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What is the difference between AWD and Advanced 4WD Ford Maverick?

The Ford Maverick is a compact pickup truck that offers two distinct four-wheel drive (4WD) systems: All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and Advanced 4WD. While both provide enhanced traction and capability, there are key differences between the two that buyers should understand when choosing the right configuration for their needs.


All-Wheel Drive (AWD)


The standard 4WD system on the Ford Maverick is an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) setup. AWD is a full-time four-wheel drive system that automatically distributes power to all four wheels as needed, without any input from the driver. This system is designed to provide improved traction and stability in a variety of driving conditions, from wet roads to light off-road use.


The AWD system in the Maverick is capable of sending up to 50% of the engine's power to the rear wheels when additional traction is required. This helps the vehicle maintain control and momentum in slippery conditions. The AWD system is also seamless, meaning the driver doesn't have to manually engage or disengage it.


Advanced 4WD


The optional 4WD system on the Ford Maverick is called Advanced 4WD. This is a more traditional, part-time four-wheel drive system that allows the driver to manually select between 2WD, 4WD High, and 4WD Low modes.



  • 2WD mode: Sends power only to the front wheels for improved fuel efficiency on dry, paved roads.

  • 4WD High mode: Engages all four wheels for better traction on loose or slippery surfaces, such as mud, snow, or gravel.

  • 4WD Low mode: Provides additional low-end torque and control for more challenging off-road conditions, like steep hills or deep sand.


The Advanced 4WD system gives the driver more control and flexibility to match the driving mode to the terrain, which can be beneficial for serious off-road enthusiasts or those who need to tow heavy loads. However, it does require the driver to manually engage the 4WD system as needed.


In summary, the key difference between the AWD and Advanced 4WD systems in the Ford Maverick is the level of driver involvement and the specific capabilities of each system. AWD provides seamless, automatic four-wheel drive performance, while Advanced 4WD offers more manual control and enhanced off-road capability.

What is the difference between Ford intelligent 4WD and AWD?


A Ford Intelligent 4-Wheel Drive system is similar to AWD but provides the extra ability to handle rugged (or severe) off-road conditions, like sand, water, mud, rocky trails or steep hills with little natural traction. It can handle heavier loads than AWD. Typically you will find 4WD in larger SUVs, jeeps, and trucks.



What is the difference between Ford Advanced 4WD and AWD?


4WD is mainly designed for off-road use, and it can provide more power and traction on sand, mud, snow, or rocky terrain. AWD – Power can be sent to the front or rear axle, but can also be sent to the driver or passenger side.



What's the difference between AWD and 4WD all the time?


All-wheel drive requires no driver input and is best suited to slippery roads. Four-wheel drive is usually a part-time system requiring the driver to engage and disengage it. It's engineered more for extreme weather and off-roading.



How many miles per gallon does a Ford Maverick AWD get?


Get ready for fuel economy that redefines the pickup truck, because the Ford Maverick MPG gets up to 23/30 (City/Highway)1 with its AWD EcoBoost engine and up to an incredible EPA-estimated 42/35 MPG (City/Highway)2 in its hybrid configuration.



Is full time 4WD better than part-time 4WD?


A full-time 4WD system will be able to adjust torque delivery to each individual wheel as necessary, meaning you can use it on any road in any condition. It is simply operating all the time. Part-time doesn't quite work the same way, and in fact, part-time 4×4 should not be used all of the time.



Is AWD more powerful than 4WD?


Advantages of Four-Wheel Drive
The 4WD system is rugged and can easily handle extreme off-road conditions. It allows manual control of the system. Hence, the driver can use it as and when required. A four-wheel-drive system provides more pulling power than an AWD car.



What is advanced part-time all-wheel drive?


The second type of AWD is called “Part-Time AWD.” Under normal driving conditions, this system delivers power to either the front or the rear wheels. If electronic sensors detect a change in road conditions, the system will automatically send power to all four wheels to improve traction and handling.



What is Ford Advanced 4X4?


Ford's Advanced 4WD system is an automatic on-demand system with four settings – 2H, 4A, 4H and 4L. When set to 4A (4WD Auto), the on-demand system is fully active and constantly monitors traction conditions, sending a proportional amount of torque to the front wheels as needed.



Is Ford intelligent 4WD always on?


The intelligent 4WD system continuously monitors vehicle conditions and adjusts the power distribution between the front and rear wheels. It combines transparent all-surface operation with highly capable four-wheel drive. The 4WD system is always active and requires no driver input.



Is the Maverick AWD all the time?


The Lariat trim of the 2025 Maverick undergoes a notable transformation. Previously, buyers had the option of a front-wheel drive (FWD) configuration with the hybrid engine. However, the latest model shifts gears, making the hybrid AWD setup standard for the Lariat.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.