All Wheel Drive and 4WD are distinctly different systems, meant for different purposes.
With manufacturers marketing many different AWD systems on the market today, it’s important to be savvy about what is true 4WD and what is really some flavor of all wheel drive.
Four wheel drive means that the front and rear driveshafts are mechanically linked through a standard transfer case or locking differential, AWD systems vary greatly but all use some kind of center differential to divide drive between the front and rear axles. Can you drive it around a corner on pavement without a problem? If yes, then it is AW
