Unfortunately, vehicles with AWD/4WD typically trade fuel economy for better stability and traction on the road. This is due primarily to the extra weight and mechanical resistance that AWD equipment adds to the frame of the car. Heavier vehicles naturally require more energy to accelerate and decelerate, and that affects the overall MPG you can expect from your vehicle. Vehicles with AWD tend to be larger-bodied cars in general, too, like SUVs and trucks, which also contributes to the average fuel economy. 

It’s not all bad, though. The security and control that AWD systems provide drivers more than makes up for the marginal extra costs at the gas pump. Snow, ice, and slick, rain-wet roadways are no longer as hazardous with powered steering. Additionally, many hybrid and fully-electric vehicles are available with AWD, making fuel economy concerns a thing of the past.

There are also ways to offset the lowered fuel efficiency from utilizing AWD systems. Subaru’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) accounts for and reduces interruptions caused by shifting gears, and this ultimately maximizes the engine’s performance and can balance out the vehicle’s fuel economy overall. Driver-oriented changes to raise the MPG cap you can expect from any given car also include limiting the use of onboard air-conditioning and heater systems, as well as making sure to smoothly accelerate and maintain optimal vehicle speed.

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