Dodge Durango | Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) vs Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
The Dodge Durango is a three-row SUV with plenty of space and a sleek, sporty style. It's a great choice for family trips, commuting, and traveling in rough conditions. This vehicle comes in rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel or all-wheel drive (4WD or AWD). Learning how these drivetrains differ can help you select the best Durango for your needs. Here's some more information about 4WD vs RWD with the Dodge Durango.
What's the Difference Between 4WD and RWD on the Dodge Durango?
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) only powers the back wheels. It's more fuel-efficient and ideal for driving in mild weather. Four-wheel or all-wheel drive (4WD or AWD) sends power from the engine to all four wheels for superior traction. With the Durango, four-wheel drive is primarily for driving in snowy, rainy, or icy conditions. It's also a good choice for difficult off-road trails.
Advantages of Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Rear-wheel drive offers better handling and balance, especially for performance models like the Durango R/T or SRT. Some RWD Dodge Durango models have higher towing capacities because of their superior weight distribution. Also, rear-wheel-drive models have higher fuel efficiency because the engine sends power to just two wheels instead of all four. They're often less costly to buy and maintain than many 4WD vehicles as well.
Advantages of Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
Four-wheel drive has great traction for dirt or gravel roads and light off-road conditions like grassy areas. In severe weather, 4WD produces more control and stability than RWD. It's an excellent choice for buyers who live in areas with cold winters or frequent thunderstorms. It's also ideal for trips to these places.
Some trims offer on-demand AWD that engages automatically when it detects slippage. These drivetrains offer the advantages of 4WD while providing additional fuel efficiency when the AWD system isn't on. With other AWD models, some power goes to all four wheels all the time, but the amount of power distributed from the engine to each wheel varies depending on the amount of traction needed in each location.
Choosing the Right Drivetrain: Who's the Ideal Buyer?
Buyers of RWD Durangos often value maneuverable handling and performance in mild weather. They could also want a vehicle with high fuel efficiency and a lower price than a 4WD Durango. Drivers who tow heavy loads often choose a RWD vehicle as well.
Buyers who choose 4WD frequently desire a versatile SUV. They could enjoy going on drives in tough conditions as well. A Durango with 4WD can travel on icy or muddy roads, and it's less likely to get stuck if a wheel goes into a ditch or pothole and loses traction.
When you make a choice about whether 4WD or AWD is right for you, remember to think about the weather, road conditions in the area near you, the weights of the items you usually tow, and your driving style.
Milledgeville Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram can help you decide which type of drivetrain you should look for. Fill out the form below to learn more from our experienced staff members and schedule a test drive.
