Wondering what does 4×2 means on a Jeep?
It means that 2 out of 4 wheels are getting power. The two-wheel-drive has the same meaning.
You will have to consider multiple variables when deciding between a 4×2 Jeep and a 4×2 Jeep. Before you finalize your buying decision, you should be completely sure about the differences between 4×2 and 4×4 vehicles. You should know about the pros and cons of each so that you can buy the right vehicle for your needs.
There are differences between both drivetrains that all prospective customers should know.
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What Sort of Jeep Should You Own?
4×2 and 4×4 Jeeps have differences in their drivetrain. Different wheels will get the required torque based on what drivetrain is being used.
Not all 4 wheels of the vehicle are receiving engine torque and power at all times.
In a 4×2 Jeep, torque is being supplied only to 2 wheels. The torque may be given either to the rear or front wheel axis.
You may have previously heard about rear-wheel drive and front-wheel drive. Both of these terms refer to both of these drivetrains refer to 4×2 vehicles.
In a 4×4 Jeep, all wheels of the vehicle receive torque. These drivetrains are also referred to as 4-wheel drive or all-wheel-drive.
What are the Advantages of 4×4 SUVs
You will gain several advantages if you choose a 4×4 Jeep. The biggest advantage is that a 4×4 Jeep has greater traction as well as stability. Hence, it has good handling on all kinds of tracks and poor weather conditions.
If you are driving a 4×4 vehicle, you will have an easier time while traveling through ice, snow, and rain. 4X4 vehicles have very good off-road capabilities.
If you will be doing a lot of off-road driving, you will be better off with a 4×4 vehicle.
A 4×4 Jeep will also give a greater resale value for these benefits.
4×4 Drawbacks
There are also certain caveats to 4×4 vehicles. They have a higher production cost compared to 4×2 Jeeps and are thus more expensive.
But what surprises people the most is that 4×4 Jeeps have a higher insurance cost. Although these vehicles have good handling capabilities, insurance companies still charge high insurance rates because they think 4×4 vehicles are driven more dangerously. Since there is a higher risk, there is a higher risk of an accident.
4×4 vehicles also have the drawback of being heavier due to the drivetrain. As a result, their fuel economy is lower, and they have a reduced towing capacity.
What are the Advantages of 4×2 Vehicles?
4×2 vehicles have a number of advantages that could make them a better choice for prospective vehicle owners.
The most obvious benefit of 4×2 vehicles is that they cost less than 4×4 vehicles.
Since 4×2 vehicles are lighter, they have better-towing capacity than 4x2s. Their fuel economy is also better due to the lower weight.
Insurance companies find that the risk of accident is lower with 4×2 vehicles. This could be due to people driving 4×2 Jeeps more carefully. Hence, they have cheaper insurance rates.
What are the Drawbacks of 4×2 Vehicles?
Having said all that, 4×2 Jeeps also have their share of disadvantages when compared with 4×4 Jeeps.
The biggest drawback is off-road performance. 4X2 Jeeps have less stability and traction compared to 4×4 vehicles. Hence, they are not as good as 4×4 vehicles for off-road driving under tough weather conditions like ice, rain, and snow.
Off-road capabilities of 4×2 vehicles are also limited. They cannot go through tough terrain as well as 4×4 vehicles.
Which Vehicle is Best for You?
If you are more interested in saving costs, you may want to buy a 4×2 Jeep. But if cost is not an issue and you want the best possible off-road performance, then a 4×4 wheel drive Jeep may be a better option.
The phrase “4-wheel drive” refers to a vehicle whose engine transmits power to all four wheels. However, providing power to all wheels is not necessary for driving.
4-wheel drive Jeeps are also called all-wheel-drive vehicles. Such vehicles are good for traveling on snow and gravel roads.
4WD may also be used to denote such vehicles.
However, in a 4×2 Jeep, all wheels do not receive engine power. The two wheels that receive power and torque from the engine may be at the front or at the back.
There is a further subdivision in 4×4 Jeeps. These are divided into two types of 4-wheel drives – one is permanent, and the other is on-demand.
Permanent is the drivetrain configuration where power is sent continuously to all four wheels no matter what the conditions. At the same time, on-demand provides power at intervals depending on the driving conditions and trajectory.
4×2 Jeeps may have a better fuel economy since it has only two wheels receiving power to move the vehicle forward. Hence, the fuel efficiency is better in 4×2 Jeeps.
However, 4×2 Jeeps do not have off-road driving capabilities as 4×4 Jeeps. This is because only one set of wheels towards the front or back is receiving power. Thus the powered wheels have a different traction level than wheels that are not receiving power.
Final Thoughts
Whether you go for 4×2 or 4×4 Jeeps, it all depends on your driving habits and preferences. If you will be doing a lot of off-road driving, it is better to get a 4×4 Jeep due to its excellent off-road capabilities.
Of course, if you are not too keen on off-road driving, then it will be better for you to go along with 4×2 vehicles. You will have the added benefit of better fuel economy. Also, insurance rates are often cheaper with 4×2 Jeeps.