Car questions, illustrated
Explore how the hardware works, compare trims and find the equipment you need.
How it works
360° camera vs backup camera: what can you see?
A backup camera shows behind the car. A 360° camera system combines several cameras into a simulated overhead view, helping you judge the space beside and ahead of the car too.
Explore the articleHow does regenerative braking work?
Regenerative braking uses an electric motor as a generator while the car slows. It converts some of the car’s motion into electricity stored in the battery, instead of losing all that energy as heat in the brakes.
Explore the articleWhat is automatic 4WD? 4A vs 4H vs 4L
Automatic 4WD varies assistance to the other axle as conditions change. On the Ford systems shown here, 4A can be used on dry roads. Locked 4H and 4L are for suitable slippery or loose surfaces, not dry-pavement turns.
Explore the articlePayload vs towing capacity: which limit comes first?
Payload is the weight a vehicle carries. Towing capacity limits the loaded trailer it can pull. The trailer also puts weight on the hitch, so passengers, cargo and tongue weight can use up payload before the trailer reaches the tow rating.
Explore the articleWhat does a locking differential do?
A locking differential couples the two wheels on an axle so they turn at the same speed. If one tire is in the air, the other can still push against the ground. An open differential allows different wheel speeds, which helps during normal turns.
Explore the articleHow does AWD work? Electric vs mechanical AWD
All-wheel drive can power both axles, but the label does not describe one universal mechanism. Some systems use a mechanical driveshaft and rear coupling. Others use a separate electric rear motor with no driveshaft connecting the axles.
Explore the articleHybrid vs plug-in hybrid: do you need to charge it?
A conventional hybrid does not need to plug in: its engine and regenerative braking supply the battery. A plug-in hybrid can also charge from an external source and generally has a larger battery for more electric driving.
Explore the articleApproach, breakover and departure angles, illustrated
Approach angle describes clearance at the front, breakover at a crest between the axles, and departure at the rear. A vehicle can clear one part of an obstacle and still contact it somewhere else.
Explore the articleDoes adaptive cruise control steer? ACC vs lane assist
Adaptive cruise control adjusts speed to help maintain a following gap. Lane centering assists with steering within the lane. Lane keeping assistance addresses unintended lane departure. A vehicle can combine them, but they do different jobs.
Explore the articleCVT vs eCVT: does a hybrid transmission use a belt?
A conventional belt-or-chain CVT changes the effective size of two pulleys. A hybrid eCVT can produce a continuously variable effect through different machinery. The similar names do not mean the transmissions contain the same parts.
Explore the articleAnswers by vehicle
Trim comparisons, equipment guides and buying questions for each model.