Definitions for "All-Wheel Drive"
Keywords:  awd, traction, wheel, torque, rear
Often confused with Four-Wheel Drive (4WD), this drive system features four, full-time active drive wheels to reduce wheel slippage and provide greater driver control over the vehicle. All-Wheel Drive automatically splits engine torque between the front and rear wheels as needed, improving on-road traction in unfavorable road conditions. Unlike Four-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive is an on-road system and is not designed for off-road use. AWD does not require the driver to actively engage the system. It is operational at all times, and requires no switches, lights or visor instructions for system operation.
A vehicle (usually a car) where all four wheels are driven. Most are fulltime systems for year-round driving, and use a viscous fluid coupling center differential instead of a transfer case to route drive torque to all four wheels. This allows the front a
Permanent, full-time four-wheel drive system designed for improved traction on slippery surfaces and off-road use. The main difference between AWD and 4WD systems is that AWD cannot be disengaged by the driver.