How can you tell by looking at the car whether it is AWD or Front Wheel Drive?

 

On the outside there is no visibal difference. Unless you look under the rear of the car. Or look at the vin#. AWD has a"H" in the middle of the vin# and the FWD has a"G" in the middle of the vin#.
Another fast way for dealership personel to know is to look at the window sticker's gas mileage displayed. AWD is 18/24 and FWD is 19/25.

 

Thanks Elizabeth.. I think both models have the "snow mode" button inside.....is that correct?

Any difference in the interior buttons? What do you look for under the rear of the car?

 

Yes, both have the ECT button.

I didn't realize you meant if there was any difference on the inside! Why did I think you meant the outside....

In Southern California, the AWD usually has Heated Seats on the inside and the FWD do not. But this is not a guarrantee on previous model years so the only 2 ways to be positive is to check underneath the car or check the vin#.

 

What should I look for underneath the car?

 

I'm no technician, but here goes:
In the rear of the car, underneath is the driveshaft which is a long metal thing that comes straight down the middle of the car, then splits off to the right and left rear tires. This is the AWD. But you kind of have to stick your head under the bumper for it to be visibal. (And you can get dirty this way.) If you are kind of standing back and look under, then you can't see it. Good luck.

 

thanks Elizabeth....I'll check it out.... Are you sure you are not a technician?