Is RWD cheaper than AWD?

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) vehicles are generally more economical than all-wheel drive (AWD) models, primarily for purchase price, daily operation, and maintenance costs. The simpler RWD design eliminates the complex drivetrain of AWD systems, resulting in an approximately RM 20,000 to RM 30,000 lower price for RWD variants of the same model. For instance, the base BMW 3 Series RWD model starts around RM 260,000, whereas the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD version exceeds RM 220,000. In daily operation, RWD vehicles achieve 5%-10% better fuel efficiency than AWD counterparts due to reduced weight and lower power loss. Covering 10,000 km annually translates to roughly RM 2,000 in fuel savings, with basic maintenance costing about RM 500 less per service. Budget-conscious urban commuters will find RWD delivers better value, while those prioritizing all-condition capability must bear AWD's premium cost.