Illustrated glossary · Automatic 4WD / 4A
What 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.
See how it works
Compare the modes on a dry turn, ice patches and loose snow.
2026 Ford Bronco · Badlands
Surface
4A · dry
Moves
keeps the on standby. It can stay on as road grip changes, without in turns.
, front on standby
How this works
Wheel movement illustrates power flow, not measured traction.
This uses our Ford 4WD demonstration. It shows qualitative wheel states, not a traction prediction. Other manufacturers’ hardware, mode names and operating rules can differ.
Why dry turns expose the difference
The front and rear travel different distances in a turn. Locked couples their average speeds. On firm, grippy pavement that difference has to go somewhere, causing tire scrub or . allows the needed difference while managing assistance.
Low range changes gearing
adds reduction gearing for slow movement and greater at the wheels. It does not create tire grip. The reduction ratio and the rules for shifting into low range are vehicle-specific; follow the owner’s manual.
4WD does not mean axle lockers
A connects the front and rear . A front or couples the left and right wheels on that axle. A vehicle can have with open axle , which is why the wheel-in-the-air example behaves differently when you add .
Explore it on a vehicle
Pick an equipped build to explore. Prices before .
2026 Ford Bronco
All trim availability →About these examples
Year-specific examples from our catalogs, not a complete market list. A missing vehicle or trim does not establish that the feature is unavailable. Each illustration and link uses the shown build. Unknown prices stay unknown.
2026 Ford Bronco