Do 4WDs Chew Through Fuel?

The additional friction in the drivetrains of 4WD vehicles decreases fuel efficiency as well. In more modern vehicles, this difference is fairly minor – advanced synthetic lubricants in the transfer case and other components have gone a long way to minimising friction.

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

The short answer to this question is yes: relative to 2WD vehicles, you are going to use more fuel in a 4WD. The reasons for this are very simple, boiling down to weight, friction, and demands on the engine.