AWD vs 4wd - confused

[Mikef]

On my 2011 Yukon XL Denali and all other current years on the GMC site it states AWD. I don't gave a selector or anything it's just always in 4wd.

The new 2015 Yukon XL Dnali's I look at state it is 4wd. Is there a difference? Why did they change the terminology?

 

[07Burb]

Here's a good thread that explains the differences between AWD and 4wd (Auto, lo, hi)

http://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=57629

AWD and 4WD are totally different systems. There was no change in terminology

 

[ezdaar]

AWD = Viscous coupler in the transfer case to supply the front and rear axles with a 60/40 amount of power at ALL times.
You cannot tow this vehicle on a sling or remove a drive shaft and drive it without destroying the transfer case.
AWD also will use significantly more fuel than a 4x4 transfer case.


4WD (4x4) has a transfer case that can be use manipulated via 2WD, 4LOW, 4HI, and in some cases neutral.
It can be towed via sling and driven with front or rear driveshaft removed with no damage. Care must be taken not to drive very fast or long in 4LOW, or it will burn up the fluid and destroy the transfer case, However it can be driven in 4HI for extended periods and at a much higher rate of speed than 4LOW.

 

[soulsea]

Just google trans axle differential ...

 

[Mikef]

Ok. Got it. So the 2015 Yukon XL Denali is 4wd? It is no longer AWD. So it will have a selector and will have 4hi and 4lo?

 

[07Burb]

Yes it will have a selector

 

[Mikef]

Ok. Great. I'm looking into ordering the 2015i Yukon XL Denali and wasn't sure about that.

Do you think the 2wd will ride better than the 4wd?

My 2011 burns through tires every 25,00 to 30,000 miles. I took it to two different dealers and they said it is from the AWD.

I had planned on getting 2wd because of this but now considering the 4wd.

But I want the best ride possible and I don't want to eat up tires.

 

[07Burb]

2wd vs 4wd all depends on how you'll use it and what your needs are. If you get heavy snow in the winter or take the vehicle off pavement fairly regularly 4wd is useful. If you're in the south and mostly stay on pavement the 2wd is probably just fine. Neither one will really "chew up" tires unless it's due to driving habits or worn out suspension components.

 

[Mikef]

I bought my 2011 new. I have had to buy new tires every 75k miles. The tires get ribbed or wavy. Starts riding real bad with bad vibrations. I had two different dealers check it. Everything was fine. They said it was the AWD?????? It now has 85k miles and is ready for its 4th set of tires.

 

[07Burb]

Well that's not the case with a 2wd or 4wd vehicle