autoevolution Up Next 18 Feb 2021, 14:01 UTC · by There are a lot of misconceptions regarding all-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD). Some say they are the exact same thing; others argue that they are completely different, and one is a much better system than the other. In this article, we’ll attempt to clear the air by understanding the similarities and differences between them. Hopefully, we'll also help you decide which one is better for you. 10 photos When I was growing up, most passenger cars were either rear- or front-wheel drive. Large trucks and SUVs were the only vehicles I saw with 4x4 or 4WD badges.