On the other hand, 2WD could be almost useless off-road in a muddy field. Instead, such vehicles are finding themselves at home in professional as well as family car settings, creating a sense of automotive power blended with refinement and quality. Further, those vehicles coupled with a manual transmission get the best response out of a 4WD design since the manual shift changes can take advantage of the gearing faster than an automatic system ever wood. Some higher-end sport utility vehicles designed for off-road or safari use also come designed with a permanent 4WD transmission as well. Being able to switch back and forth allows the driver to compensate for the conditions as necessary.

It performs like an upgraded 4WD transmission without driveline lockup or wheel skipping which occurs with two wheels on the same axle going at the same speed.Some 4WD vehicles will operate permanently in the 4WD mode. Such vehicles are commonly used for carrying heavy loads or they are used in conditions that require better traction constantly. Larger pickup trucks for construction site use and commercial vehicles are typically chosen with this mode. Where the AWD system is automatic, it only provides wheel stability