AWD vs 4x4 for Long Island winters

What all-wheel drive does

AWD is always on. The car sends power to the wheels that have grip by itself, without you touching anything. Most small and mid-size SUVs offer it, and so do some sedans.

It helps most when you pull away from a stop or climb a slick hill.

What 4x4 does

Four-wheel drive is built for rougher use: deep snow, mud, sand and towing. Most systems have a low range for crawling at low speed.

Many 4x4 trucks and SUVs are part-time: you switch 4WD on when the road is slippery and off when it's dry. Driving a part-time system in 4WD on dry pavement can damage it.

Some trucks and SUVs also have an automatic or full-time mode that's fine on any road. The owner's manual says which one you have.

What neither one does

Neither AWD nor 4x4 helps you stop. Braking and turning on snow and ice come down to your tires.

Consumer Reports' snow testing found that winter tires matter more than all-wheel drive in many situations. An AWD SUV on worn all-season tires gets going easily, then needs just as much room to stop as any other car.

Which one fits you

• You commute on the LIE, Route 112 or Nesconset Highway, and the plows reach your street: AWD, or even front-wheel drive with winter tires.
• You tow a boat or a trailer, plow a driveway or drive on the beach: a 4x4 truck or SUV.
• You want the most grip in a storm: either one, with winter tires.
• Fuel matters to you: AWD usually costs a little mileage. The EPA rates the 2025 Honda CR-V at 30 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 28 with AWD.

Upkeep if you buy one

• Keep all four tires matched. On many AWD cars, tires that don't match in size or wear can damage the drive system. The owner's manual says how much difference is allowed.
• Rotate the tires on schedule so they wear evenly.
• Have the transfer case and differential fluids checked when the owner's manual says.
• Buying used? Ask whether the four tires match and when the fluids were last changed.