2020 Transit: 4×4 or AWD?

What's new with the 2020 Ford Transit

With the release of Ford’s 2020 Transit, they’ve now incorporated an all-wheel drive (AWD) system. AWD can be good for low traction situation such as driving on ice or snow. It can let you accelerate better with little to no tire slip.

4-Wheel vs. All-Wheel

One common mistake many make is saying that 4-wheel drive (4WD) is the same as AWD which is not true. In simple terms, 4WD applies the same power to all wheels at the same time while AWD applies more power only to the wheels with more traction.

AWD vehicles are always in AWD mode and don’t offer selectable ranges. Quadvan’s 4WD, on the other hand, offers a part time 4WD with different ranges. This means that an AWD Transit will have both front and rear axles constantly spinning which decreases gas mileage. In Quadvan’s Transit, however, when 4WD is disengaged, only the rear axle spins, increasing gas mileage and saving front axle components from unnecessary wear and tear.

Selectable ranges are important in order to guarantee power in different situations. AWD is always stuck in one range. Quadvan’s 4WD has low and high range. Low range increases torque and gives the driver more power when clearing difficult obstacles while high range give the driver more speed and control when in low traction situations.

Should you get your AWD Transit converted?

If you’re using your 2020 Transit strictly on the road, you might see some light gravel, snow, or even heavy rain. That is what the AWD Transit was designed for. However, if you want to take your Transit on adventures into the mountains for a gorgeous view, or deep in the woods to be secluded, you might run into some obstacles. A Quadvan 4WD Transit can get you there even if there are no roads to take you there.