How do you tell if a car is FWD or RWD?

Front-wheel drive (FWD) cars power the front wheels, while rear-wheel drive (RWD) cars power the rear wheels. You can confirm the drivetrain by inspecting the layout, engine orientation, or checking the vehicle’s official specifications.

In this guide, you’ll find practical, real-world ways to identify whether a car is FWD or RWD, from quick visual checks to consulting official documentation, with notes on common exceptions you should know.

Quick visual checks from the underside and engine bay

These indicators apply to most modern passenger cars and provide a quick way to determine how power is sent to the wheels.

• Underside driveshaft and rear differential: A long driveshaft running from the front area to a rear differential strongly suggests rear-wheel drive (or all-wheel drive with a rear drive component).


• Front transaxle and front-wheel CVs: If the transmission is mounted at the front with CV shafts running directly to the front wheels, the car is typically front-wheel drive.


• Engine orientation: A transverse (sideways) engine is common in front-drive cars, while a longitudinal (front-to-back) engine is more typical in rear-drive cars. Exceptions exist, especially in performance and hybrid designs.

These signs are informative but not definitive for every model. When in doubt, verify with official specifications or a VIN decode.

Confirming with official documentation

For a definitive answer, consult the vehicle’s documentation or decode the VIN.

• Window sticker and owner’s manual: Look for a drivetrain listing (FWD, RWD, or AWD). The door jamb label often repeats this information for new cars.


• VIN decoding: The VIN can be decoded to reveal the drivetrain configuration. A dealer or reliable online VIN decoder can provide the FWD/RWD designation and whether the vehicle uses AWD.

Documentation provides a definite answer and is essential for used cars or models with multiple drivetrain options.

Common edge cases you should know

While the simple rule works for most cars, a few configurations can blur the lines.

• All-wheel drive vs rear-wheel drive: Some cars labeled AWD can appear to send power to the front or rear axle depending on conditions. AWD uses a center differential or clutch pack to distribute torque, not a fixed front- or rear-wheel bias.


• Nonstandard layouts: A handful of performance or specialty cars may use unusual layouts (for example, a longitudinal engine with a front transaxle or a mid-engine RWD). Always check the manufacturer's specification.

When you encounter unusual layouts, rely on official specifications or VIN data to avoid misclassification.

Summary

Bottom line: FWD means the engine’s power is directed to the front wheels, typically via a front-mounted transaxle; RWD sends power to the rear wheels, typically via a driveshaft to a rear differential. Use a combination of quick visual cues (undercarriage layout and engine orientation) and official documentation (window sticker, owner’s manual, and VIN decoding) to determine the drivetrain accurately. In rare cases, exceptions exist, so when in doubt, always verify with the manufacturer’s specs or a trusted dealer.

What is the AWD symbol?

The AWD symbol is typically a symbol of a vehicle with four tires and lines indicating power going to each one. When the symbol is illuminated, it could mean the system is engaged (like "AWD LOCK" mode), or it could be a warning light indicating a malfunction in the all-wheel-drive system, often requiring professional inspection.
 
Types of AWD symbols and what they mean

• Vehicle with four wheels and power lines: This is the standard symbol for an active AWD system. 
• "AWD LOCK" indicator: This symbol appears when the driver has manually engaged the AWD lock mode, which sends equal power to all four wheels for maximum traction in low-grip situations like mud or snow. The lock mode automatically disengages at higher speeds. 
• AWD warning light: This symbol, often a yellow or amber color, lights up to warn of a malfunction or issue with the AWD system. 
  • It could indicate problems with sensors, the transfer case, or other components. 
  • If this light comes on, it's recommended to have the vehicle inspected by a professional. 

How to tell if a car is FWD or RWD?

You can tell if a car is front-wheel drive (FWD) or rear-wheel drive (RWD) by looking at the engine's orientation, inspecting the axles underneath, or checking the car's VIN or technical specifications online. In a FWD car, the engine is typically mounted sideways (transversely) and there are no drive axles running to the rear wheels. A RWD car usually has the engine mounted front-to-back (longitudinally) and features a driveshaft running from the transmission to the rear wheels, where a rear differential is visible. 
Visual inspection

• Engine orientation: Look under the hood. If the engine is mounted sideways with the belts facing one side of the car, it's most likely FWD. If it's mounted front-to-back (longitudinally), it's likely RWD. 
• Look for a driveshaft: A RWD vehicle will have a long, pole-like shaft (driveshaft) running from the engine/transmission area to the back axle. If this shaft isn't present, the car is likely FWD. 
• Examine the axles: Look underneath the car at the wheels. In a FWD car, you'll see axles or CV (constant velocity) joints connected to the front wheels. A RWD car will have a differential (a round metal housing) between the rear wheels with axles running to them. 
• Identify a "hump": FWD cars often have a flatter floor. RWD cars have a hump or tunnel in the middle of the rear floor to accommodate the driveshaft, though this can vary. 

Online and VIN check

• Use a VIN decoder: The easiest and most reliable method is to use the car's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). You can find tools online that will provide the vehicle's specifications, including the drivetrain type, by entering the VIN. 
• Google the model: You can simply search online for the make, model, and year of the car to find its drive type. 

Can you tell the difference between FWD and AWD?

You can tell the difference between a FWD and AWD vehicle by looking underneath the car for a driveshaft and rear differential. An FWD car will only have drive axles (or CV shafts) in the front, while an AWD car will have both front and rear axles and a driveshaft running from the front to the back of the car. Other easy methods include checking for an AWD badge, looking up the car's details with its VIN, or checking the vehicle's documentation. 
This video explains how to check if your car is two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive: 59sMake It Easy MechanicYouTube · Mar 11, 2020
Physical inspection

• Check for axles and a driveshaft: 
  • Look under the car, specifically between the front and rear wheels. 
  • An FWD car will only have axles (CV shafts) connecting to the front wheels. 
  • An AWD car will have axles on the front wheels and a driveshaft running from the front to a rear differential, which then sends power to the rear wheels. 
• Check the engine layout: 
  • Open the hood. If the engine is mounted transversely (sideways), it is likely an FWD vehicle. If it is mounted longitudinally (front-to-back) and the rear wheels have a driveshaft and differential, it's likely an AWD or RWD vehicle. 

Documentation and identification

• Look for a badge: Many AWD vehicles have an "AWD" badge on the exterior, such as on the trunk or tailgate. 
• Check the VIN: Use a VIN decoder to find out the vehicle's drivetrain specifications. You can often find the VIN on the driver's side door jamb. 
• Look at the paperwork: The original window sticker or the vehicle's manual will list the drivetrain type. For a new car, the window sticker is federally mandated to show this information. 

You can watch this video to learn how to check and see if your four-wheel drive is working: 30sDad Advice From BoYouTube · Dec 13, 2022
Dashboard and dashboard lights

• Check the dashboard lights: When you start the car, the dashboard will light up with various warning lights. Look for an AWD indicator light to see if the system is engaging. 

Is there a noticeable difference between FWD and RWD?

In terms of the driving experience, the rear wheel provides more stability. Turning is not good in FWD compared to RWD, and the main reason is the understeering. Due to its mechanism, its front tires lose grip before the rear tires during aggressive cornering, causing the vehicle to push wide in turns.