Toyota of North Charlotte

SPONSORED: A quick guide to Toyota car drivetrains

N Charlotte Toyota Corolla

When you’re car shopping, you have a lot to think about. What make and model works best for your needs? Should you drive home a sleek sedan or do you need a spacious SUV? What color do you want for the exterior, and what trim do you prefer on the interior? We know it can be a lot to consider, but there’s one more thing you should add to your list of decisions – drivetrain.

What is a car drivetrain?

Car drivetrains basically determine which wheels power your vehicle when you hit the gas. You know those abbreviations like AWD, 4WD, etc.? They stand for specific types of car drivetrain, and our N Charlotte Toyota dealership is here to give you a brief explanation of each so you can choose the one best suited to all of your driving needs.

The four main types, explained

There are four main types of car drivetrains and you’ll find all of them at Toyota of N Charlotte when you shop our new car inventory. Here’s a breakdown of what’s available.
All-wheel drive: All-wheel drive is pretty self-explanatory – all the wheels receive power via their axels so they all move your car forward. This is a great feature to have in slippery conditions like rain or snow; if one or two wheels lose power, the other two are still gripping the road and helping to propel and steer your car.  This option is becoming increasingly popular and you’ll find it in N Charlotte Toyotas like the Toyota Sienna and Toyota RAV4.
Four-wheel drive: Four-wheel drive is similar to all-wheel drive, but sends power to each of the four wheels individually and usually includes a transfer case in the system. Additionally, four-wheel drive can be part time (meaning you can switch it on and off whenever you want). Four-wheel drive is better suited to off-roading and tricky terrain because each wheel gets its own power. You’ll find this type of car drive train in our new Toyotas like the N Charlotte Toyota Tacoma, 4Runner, and Tundra.
Front-wheel drive: Front-wheel drive is pretty much what it sounds like – the two front wheels of the car are the ones who get the power pushed to them so they can move your car forward as well as steer it. This is one of the most common types of car drivetrains that you’ll find on our N Charlotte Toyotas, including models like the Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla, and Toyota Avalon. It’s also the most fuel-efficient type of car drivetrain.
Rear-wheel drive: Rear-wheel drive is (obviously) the opposite of front-wheel drive. The rear wheels power the vehicle in this type of car drive train. It’s popular for drivers who like to put the pedal to the metal – it gives your car a definite advantage in the power and acceleration department. That’s why it’s used in vehicles like the Toyota 86 and Toyota Supra.
Have questions about car drivetrains? Call Toyota of N Charlotte today – we’re here to help you better understand them AND choose the right one for you. We’re open seven days a week at (704) 875-9199!  
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