I need some help here… we hold an annual event for folks who drive, collect, and restore historic military vehicles like WWII jeeps and Vietnam-era trucks. This year, we want to include both classic and modern civilian jeeps and 4x4 pickups, but no side-by-sides or ATVs. (Long story, but that’s not really my question).
So here’s the deal: 4x4, AWD, 4WD, or something else… what’s the most common term people use for jeeps and pickups in the U.S.?
@Ava
Instead of getting technical, I want to know what people actually say. What does a teenager say when he sees a big lifted Dodge Ram with huge tires? Do they say, “Hey, cool 4x4?” or something else?
Assuming the kid isn’t too busy on their phone when the truck passes by
Most people refer to smaller vehicles as ATV, UTV, SXS, or OHV. Anyone in this area would know those terms. While those smaller machines can be 4x4s, they usually aren’t called that.
Or just say something like on-road 4WD to be more specific.
4x4 and 4WD are pretty much the same and refer to vehicles that use a transfer case to send power to the front and rear differentials. AWD usually doesn’t have a transfer case and uses brakes to transfer power to the wheels. 4x4 and 4WD are meant for serious off-roading, while AWD is for light off-road and snow or ice conditions. Jeeps, Land Cruisers, 4-Runners, Broncos (full size), and most trucks are 4x4 or 4WD, but some small pickups from Honda and Ford are really more AWD. For your event, just go with 4x4.