Are 4×4 and 4WD the same?

They’re often used interchangeably to describe vehicles that can drive all four wheels, but they’re not perfectly identical terms: “4×4” describes a vehicle with four wheels, all four driven; “4WD” (four-wheel drive) refers to the drivetrain system that powers all four wheels. On most passenger vehicles with four wheels, a 4×4 is a 4WD—and vice versa—yet the systems can behave very differently depending on whether they’re part-time or full-time setups and how they differ from AWD.

What each term really means

In industry shorthand, the “A×B” notation expresses total wheels (A) and driven wheels (B). A 4×4 has four wheels and can drive all four. A 4×2 has four wheels and drives two. Larger off-road vehicles may be 6×6 or 8×8.

Four-wheel drive (4WD) is a drivetrain that can send torque to the front and rear axles. It comes in two main flavors: part-time 4WD (selectable 2H/4H/4L via a transfer case) and full-time 4WD (permanent four-wheel drive, typically with a center differential and sometimes a lockable mode and low range). In everyday marketing, trucks and SUVs with 4WD are frequently labeled “4×4.”

How the systems work

Part-time 4WD allows the driver to switch between two-wheel drive (for daily, dry pavement use) and four-wheel drive (for low-traction surfaces). Engaging 4H or 4L usually locks the front and rear axles together through a transfer case, which is great off-road but can cause binding on high-traction pavement.

Full-time 4WD powers all four wheels continuously through a center differential, allowing safe use on dry roads. Many systems also offer a lockable mode and a low-range gear for off-road control. This bridges everyday drivability with serious capability.

Where the terms differ in practice

Below is a practical breakdown of how “4×4” and “4WD” are used and how system behavior can vary in the real world.

• Nomenclature: 4×4 describes the wheel/driven-wheel count (four wheels, four driven). 4WD describes the type of drivetrain capable of driving both axles.
• System type: 4WD can be part-time (selectable 2H/4H/4L) or full-time (always active, center differential). Both may be branded “4×4.”
• Transfer case and low range: Traditional 4WD trucks/SUVs (often called 4×4) frequently include a transfer case with 4L for crawling; some modern systems omit low range.
• Locking capability: Many 4WD systems can lock the center coupling and sometimes the rear/front differentials; marketing may still call all of this “4×4.”
• On-road behavior: Part-time 4WD should not be used in 4H/4L on dry pavement due to driveline wind-up; full-time 4WD is safe on-road in its open-center mode.
• Durability and use case: “4×4” often implies body-on-frame trucks/SUVs engineered for towing and off-road durability; “4WD” covers the same territory but is the more technical term.
• Marketing blur: Some crossovers are marketed as “4×4” or “4WD” even if their systems function more like AWD (on-demand engagement, no low range).

In short, 4×4 is a configuration label commonly applied to vehicles with 4WD, but the driving experience depends on whether the system is part-time or full-time and what hardware (transfer case, lockers, low range) is included.

4WD versus AWD: a common source of confusion

AWD (all-wheel drive) typically refers to systems designed primarily for on-road traction and weather, often with automatic, variable torque split and no low-range gearing. While AWD also drives all four wheels, many AWD systems prioritize efficiency and seamless operation over heavy-duty off-road use.

Here are common distinctions drivers will notice between typical 4WD and AWD setups.

• Low range: Common on 4WD; rare on AWD.
• Center differential: Full-time 4WD and many AWD systems use one; part-time 4WD does not when locked in 4H/4L.
• User control: 4WD often offers driver-selectable modes and mechanical locks; AWD tends to be automatic and software-managed.
• Use case: 4WD emphasizes off-road, towing, and rugged conditions; AWD emphasizes all-weather confidence and on-road stability.
• Examples: 4WD—Jeep Wrangler (part-time), Toyota Land Cruiser (full-time); AWD—Subaru Outback, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR‑V. Some models blur lines (e.g., Jeep systems marketed as “4×4” with AWD-like automation).

The overlap is growing as modern AWD adds off-road modes and as full-time 4WD becomes more road-friendly, but low range and robust locking options still largely define traditional 4WD capability.

Choosing what you need

Your decision should be guided by terrain, towing, and how much control and hardware you want for difficult conditions.

• Frequent off-road, steep climbs/descents, sand, mud, rocks: Seek 4WD with low range and available locking differentials.
• Mixed weather, mostly pavement, light trails: Quality AWD or full-time 4WD without low range is usually sufficient and more convenient.
• Towing and durability: Traditional 4WD trucks/SUVs (often labeled 4×4) typically offer stronger driveline components.
• Cost and efficiency: AWD often weighs less and can be more fuel-efficient; part-time 4WD in 2H can also save fuel versus engaged 4WD.
• Owner’s manual check: Always follow manufacturer guidance on when to use 4H/4L to avoid driveline binding.

Matching the system to your real-world needs will matter more than the badge; the right configuration can improve safety, performance, and ownership costs.

Bottom line

On four-wheeled passenger vehicles, 4×4 and 4WD commonly refer to the same idea—driving all four wheels. Technically, 4×4 is the configuration; 4WD is the system that makes it happen. The meaningful differences show up in how the system operates (part-time vs. full-time), whether it includes a transfer case and low range, and how it compares to AWD in everyday driving.

Summary

4×4 and 4WD are closely related and often interchangeable in common usage. 4×4 labels the four-wheels/four-driven configuration, while 4WD describes the drivetrain that powers both axles. Capabilities vary widely—part-time versus full-time, presence of low range, and locking features—so the badge alone doesn’t define performance. For daily driving and weather, consider AWD or full-time 4WD; for serious off-road or towing, look for traditional 4WD with low range and lockers.

What is the difference between 4WD and 4X4?

“4WD” and “4×4” are often used interchangeably, but “4WD” refers to the system that powers four wheels, while “4×4” is a specific type of 4WD vehicle that also describes the four-wheeled drivetrain configuration. The key distinction is that 4WD is the technology of driving on four wheels, whereas a 4×4 is a 4WD vehicle with four wheels, where both the total number of wheels and the number of powered wheels are four. True 4WD systems often include a low range for maximum torque and are designed for heavy-duty off-road use, while some also offer full-time modes similar to all-wheel drive (AWD), which is designed for on-road driving and light-duty off-road conditions. 
This video explains the difference between AWD and 4WD and their applications: 1mCarMaxYouTube · Dec 16, 2022
4WD (Four-Wheel Drive) 

• Definition: The drivetrain system that sends power to all four wheels. 
• Purpose: To provide increased traction on slippery or loose surfaces like snow, mud, or sand. 
• Types:
  • Part-Time 4WD: The most common type, where the driver engages or disengages the 4WD system, often using a transfer case with high (4H) and low (4L) range options. 
  • Full-Time 4WD: Similar to AWD, a full-time 4WD system constantly sends power to all four wheels and has a center differential to allow the front and rear axles to rotate at different speeds. 
• Key Features: Often includes a low-range gear (4L) for extreme off-road situations and may have locking differentials to ensure even power distribution to wheels. 

4×4 (Four-by-Four)

• Definition: A vehicle that has four wheels, all of which are powered by the 4WD system. 
• Relationship to 4WD: All 4×4 vehicles are 4WD, but not all 4WD vehicles are 4×4. For example, a truck with six wheels could still be a 4WD vehicle if it powers four of those wheels. 
• Purpose: Refers to the combination of a 4WD system with a vehicle that has four wheels, typically designed for robust off-road capability. 

This video explains what a 4×4 is and its benefits: 56sIdealYouTube · Feb 22, 2021
Key Differences

• Application: 4WD (especially part-time systems) is primarily for off-road conditions, while full-time 4WD systems offer more versatility on-road. 
• Driver Engagement: Part-time 4WD requires driver input to engage, whereas AWD and full-time 4WD operate more automatically. 
• Complexity: True 4WD systems, with their heavy-duty transfer cases and locking differentials, are generally more robust and capable in extreme terrain than most AWD systems. 

Do all four wheels turn in 4WD?

In 2WD, only two wheels are powered in the car. In 4WD, all four wheels are powered. In AWD (All Wheel Drive) all four wheels are also powered, however AWD technology such as Mitsubishi’s Super All Wheel Control has different modes which automatically change the operation of the wheels to suit conditions and terrain.

Is 4WD or 4X4 better for snow?

AWD: Can handle moderately rough conditions and is suitable for those who live in areas with occasional unpaved roads and mild off-road conditions. 4WD: Best for those who regularly encounter rough terrain, deep snow, or require additional vehicle capability for activities like towing.

Is 4X4 the same as 4WD Toyota?

Four-Wheel Drive (4WD), often referred to as 4×4, is commonly seen on vehicles geared towards off-road adventures. Power is pushed from the transmission to the transfer case, splitting power between the front and rear axles and delivering torque to each wheel.