For many years I have had a Subaru so I never gave AWD vs. 4WD a second thought until now. My 2003 Durango is AWD and also has the 4WD option. I have read and reread the manual and I am still a little confused - no I am not blonde!! I need help answering the following questions:

1. What is the real difference between AWD and 4WD? Why would a truck come with both? What are the advantages of AWD?

2. When I shift from AWD to 4Hi, should a light come on, because nothing comes on.

3. For those of you out there with AWD, when do you put your Durango into 4Hi?

I live in NH and lately I have been shifting it into 4Hi when there is 2-4 inches of snow on the roads. As soon as the roads are wet/plowed, I put it back to AWD.

I have talked to many SUV owners and they too are boggled at why the Durango has both options.

Thanks!
Jeanne

 

See if this helps: http://www.4x4abc.com/4WD101/difference_4WD_awd.html

And, IMO - AWD on 4x4 D's is stupid and not even needed. The 2x4's would benefit much more from it.