All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is a popular feature in SUVs that provides better traction and stability on the road. It’s a system that divides power between the front and rear wheels to provide a smooth and balanced driving experience, especially in challenging conditions like snow, mud, or wet roads. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at how all-wheel drive systems in SUVs work.

What is All-Wheel Drive?

All-Wheel Drive is a system that uses power from the engine to drive all four wheels of the vehicle. This is different from the traditional two-wheel drive system, which powers only the front or rear wheels. AWD systems can be permanent or part-time and can be further divided into different types, depending on the way they operate.

All-Wheel Drive Systems In SUVs

There are two main types of all-wheel drive systems: Permanent All-Wheel Drive and On-Demand All-Wheel Drive.

1. Permanent All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Permanent All-Wheel Drive is a system that is always engaged, meaning that power is being sent to all four wheels of the vehicle even when driving on dry roads. This type of all-wheel drive system is ideal for drivers who frequently drive in challenging weather conditions, as it provides the driver with enhanced stability, traction, and control at all times.
2. On-Demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD): On-Demand All-Wheel Drive is a system that only engages when it detects a loss of traction. This type of all-wheel drive system is typically found in front-wheel drive vehicles that are equipped with an electronic system that monitors the road conditions and automatically transfers power to the rear wheels when necessary. On-demand all-wheel drive systems are ideal for drivers who mostly drive on dry roads but want the added peace of mind that comes with having a system that can provide additional traction in challenging weather conditions.
3. Full-time AWD: Full-time AWD systems typically use a centre differential to distribute power between the front and rear wheels. The centre differential uses gears to control the amount of power being sent to each axle. This ensures that each wheel receives the proper amount of torque for maximum traction. Some full-time AWD systems also have a locking feature that allows the driver to lock the centre differential, effectively sending equal power to each wheel for improved traction in challenging conditions.
4. Part-time AWD: Part-time AWD systems use a transfer case to distribute power between the front and rear wheels. When 4WD is engaged, the transfer case sends power to both axles. When 2WD is engaged, power is only sent to the front or rear axle. Part-time AWD systems are typically less sophisticated and less expensive than full-time systems, but they are also less capable of providing maximum traction in adverse conditions.

Top 5 SUVs All-Wheel Drive 

1. Audi Quattro: Audi’s Quattro system is one of the most well-known and respected all-wheel drive systems on the market. It uses a multi-plate clutch to distribute power between the front and rear wheels as needed, providing excellent grip and stability on all types of terrain. The system is also capable of sending up to 85% of the engine’s torque to either the front or rear wheels, depending on the driving conditions.
2. Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive: Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is designed to provide balanced power distribution between the front and rear wheels. This results in improved handling and traction on all types of roads, including slippery and uneven surfaces. The system is standard on all Subaru SUVs, providing an additional level of confidence and safety for drivers.
3. Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC: Mercedes-Benz’s 4MATIC system is a sophisticated all-wheel drive system that uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch to distribute torque between the front and rear wheels. The system is able to monitor road conditions and adjust the torque accordingly, providing improved traction and stability on all types of roads.
4. BMW xDrive: The BMW xDrive system is a highly advanced all-wheel drive system that provides improved handling and traction on all types of roads. It uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch to distribute torque between the front and rear wheels, ensuring optimal grip and stability. The system also includes a rear-wheel drive mode for improved performance and handling on winding roads.
5. Land Rover Terrain Response: Land Rover’s Terrain Response system is a highly sophisticated all-wheel drive system that provides excellent traction and stability on all types of terrain. The system is designed to automatically adjust the vehicle’s traction and stability control systems based on the driving conditions, ensuring optimal performance and safety in any situation.

Benefits of All-Wheel Drive In SUVs

• Improved Traction and Control: All-Wheel Drive systems provide drivers with improved traction and control, especially when driving in challenging weather conditions. This is because power is being sent to all four wheels of the vehicle, providing the driver with more stability and control when driving on wet or slippery roads.

• Enhanced Safety: One of the key benefits of all-wheel drive systems in SUVs is enhanced safety. By providing drivers with improved traction and control, all-wheel drive systems help to reduce the risk of accidents and provide drivers with a sense of security when driving in challenging weather conditions.

• Better Fuel Efficiency: All-Wheel Drive systems have come a long way in recent years, and many of the newer systems are designed to be more fuel-efficient. This means that drivers can enjoy the benefits of all-wheel drive without sacrificing fuel economy.

• Improved Handling: All-Wheel Drive systems also provide drivers with improved handling, especially when driving on uneven terrain. This is because the power is being sent to all four wheels, providing drivers with better stability and control when driving on rough roads.

Winding up:

All-Wheel Drive is a popular feature in SUVs that provides better traction and stability on the road. The system operates by dividing power between the front and rear wheels, providing a smooth and balanced driving experience. Whether it’s a full-time or part-time system, AWD provides several advantages, including improved traction, stability, handling, and acceleration. So, next time you’re in the market for a new SUV, consider one with an all-wheel drive system for a safer and more enjoyable driving experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

• How does an all-wheel drive system work in SUVs?

An all-wheel drive system in SUVs works by distributing torque to all four wheels, rather than just the front or rear wheels. The system can sense when one wheel is losing traction, and it will redirect torque to the other wheels to maintain grip. This can help the vehicle to maintain control, even on slippery surfaces.

• Are all-wheel drive systems available on all SUVs?

No, not all SUVs come with all-wheel drive systems. Some smaller SUVs only offer front-wheel drive, while others are available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. It’s important to check the specifications of each individual model to determine which drivetrains are available.

• Is an all-wheel drive system in SUVs more expensive than a front-wheel drive system?

Yes, all-wheel drive systems in SUVs are generally more expensive than front-wheel drive systems. This is because they are more complex and require additional components and technology. However, many drivers consider the extra cost to be well worth it for the improved performance and driving experience that an all-wheel drive system provides.