Types of Drivetrains in South Africa

Types of Drivetrains: How They Cost More Than You Think 

In a country where South Africans invest heavily in their SUVS and bakkies, there’s another vehicle type that’s catching up in dollar signs. Despite popular demand for 4X4s, crossovers, and SUVs, one of the most common drivetrains that is slightly more “affordable” to car buyers in South Africa is the front-wheel drive system (FWD). Most people might not notice it, but today’s vehicles with this type of system offer breathing room for automakers to play with space and design for different markets.

Most people will know exactly what a 4X4 means. But do you know what the difference between a 4X4 and AWD is? You might also wonder what this has to do with how some vehicles are priced the way they are, and why some body styles (based on News24 motoring) cost more than others. 

Understanding the Basics: What is a Drivetrain?

The car’s drivetrain is made up of a few components: the engine, transmission, driveshaft, and axles. These components work together to deliver power to the front and back wheels, helping the vehicle drive the way it does. 
To put it in layman’s terms, while the engine produces power, your car’s transmission fine-tunes the power to the correct speed and force. The driveshaft then transmits that power to the differential, which sends it to the axles. The axles turn the wheels, thus moving the vehicle forward. 

Types of Drivetrains

Cars come in different drivetrain variations. You’ll recognise this while car shopping when they show you the vehicle transmission type: is it a FWD, RWD, 4WD, or AWD? This is why some people know more about car shopping than others, not just on price, but also on how lifestyle factors influence their purchase decisions.  

Front-Wheel Drive

A FWD system is one in which the engine transfers power to the front wheels of the car. In the past, you’d often find this drivetrain in smaller vehicles like hatchbacks and sedans, sometimes even compact crossovers. Thanks to the 1970s, mass-market FWD cars offered a great deal of advantages for their time.

But in today’s market, thanks to several influences that have advanced over time, most vehicles with FWD have become some of the priciest cars on the market. 

Rear-Wheel Drive

An RWD transmits power to the back wheels. This system differs from FWD as it works on improving weight distribution, handling, and acceleration ever so slightly. While the back wheels do most of the work, it leaves the front wheels to do most of the steering. You’ll often find this type of system in some luxury sports cars and larger vehicles. 

Four-Wheel Drive

A FWD system delivers power to both the front and rear axles at the same time. This system is often used in off-road vehicles and trucks as it offers excellent support, traction, and manoeuvrability in certain terrains and other conditions. In some vehicles, the driver is able to switch between different driving modes, from four-wheel drive to two-wheel.  

All-Wheel Drive

The AWD system is an “advanced drivetrain system” that delivers power automatically and simultaneously to all wheels. Car owners can expect enhanced stability, better traction and control in both normal and adverse conditions. This type of drivetrain is very popular among off-road vehicles, bakkies, and SUVs. 

In this article, we’re focusing on how front-wheel drive works and how expensive they’ve become over time. 

Advantages of a Front-Wheel Drive System

One thing to note about FWD vehicles is that they’re really practical, and the few advantages they offer are exactly what used to motivate people to buy these types of cars and what motivated manufacturers to build these cars.

• Lower cost in manufacturing
• Maximising space
• Improved fuel economy
• Better handling for everyday driving.

While not originally built for high performance, they’re designed to get the job done in everyday, urban settings, ideal for South Africans who are in the entry-level parts of their life (like career or personal life), looking to improve their commuting means, and are conscious about their budget.

South Africa’s 5 Priciest Cars with Front-Wheel Drive

People often associated front-wheel drive vehicles with the term that used to be loosely thrown around: budget-friendly. It has also been associated with money-saving benefits like lower fuel consumption, compact in size, light on its feet, and cost-effective to manufacture. And while that may still be the case today, the retail price begs to differ in 2026. 

Not all luxury vehicles will rely on rear-wheel drive, and it’s not the specific system that makes it expensive; it’s the add-ons and fancy extras. FWD cars are also far more capable thanks to the technology and safety features used today. 

1. Mercedes-Benz EQV 300 retailing from R2,300,000
2. GAC M8 Master PHEV retailing from R1,499,900
3. Kia Carnival 2.2CRDi SXL retailing from R1,299,995
4. Hyundai Staria 2.2D Luxury retailing from R1,299,900
5. Ford Torneo Custom 2.0SiT Titanium X retailing from R1,278,500

To put these numbers into perspective, in 2024, the most expensive FWD vehicle in South Africa at the time retailed from R1,226,390 as one of the top-spec luxury versions of the Hyundai Starla. The second most expensive vehicle was the Mercedes-Benz EQA250 AMG Line, which was valued at R1,232,400. 

You’ll notice that the price has nothing to do with the drivetrain, but what’s offered alongside it. 

The Bottom Line

Historically, front-wheel drive vehicles were mostly found in affordable “mainstream” passenger vehicles, while luxury cars were commonly built as rear-wheel drive. However, as inflation increases, so do production costs, and thus, affects the consumer. 

For efficiency and manufacturing reasons, FWD is the better option for building capable vehicles whose price tag exceeds a few zeros. So, everyone can have a piece of the pie, from entry-level hatchbacks and compact SUVs to the most luxurious vehicles.  

When you’re buying your next vehicle for the best deal, whether it’s a 4X4 for off-roading or a compact SUV for city driving, don’t get confused about the price and what’s on offer; hopefully, you’ll be more informed. It’s discussions like this, knowing your credit score, and keeping the total cost of car ownership in mind, that will help you budget for the long-term. 

For advice on financing a car, read more here: Car financing explained.