×2 vehicles. 4×4 vehicles generally have a higher resale value than 4×2 vehicles.

Generally, 4WD and AWD are only necessary if you live in a climate where it snows and rains a lot. If you drive on dirt roads that are frequently muddy, they can provide more confidence when it matters most.

Modern trucks are built to last longer than they used to, and they can exceed 200,000 miles with conscientious maintenance. A well-serviced truck is a long-lasting truck; Ford's engineers have emphasized that timely communication about necessary repairs can significantly extend a truck's life.

Drivetrain Differences

The short answer is that yes, most four-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles do require more maintenance. That's because each type of drivetrain works differently to power the car.

Most AWD vehicles offer better resale value than their 2-wheel-drive (2WD) counterparts. There's a reason: AWD costs more upfront, making a vehicle more capable.

Two-wheel drive vehicles use less energy to power the wheels, so they are more fuel-efficient. Two-wheel drive vehicles are lighter, so they are more agile.

Car and Driver notes that 4WD is not meant to be used all the time. It's only for certain road types, including rugged terrain and off-roading, as well as slippery conditions, like snow or mud. Otherwise, 4WD vehicles should be driven in two-wheel drive, according to Car and Driver.

What is 4x4 best for? ›

4WD is usually created for off-road driving and, normally speaking, 4 wheels have twice the traction of 2. Four-wheel drive is also usually paired with locked differentials for best off-road efficiency.

Better traction = better control

Losing traction can lead your car to aquaplane when the road is wet, which happens often in this tropical country. With 4×4 vehicles, you get control across all 4 wheels, and you're likely to handle the vehicle better even though weather conditions might be less than ideal.

You can expect to experience drivetrain binding if a 4-wheel is driven for many miles on dry highways, and transmission windup can occur due to the front and rear drive-shafts not rotating at the correct speed or frequency influenced by the direction in which you're driving.

Benefits Of A 4 Wheel Drive Truck

Traction - In poor weather conditions, a 4x4 truck will have much better traction than a 2 wheel drive. This is because the weight is evenly distributed over all four tires. Climbing - If you need to go up a hill or incline, a 4x4 truck will be able to do it with ease.

Disadvantages of Two-Wheel Drive

Disadvantages of 2-wheel drive options can include: Less traction than four-wheel drive vehicles. Perform worse in the rain. Poor performance in the snow, making them prone to getting stuck.

The pros include the following: Two-wheel drive vehicles are less expensive than four-wheel drive models. Two-wheel drive vehicles use less energy to power the wheels, so they are more fuel-efficient. Two-wheel drive vehicles are lighter, so they are more agile.

Typically, AWD is better for driving on snowy and icy roads because the driver doesn't have to make any changes or use guesswork. But 4WD is the better option if you're going to be driving in deep snow, rough back roads or very extreme winter weather conditions, such as a snowdrift or an icy hill.