Are 4WDs Heavier Than 2WDs?

Typical all terrain 4WD vehicles are generally larger and therefore heavier than a standard 2WD sedan. But even a car with a ‘standard’ body and 4WD capability will be heavier. This is due to the weight of additional components required to make a vehicle 4WD capable, such as the transfer case and differential lock.

Additional weight in any vehicle means more power is required to reach a given speed, which impacts fuel economy negatively.