3 Surprising Challenges With The Four-Wheel Drive Trucks & SUVs

Off-roading trucks and SUVs mainly come with a four-wheel drive system. Automakers use four-wheel-drive in offroad vehicles in other to create maximum mechanical grip in trucks, SUVs, and ATVs. But, the four-wheel-drive system still comes with its challenges.

While four-wheel drive has numerous advantages, it still has a handful of disadvantages. If you are wondering, below, we look at the three main disadvantages of four-wheel-drive vehicles. 

How Does Four-Wheel-Drive Operate?

The Four-wheel drive system uses a mechanical differential to deliver power to all four wheels. It’s different from the all-wheel-drive that switches between rear-driven and all-driven wheels with manual selection. All-wheel drive and full-time four-wheel drive operate a bit differently.

Most 4×4 vehicles use a mechanical transfer case that allows selection between four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive. Having two gear ranges – low and high – is also typical for varying speed and torque needs. Also, many 4×4 vehicles have a locking rear differential that forces the wheels to turn at the same speed and generate extra traction in low-grip conditions.

It’s an advantage for vehicles that frequently encounter mud, potholes, steep inclines with low grip, and other off-road obstacles. However, the four-wheel drive still has a number of disadvantages. They include:

1. Four-wheel Drive Systems Impacts Fuel Efficiency with Extra Weight

When automakers equip a truck or an SUV with four-wheel drive, it usually means it’ll add extra weight that can affect fuel economy. 

Four-wheel drive increases vehicle fuel consumption. With more mechanical engagement, it saps more power from the engine and impacts its efficiency. Plus, there’s the extra force applied through all four wheels.

2. Most 4×4 Systems Are Manually Activated

The traditional four-wheel drive system requires the driver to manually switch between drive modes. Some models even have mechanical levers with more complex ways of engaging.

This might not be a problem for off-road enthusiasts or truck lovers, but an average driver might find it annoying.

In that case, the average driver will need to look out for full-time all-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicles. These models automatically deliver power to all four wheels for helpful traction without requiring manual selection. They may not be as brutally rugged as a traditional 4×4 setup, but they’re plenty capable for the average driver.

3. Four-Wheel Drive isn’t Always Suitable for Pavement

The traditional four-wheel drive isn’t good for pavement use, especially when the differential is locked. When four-wheel drive is engaged in most vehicles, the front and rear wheels operate at the same speed. It’s perfect for off-road traction but can lead to problems on pavement, thereby affecting the tarmac.

Full-time four-wheel drive systems get around this by adding an additional centre differential that allows the front and rear wheels to move at different speeds.

Conclusion

Four-wheel-drive vehicles have many advantages. However, its disadvantages abound as well. While they might not be an issue for lovers of big trucks and off-roading SUVs, to an average driver, it could be an issue.