Drive layout (FWD, RWD, AWD)
Which wheels get power: front wheels (FWD), rear wheels (RWD) or all four (AWD); it affects traction and consumption.
The drive layout indicates which wheels are driven by the drivetrain. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is the most common in compact and mid-class models, space-efficient and usually light. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) separates steering and driving and is often on heavier or performance-oriented models, and on many EVs with the motor on the rear axle. All-wheel drive (AWD) or 4WD drives all four wheels.
AWD improves traction on slippery surfaces, loose road and heavier loads or towing, at the cost of some extra weight and usually a slightly higher consumption. On EVs AWD usually means a second electric motor, with more power but also more mass. Permanent, automatically engaging and manually engageable systems differ from one another; AWD is no substitute for winter tyres.
On spec sheets we name the drive layout per variant as a manufacturer statement, because it affects traction, weight, towing weight and consumption. It is a factual characteristic, not a judgement on which layout is better.
See also: Towing weight (braked/unbraked), Vehicle weight (kerb weight, payload, GVW), Real-world consumption, Euro NCAP safety
Source: OEM manufacturer statement per variant; factual explanation
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