[alkonaut]

I think part of why I consider them to be one and the same is because in the total absence of "true" 4WD/4x4 (approximately no one drives pickup trucks in Europe, I'm guessing that's where the true 4x4 still lives in the US) so the 4WD/2WD moniker has been used for 2WD/AWD as in "Will you get the 2WD or 4WD tesla is used somewhat sloppily?". It seems car manufacturers though are still careful not to call anything 4WD or 4x4 when it's not.

[supermatt]

Lots of "true" 4WD vehicles in europe. Also, lots of AWD vehicles with lockable centre differentials (which effectively makes them 4WD when needed).

But thats not your typical SUV, no.