Volkswagen uses the 4MOTION name for more than one all-wheel-drive system, with each version tailored to the vehicle it supports. In sport utility vehicles such as the Volkswagen Tiguan, Volkswagen Atlas, and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, 4MOTION functions as an on-demand all-wheel-drive system. Under normal driving conditions, these models operate mainly in front-wheel drive to help improve fuel efficiency.

When the system senses traction loss or predicts that wheel slip could occur, it can send torque to the rear wheels through an electronically controlled coupling. This adjustment happens extremely quickly, often before the driver notices a change in road grip. Sensors track inputs such as throttle position, wheel speed, steering angle, and lateral acceleration, allowing the system to determine how much power should be shifted rearward. Around Shiloh, IL, this can be especially helpful during rain, snow, slush, or on loose surfaces.

• On-demand all-wheel-drive system used in Volkswagen Tiguan, Volkswagen Atlas, and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
• Runs primarily in front-wheel drive during normal conditions to support fuel efficiency
• Automatically sends power to the rear axle when slip is detected or anticipated
• Rear-axle engagement happens in milliseconds
• Monitors wheel speed, throttle position, steering angle, and lateral acceleration
• No manual driver activation required

The Volkswagen Golf R uses a more advanced version of 4MOTION than Volkswagen crossover models. Rather than focusing only on added traction, the Volkswagen Golf R system is built to enhance performance handling. Its rear axle includes a torque-vectoring differential that can distribute power independently between the left and right rear wheels.

During spirited cornering, the system can send more torque to the outside rear wheel, helping the Volkswagen Golf R rotate through turns with greater confidence. This improves turn-in, stability, and control near the vehicle grip limits. While it still adds capability in poor weather, this version of 4MOTION is also engineered for winding roads and performance driving.

• Volkswagen Golf R uses torque-vectoring 4MOTION with active rear axle control
• Can vary torque between the left and right rear wheels
• Helps improve cornering stability and turn-in response
• Sends power to the outside rear wheel during aggressive cornering
• Designed for performance driving as well as all-weather traction

Several current Volkswagen models offer 4MOTION all-wheel drive, while others remain front-wheel drive only. The Volkswagen Tiguan offers 4MOTION as an option on most trims and includes it as standard equipment on the SEL R-Line Turbo. The Volkswagen Atlas and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offer available 4MOTION across the trim lineup.

For performance shoppers, the Volkswagen Golf R comes standard with 4MOTION and includes the more advanced torque-vectoring rear differential. The all-electric Volkswagen ID.4 is also available with all-wheel drive through a dual-motor configuration marketed under the 4MOTION name. Models such as the Volkswagen Jetta, Volkswagen Jetta GLI, Volkswagen Golf GTI, and Volkswagen Taos do not offer 4MOTION all-wheel drive.

• Volkswagen Tiguan: optional on all trims; standard on SEL R-Line Turbo
• Volkswagen Atlas: optional on all trims
• Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport: optional on all trims
• Volkswagen Golf R: standard, with torque-vectoring rear differential
• Volkswagen ID.4: available dual-motor all-wheel-drive configuration
• Not available on Volkswagen Jetta, Volkswagen Jetta GLI, Volkswagen Golf GTI, or Volkswagen Taos

Front-wheel-drive Volkswagen models send power only to the front wheels, which are responsible for both steering and moving the vehicle forward. This setup is lighter, efficient, and well suited for many everyday driving situations. 4MOTION all-wheel drive adds the ability to send power to the rear wheels when extra traction is needed.

The biggest advantage of 4MOTION is added confidence on wet, snowy, icy, or loose roads. It can also improve stability when accelerating quickly from a stop because the rear wheels can help share the workload. The tradeoff is fuel economy, as 4MOTION models typically return about 2 to 4 mpg less than comparable front-wheel-drive versions, depending on the vehicle. Since the system operates automatically, drivers do not need to press a button or shift into a special mode to activate all-wheel drive.

• Front-wheel drive: lighter weight, better fuel economy, power sent to front wheels only
• 4MOTION: added traction on wet, loose, snowy, or slippery surfaces
• 4MOTION can improve launch stability under hard acceleration
• Typical fuel economy difference: 2 to 4 mpg, depending on model
• 4MOTION works automatically with no manual engagement required