4x2 vs 4x4: Pros and Cons

The climate I live in determined that for me. 4x4 vs rear-wheel drive in snow makes a difference.

The benefits I see to the 4x2 if you don't plan on seeing any snow or mild offroad conditions are a lower cost, a little less weight, and the full use of the tray on the center console where they stuck the 4wd selector switch.

Given a $1,510 (MSRP) price difference between the 4x4 and 4x2 SLT "F" Package model, is there any discernible performance difference between a full-time 4x4 model vs a part-time 4x2 model with the 4WD engaged?

Resale value is much higher on a 4x4...

Bishop said:

Given a $1,510 (MSRP) price difference between the 4x4 and 4x2 SLT "F" Package model, is there any discernible performance difference between a full-time 4x4 model vs a part-time 4x2 model with the 4WD engaged?

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I could be wrong, but I believe that the full-time 4x4 transfer case is only available on the R/T model, not the SLT or SXT. The transfer case on the 4x4 SLT and SXT's is part-time.

In theory, a full-time 4x4 should get worse gas mileage compared to a part-time 4x4 or a 4x2, but in practice I don't think the difference is all that great. And aside from the obvious benefits of having power to all 4 wheels at all times, I can't speak to the performance aspects of the full-time 4x4.

Good point on the resale value..

Living in Alaska means 4wh. dr. or walk in the winter.With the snow, ice &75% of the roads being dirt. It is hard to find a 2wh. dr. vech. at a dealers here.

You'll get a mile or two more per gallon with the 2 wheel drive. Cost less going in... brings back less at resale. I've always had 4 wheel drive on my SUV's here in Columbus, Ohio but I never seem to use it even in the snow. New vehical... new tires... treated & plowed city streets & freeways. So I went with the 4X2 this time. With gas the way it is I wanted to squeeze out every mpg I could. Basically my deal I worked up with my trade and all and the fact the Nitro's color and set up was everything else I wanted made me buy this particular one. If it had been 4X4 I'd have bought it just the same. As long as I don't get stuck somewhere I'll have made a good decision... LoL!

I guess here in texas we dont see much snow..and since i dont haul or have cows or horses, I went with a 4x2 and I am really glad I didnt pay for the 4x4 cause I would never use it...I am an office boy...Not much off roading for me, Plus we never see snow here in Houston....

I alway get 4wd on my vehicles but I drive to Northern MN quite a bit in winter. It's not used that often - but when you need it, it's nice to have.

Does the 2wd version have some sort of traction control on the rear axle? I thought I read something about that on the 4wd's to keep the wheels from spinning. I think the 2wd may have the same.

rs2 said:

I alway get 4wd on my vehicles but I drive to Northern MN quite a bit in winter. It's not used that often - but when you need it, it's nice to have.

Does the 2wd version have some sort of traction control on the rear axle? I thought I read something about that on the 4wd's to keep the wheels from spinning. I think the 2wd may have the same.

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Yes the 4X2 has the traction control also. I know what you mean about just knowing you have the 4 wheel if you need it. I went with the 4X2 this time because it's slightly better on gas and I only put my 4 previous SUV's in 4 wheel once or twice... but once in a while you get that big snow and the 4 wheel does give you that... if anyone can get out and drive I can, thing...

top gun said:

You'll get a mile or two more per gallon with the 2 wheel drive.

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Even with the manual? I was thinking since you control it in the manual, it won't matter since you will leave it off most of the time.

I have always heard you get a little bit less mpg with a 4wd because of the weight. We got the 2wd (really didn't consider the 4wd) due to the weather here in lower Nc. and I already have a 4wd (1984 Toyota SR5 Extra cab) that I don't mind putting in the snow. I wouldn't want to put my Nitro in harms way until it gets old!!

I'm sure the extra weight doesn't help mileage but when you are in 4wd it takes more fuel/power to overcome the additional friction and power losses in the drivetrain. Full time 4wd would be worse on gas mileage that part time, although the latest full time systems are better than they used to be.

Full time 4wd is nice when it's snowy and icy for weeks at at time (like it used to be around here and probably will be again) and is really nice on the highway for the odd icy spot that comes up. You are not supposed to engage part time 4wd in dry conditions because there is no clutching between the axles like with full time.

I'm leaning toward part time 4wd again but won't decide until I see some R/T mileage figures with the full time. I don't think there is a lock on the full time system the R/T is using and that isn't the best - but traction control may make up for it. I think it's basically the Quadra-trak I full time system offered on the R/T.

I really depends where and how you want to use your Nitro!

Keep in mind that The 4x2 option is for part time 4x4 use only.
The selectable 4x4 feature is for driving conditions that would cause the tires to "slip".
It is not the same as a fulltime 4x4 system!

In the 4x2 manual it says not to use the 4 wheel drive on Dry (non-slippery) Surfaces as it can cause serious damage!

Should you need Fulltime 4x4, then there is no better option for you, otherwise 4x2 should do nicely.
Good Luck!

Frank

rminnich, in the 2wd mode it is two wh. only, the 4wh. lock is 4wh/dr but only in 4wh/high, there is no 4wh/low in the nitro and the SXT does not come with AWD.

danpfay99 said:

rminnich, in the 2wd mode it is two wh. only, the 4wh. lock is 4wh/dr but only in 4wh/high, there is no 4wh/low in the nitro and the SXT does not come with AWD.

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So, the salesman was out to lunch, I guess. Not a huge surprise ...

thanks!