Auto zone: Why 4x2 & not 4x4 is preferred SUV

Vijay C Roy

Every second passenger vehicle sold in the country is a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV). However, very few customers opt for the 4×4 drivetrain. Once the vehicles of choice for off-roaders, SUVs have evolved into urban vehicles, so much so that even daily commuters prefer them to hatchbacks or sedans.

Less than 5 per cent of SUVs sold in India are with 4×4 (4WD or four-wheel drive) capabilities. Majority of the customers prefer the 4×2 (2WD or two-wheel) category. This is in complete contrast to European countries.

As the demand in India is more for 2WD, most of the manufacturers don’t offer the flagship models as four-wheel drive.

Even automaker Jeep India introduced 4×2 Compass last year to have a larger share of the market. “Every Jeep nameplate is available with 4×4 capability, but recently we have launched Compass 4×2 specifically for the Indian market. This is the product that has been designed and engineered specifically for the country,” says Aditya Jairaj, CEO and managing director, Stellantis India.

SUVs SOLD

12,15,294 units April-Dec 2022

15,42,790 units April-Dec 2023

SHARE OF SUVs

49.9%

2WD vs 4WD

2WD and 4WD are the two types of drivetrains available in SUVs. The most common drivetrain is the two-wheel drive or 4×2. It sends power directly to the front wheels and holds most of its weight over the front wheels.

The four-wheel drive or 4WD refers to a system in which a car’s engine sends power to move all four wheels. As the name indicates, sending power to each wheel helps in driving the vehicle better than a vehicle with a front-wheel or rear-wheel drive. As a result, 2WD vehicles can be less capable in slippery or off-road conditions. On the other hand, 4WD vehicles offer better traction and performance.

Besides that, 2WD vehicles are more fuel-efficient and cheaper than 4WD vehicles. Developing and producing 4WD variants is expensive. This is because the systems require additional components and technology. The added cost is passed on to the consumers.

In European countries, people largely buy SUVs with a 4×4 drive. According to experts, in India, SUVs are not always used for off-roading. Maximum sales of SUVs are in the cities, where the roads are better.

“As per our estimates, less than 5 per cent of the SUVs sold in India are equipped with 4×4 technology. In most cases, they are perceived as lifestyle vehicles and are preferred because of their better road presence, high ground clearance and commanding driving position. This is why the share of 4×4 technology in SUVs is quite low,” says Shashank Srivastava, senior executive officer, marketing & sales, Maruti Suzuki India Limited.

Maruti Suzuki offers the technology in Grand Vitara and in Jimny, with the AllGrip Pro 4×4. Mahindra & Mahindra offers 4×4 drive in Scorpio N and Thar. It offers All Wheel Drive in XUV700.

Experts are of the view that in European countries, the customers are often required to drive through snow so they need a better grip on roads. Their lifestyle, too, is different.

According to a Tata Motors spokesperson, “Currently, we do not have a model that offers 4×4 as the demand is very low, making up approximately only 1 per cent of the total personal vehicle sales in the industry.”

More Models to boost 4WD

“The popularity of the 4×4 culture is on the rise and this is fuelled by factors like distinctive design, changing lifestyles, a shift towards personal transportation, and growing appreciation for safety as well as convenience features. However, there exists a considerable potential for the segment, particularly among the youth, who desire a versatile vehicle for both urban commuting and weekend adventures. With availability, this segment will definitely grow,” feels Sabari Manohar, vice-president, sales-service-used car business of Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), Chandigarh.

As far as TKM is concerned, they offer the Hilux, Fortuner, Legender, Urban Cruiser Hyryder and LC 300 in 4×4 variants. There is a strong customer demand for these models.

To foster the growth of the 4×4 community, TKM has launched innovative outreach events aimed at engaging not only Toyota customers, but also enthusiasts of 4×4 vehicles from all brands. One such initiative, the ‘Great 4×4 Expedition by Toyota’, resonates deeply with discerning 4×4 enthusiasts.

“While our 4×4 product offerings continue to receive a good market response, there has been a shift in buyer preferences towards larger, feature-laden vehicles that serve multiple purposes, such as city driving and weekend getaways. This trend, along with the rapid pace of urbanisation and economic development, is significantly contributing to the demand for SUVs,” says Manohar.

Demand for Automatic Transmission

In the case of SUVs, manual transmissions are often perceived to offer better performance, control and reliability, particularly in rough terrains. In addition to this, automatic transmissions also command a high premium over manual transmissions.

“However, with the advancement in technology, we are noticing a significant uptick in the demand for automatic transmissions. Almost 55 per cent of demand for Jimny is for the automatic variant. The major reason for this is that most SUVs in India are sold in urban areas that have high traffic density, making automatic transmissions a more convenient option,” says Srivastava.

“The automatic SUV offers the best of both worlds — offroad capability and performance of a utility vehicle as well as the driving comfort of an automatic gearbox,” according to Manohar.

A Tata Motors spokesperson says automatic transmissions are quite popular in SUVs, with models like the Harrier and Safari boasting of a notable 40 per cent penetration.