4×4 or 4×2 and the Pros and Cons of Both
When purchasing a truck or SUV many go through the internal debate of whether to buy a vehicle with a 4×4 or 4×2 drivetrain. As there is with anything, there are pros and cons to both options. Hopefully after reading the information below, making a decision on the drivetrain you want to or need will be much easier.
4X2 Drivetrain
A 4×2 drivetrain (4×2) delivers drive or torque to the vehicle’s front or rear-wheel axle, so only two of the four wheels. This a 4×2 drivetrain is more common than a 4×4 on almost all cars, trucks and SUVs.
Pros of 4×2 Drivetrain
In comparison to 4×4 vehicles, many of the benefits of a 4×2 vehicle are related to weight. A vehicle with a four-wheel drivetrain has extra components to deliver torque to all four wheels, and those components make a vehicle heavier, which means a 4×4 vehicle’s fuel economy and payload and towing capacities are all lower than those of a 4×2 vehicle.
Also, 4×2 vehicles have a lower starting price. The price difference between a 4×2 or 4×4 vehicle typically ranges between $1,000 to $3,000. Finally, two-wheel drive vehicles have improved handling and they are easier to drive due to the weight balance of the vehicle. Â
Cons of 4×2 Drivetrain
The negatives of a 4×2 vehicle are less important for people that live in warm and flat climates, like Florida, Arizona or Texas, where there is no snow or ice. However, people that like to go off-roading or that live in mountainous, snowy or icy areas might find that a 4×2 vehicle doesn’t meet their needs.
4×4 Drivetrain
A four-wheel drivetrain (4×4) delivers drive or torque to the vehicle’s four wheels.  Most SUVs and trucks are available with a 4×4 drivetrain and some vehicles, like the Ram Power Wagon and  Jeep Wrangler, come standard with a 4×4 drivetrain. You can view Driver’s Auto Mart’s selection of 4×4 vehicles here. We have quite a few options, including Ford, Ram and Chevy trucks as well as SUVs.
Pros of 4×4 Drivetrain
In terms of off-road capabilities and challenging terrains, 4×4 vehicles are much better than 4×2 vehicles, especially when it comes to mud, water crossing, or steep inclines. While a 4×4 vehicle might have a lower payload or towing capacity than a 4×2 vehicle, 4×4 vehicles offer improved towing capabilities when on slippery inclines, like a boat ramp or slick incline.
Cons of 4×4 Drivetrain
4×4 vehicles have a higher starting price and they are slightly less fuel efficient than 4×2 vehicles, so they are a little more expensive to own. The extra drivetrain components make 4×4 vehicles a little more expensive to maintain and harder to drive.
We hope this helped! If you are Interested in a truck or SUV, we have plenty in both 4×4 and 4×2. Check our Driver’s Auto Mart inventory here, and find the perfect vehicle for you.
15 comment(s) so far on 4×4 or 4×2 and the Pros and Cons of Both
Thank you. The information is very helpful.
A 2018 dodge half ton what is the price difference between 4 by 4 and regular?
Why is a 4×4 pickup harder to drive?
The author’s mention that 4×4 is “harder to drive” doesn’t seem to make sense, but it IS possible to damage a 4×4 system if used incorrectly.
If your vehicle isn’t constantly 4 wheel drive (like a Subaru), do not put it into 4×4 and then drive around on dry roads. You can break your transfer case doing so.
Otherwise, it’s the same as any other vehicle.
Can a 4×2 Chevrolet Tahoe pull & dock a pontoon with ease?
Thanks,this helped out on my decision what to buy
This was great information, thanks for sharing.
I have a 2008 Ram Quad Cab 4×2 and an Avenger ATI 20rd camper. It’s curb wt is 4300# and we seldom pack it with alot. Even go easy on the water. Just put Load range C tires on it. Should I worry about towing safety?
Can I put a 4×4 engine on a 4×2 drivetrain
Thank you awesome answer now I understand
Why call a 4×2 drive train an suv, if not to maximise profits by inclusion of a gratuitous, but not needed, extra ground clearance
Excellent explanation!
Very good information .
In formative.
Thanks for the explanations!
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