The four-wheel drive compact SUV is the newest addition to the small-yet-powerful SUV market. Compact SUVs are becoming increasingly popular, offering plenty of room for both cargo and passengers along with improved traction and off-road capabilities. But what makes four-wheel drives so special? What positive benefits do they offer?

The biggest benefit of four-wheel drive is increased traction and stability. With two sets of tires spinning simultaneously, these vehicles have better control on slippery terrain or on uneven surfaces. Moreover, better acceleration is possible because extra wheel drive is available to help you move faster.

Four-wheel drives also perform better in the mud, snow, and sand compared to two-wheel drive vehicles. With four-wheel drive, all four wheels are used to push the vehicle forward, increasing the stability and the traction for added control.

When off-roading, four-wheel drive vehicles provide exceptional performance. Not only do they have better traction for climbing grades, but they also offer increased safety and control for more aggressive maneuvering.

In addition to better traction, four-wheel drive compact SUVs offer a variety of additional benefits. To start, they have an all-around improved fuel economy. Four-wheel drives are up to 23-percent more fuel efficient than their two-wheel drive counterparts.

Four-wheel drive SUVs bring added reliability when compared against two-wheel drive vehicles. Since all four wheels are used to power the vehicle, the weight and burden are shared evenly for added reliability. This makes them ideal for tough terrain that could potentially be too much for a two-wheel drive vehicle.

Last but not least, four-wheel drive compact SUVs are better for the environment since they use less fuel, emit fewer greenhouse gasses, and are often lighter, allowing them to have a better fuel economy.

Four-wheel drive compact SUVs offer plenty of positive benefits for those who need off-road capabilities combined with reliable performance. With increased traction for better stability and maneuvering, improved fuel efficiency, and added reliability, four-wheel drive SUVs are the perfect combination of form and function.