When it comes to light-duty pickup trucks, there has always been a tough battle between the 4×2 and the 4×4. Recent times have seen a shift in the dynamics between the two and it appears that the 4×4 pickup truck is more prevalent when used by fleets. Is the 4×2 really getting replaced by the 4×4 pickup truck? We’ve put together some statistics regarding the usage of light pickup trucks in fleets of almost 9,000 trucks and explain the differences and benefits to help put things into perspective.
The Difference Between 4×2 and 4×4 Pickup Trucks
What is the difference between a 4×2 and 4×4 pickup truck? A 4×2 truck, also referred to as two-wheel drive (2WD) is a truck with four wheels that is torque powered directly to the rear wheel axle. A 4×4 truck, also referred to as four-wheel drive (4WD) is a truck with four wheels that is torque powered to all four wheels at the same time.
The Benefits of a 4×2 vs 4×4 Pickup Trucks
Now that we understand the difference between 4×2 and 4×4 trucks is where the torque is powered in the wheels, let’s dig into the benefits between the two trucks.
4×2 Truck Benefits:
- Light Weight: These trucks are often lighter than a 4×4 for a lighter drive.
- Gas Mileage: With a lighter truck comes better fuel economy and more miles per gallon.
- Cost Effective: Not only will you spend less on fuel, you’ll also find the 4×2 trucks have lower MSRPs.
- Towing Capacity: 4×2 trucks will oftentimes have a higher towing and payload capacity than a 4×4 truck.
4×4 truck Benefits:
- Traction & Stability: These trucks are known for their ability to endure any type of terrain such as rain, snow, ice, mud, and almost all adverse slippery weather conditions.
- Safety: With this truck’s ability to handle any terrain, it’s also well known for being the safest truck for hazardous road conditions because of its ability to provide torque to all wheels at the same time.
- Resale Value: These trucks oftentimes have a higher resale value than 4×2 trucks.
- Towing Capabilities: Although the 4×4 can’t tow as much as a 4×2, the capabilities of a 4×4 are more advantageous because of its ability to tow through various terrains. This is beneficial for industries that require material to be carried and towed through mud, rocks, and other tough terrain or conditions.
Percentage of 4×2 vs 4×4 Pickup Trucks
When it comes to the type of truck being used from the beginning of 2012 to the end of 2016, we’ve seen a shift in the ratio between the 4×2 and 4×4 pickup trucks. From 51% in 2012 to 69% by 2016, 4×4 pickup trucks have become the most preferred pickup truck for fleets. This shows a marked decrease in the 4×2 and a clear dominance of the 4×4 pickup truck strictly in terms of the numbers over the five-year period.
Average Cost of Drive Types
The payment of initially buying the vehicles is the most significant a company has to endure. When it comes to the prices of both the drive types, they saw a sharp increase in their purchase prices back in 2013 but the prices have come down a notch or two since then. That was a time when a lot of vehicles saw their prices going up so it was only natural that their prices went up as well.
The 4×2 pickup truck has seen an average price range of about $25,000 to $29,000 over the 5-year period, while the 4×4 pickup truck has seen its price range from $29,000 to $34,000. That speaks a lot about how the two of them are valued compared to each other.
The Final Verdict – The 4×2 or the 4×4 Pickup Truck?
Regarding the numbers, it is something that is as clear as the sun will shine in the morning – the 4×4 pickup truck is definitely the one that is most preferred by fleets as their choice of light-duty pickup trucks. The 4×2 pickup trucks enjoyed a good run and for the longest time, they were able to give the 4×4 pickup trucks a run for their money. As our data shows, 4×4 pickup trucks are clearly the better vehicles for use in this day and age. The 4×4 wins hands down.
At Summit Fleet, we only carry 4×4 pickup trucks – It’s what you need and want! Learn more about our 4×4 trucks for all your needs here.
