As the name implies, all-wheel drive technology has the capability to power both front and rear axles. There are two types of AWD:

• Full-time AWD: With this option, both the front and rear axles receive power from the engine all the time, regardless of the road conditions. This allows the vehicle to handle better on dry and slippery roads by providing continuous traction that offers smoother and safer handling.
• Part-time AWD: With this option, the vehicle operates in two-wheel drive (2WD) mode. When the vehicle’s computer sensors detect conditions where wheel slippage occurs, the AWD system engages all four wheels to provide extra traction and control.

Full-time and part-time all-wheel drive systems generally operate the same way and can go to work automatically without driver input. Drivers can switch between the two systems depending on their needs, and some vehicles even offer additional modes that provide more control over which wheels receive additional power.

The AWD system itself consists of a series of complex components but can be broken into three key parts that work seamlessly together:

• The Differential: A set of intricate gears that transmit engine power to the wheels while allowing them to turn at different speeds whenever the vehicle turns.
  
• Coupling Unit: A series of plates that are locked in a metal unit and filled with a thick fluid. The coupling connects the back wheels to the front wheels so that when one set of wheels starts to slip, torque is transferred seamlessly to the other set.
  
• The Multi-plate Clutch: A complex series of plates and discs that work together with the engine to distribute power to the wheels and maximize traction. This particular clutch will apply more torque if the wheels start to slip.

Together, these three elements form the basis of the AWD system, allowing for smoother traction and control under various road conditions.

Nowadays, owning an eco-friendly vehicle doesn't necessarily mean you need to compromise on performance. Thanks to new-generation AWD systems found in HEVs, PHEVs, and BEVs, you'll have many of the same advantages of internal combustion engine vehicles when driving through difficult terrain or encountering challenging weather conditions.

Generally, the electric motors that help power HEVs, PHEVs, and BEVs are smaller than their internal combustion equivalents, giving engineers unprecedented design freedom to innovate. This means that in addition to electric vehicles with a front and rear motor, there are options equipped with two motors on the same axle, and hybrid powertrain solutions where the internal combustion engine and the electric system divide the work to provide power to all four wheels (Rematec, 2023).

While all-wheel drive has become a dominant form of technology for numerous makes and models around the world, there are a few things you should consider.

As the name suggests, the principle behind four-wheel drive is that power is transmitted from the engine to all four wheels simultaneously, offering maximum traction in various conditions. While some newer models are equipped with automatic 4WD, most vehicles require the driver to activate the system in one of two ways manually:

• Full-Stop: For older vehicles, you may have to come to a complete stop and put your car in neutral or park before engaging the 4WD system. 
• Push Button: Newer vehicles usually have a button or switch that allows the driver to activate 4WD instantly.

Four-wheel drive technology has evolved considerably over the last decade and is no longer used solely for off-road vehicles. Today, 4WD engineering is available on a wide range of vehicles, including luxury cars and even family-friendly models used for daily commuting.

And while modern 4WD systems can be complex, at their core, they consist of the following two major components:

• The Differential: The gears that transmit engine power to the wheels while allowing them to turn at different speeds whenever the vehicle turns. In 4WD vehicles, there are two separate front and back differentials (while in all-wheel drive vehicles, there is a front, rear, and center differential).
  
• The Transfer Case: The device that transfers power from the transmission to the front and rear axles of the vehicles, allowing the wheels to gain traction. The transfer case also synchronizes the rotation of the front and rear wheels so they turn simultaneously, offering even more torque on slippery or uneven surfaces.

Together, these two components form the backbone of any 4WD system, allowing the vehicle to gain more traction and control.

While four-wheel drive technology has become increasingly popular over the years, there are a few things you should consider with 4WD vehicles.

When it comes to towing, there isn’t a clear winner between AWD and 4WD, since towing capacity is influenced more by your vehicle’s engine and size than by its drive system.

It’s also important to consider what you plan to tow. If you’re looking to haul a trailer, boat, or other significant weight through rough terrain, 4WD might be your best bet. Alternatively, if you’re looking to pull lighter loads, then a standard AWD is probably a better option. Also, remember that different vehicles have different weight capacities for towing. Make sure you’re aware of how much your vehicle can tow.

Mitsubishi has developed one of the world’s most advanced four-wheel drive systems in our patented All-Wheel Control (AWC) and Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) systems — both of which leverage a suite of innovative technologies to deliver confidence and a superior driving experience across a variety of road conditions.

This technology is available in many of our vehicles, including the Mitsubishi Outlander, Outlander Plug-in Hybrid, Outlander Sport, and Eclipse Cross.

Mitsubishi Motors’ All-Wheel Control system puts you in control, with the ability to choose how engaged the system is. It is unique because it integrates multiple advanced technologies to enhance traction, stability, and handling across various driving conditions. Unlike basic all-wheel-drive systems, which only distribute power between front and rear wheels, Mitsubishi’s AWC takes a more sophisticated approach. Settings are available at the touch of a button, allowing you to choose between fuel economy and 4WD capability without compromising safety.

• 4WD Auto: Offers well-balanced 4WD performance, resulting in enhanced fuel efficiency, traction, high-speed stability, and predictable handling based on road and driving conditions.
• 4WD Lock: Increased torque is applied to the rear wheels, delivering enhanced performance on slippery surfaces, such as snow-covered roads or sand.

Mitsubishi Motors’ S-AWC incorporates additional torque vectoring technologies to provide more predictive handling by managing the left-to-right driving and braking forces at an advanced level. Perfect for drivers who desire more control, capability, and confidence — wherever and whenever they need it. Note: drive mode names often vary based on the model.

• Snow: Provides improved traction and stability specifically for snow-covered or slippery roads.
• Gravel: Provides maximum traction on coarser roads or whenever you might find yourself stuck in a rough patch of off-road terrain.
• ECO: The system automatically transfers torque to the rear wheels when loss of traction is detected to enhance stability beyond the typical two-wheel drive fuel-efficient drive mode.
• Normal: Offers well-balanced 4WD performance for enhanced fuel efficiency, traction, high-speed stability, and predictable handling based on road and driving conditions.
• Tarmac: Offers driving with agile dynamics on dry paved road, such as responsive and powerful acceleration as well as stability and traceability on cornering.
• Mud: For driving on slippery roads where maximum traction is required, such as deep snow or muddy roads.

This unique 4WD technology is available in the latest Mitsubishi SUVs and Crossovers. Build and price yours today.