It seems every company has their own version of AWD. 4matic, xDrive, SH-AWD, etc...
Are these just marketing terms, or is there something behind them?
What are the nuances that stand out between the various implementations of AWD? The good, the bad, the ugly?
Which implementations are the most lauded, and which implementations are the worst? What are the common points of failure for most implementations, if they fail at all?
Yes they are pure marketing. The names are meant to sound cool and high tech, but tell you absolutely nothing about how they actually work.
In my opinion, the electronically engaging ones are the worst because they cause the most problems, and are the most difficult to troubleshoot.
There is an entire 'zoo' of AWD species out there. It would take 3 volume encyclopedia to cover them all.
Interesting. I was having a discussion with a Chevy Truck guy. He decided to go with the base model because of the mechanical engagement, rather than the higher trip because of the electronic buttons.
yeah mechanical is usually more reliable. They could be more expensive to repair though.
Here's a great article comparing different AWD systems, like the Versatrak system from GM, or the inteligent system from other brands.
https://gearsmagazine.com/magazine/getting-to-know-todays-domestic-awd-systems/
I always have favored the Mitsubishi S-AWC system, because I have owned a vehicle with it and ended up off road multiple times without problems. While other systems might have done the same, it was engaging, had different terrain modes that made me feel capable and gratified, and got me from point a to point b, only returning 1 mpg less than the FWD model.
The early Honda AWD systems were junk - Versatrak could kill them in every factor besides long term reliability.
I can't say much about the Stellantis/FCA and Ford AWD systems, because I have never owned them. They probably would not last as long however.
Most AWD systems when still performing at their best are mostly the same. It depends more on the vehicle's ability to implement the systems.
4x4 Systems are a whole 'nother deal. No AWD system will beat the feeling of throwing her in 4L.
totally different animals with the different applications. 4WD is for offroad only. AWD is for on-road, and sometimes are very decent off-road too.
Yeah. I really don't understand AWD because it really only works well when you don't need it. But I guess in the snow you might want it.
yeah snow, ice and slick wet roads
There have been exceptions to those designations. The AMC Eagle carried "4-wheel-drive" badges and the company referred to them that way. Eagles had a full-time system with a center differential that worked fine on-road.
yeah terms like that are crude at best. They only way to find out what these systems really do is read a service manual, or take them apart.
Some brands still use common designation 4x4/4WD or AWD while others use their own names for that (e.g. 4motion by VW, xDrive by BMW, quattro by Audi etc.). Just like with engines (TDI, HDI, D-4D, DTEC ... for turbocharged diesel engines).
