Is the Fuel Consumption Difference Significant Between 4WD and 2WD Vehicles?

[DelOmar]

For the same model, the fuel consumption of a 4WD vehicle is higher than that of a 2WD vehicle, with a difference of approximately 2 liters. The differences in fuel consumption between 4WD and 2WD vehicles of the same model are as follows: 4WD models have larger bodies, higher aerodynamic drag, and greater weight, requiring more torque to overcome wind resistance during acceleration, resulting in higher fuel consumption. Fuel consumption also increases in heavy traffic conditions. Additionally, 4WD vehicles have wider tires, which increases rolling resistance and further raises fuel consumption. In 2WD vehicles, only two wheels are connected to the powertrain as driving wheels. 4WD, on the other hand, maintains all four wheels as driving wheels throughout the driving process. To drive all four wheels, they must be mechanically linked, requiring the addition of a center differential to adjust the speed difference between the front and rear wheels. Consequently, 2WD vehicles consume less fuel compared to 4WD vehicles.