What year did Ford Explorer go back to rear wheel drive?

The Ford Explorer switched back to rear-wheel drive for the 2020 model year.
The Ford Explorer initially had rear-wheel drive when it was first introduced in 1990. However, it transitioned to a front-wheel-drive platform for the last eight years. But for its sixth generation, which was released in 2020, the Ford Explorer returned to a rear-wheel-drive platform.
Additional Information
The third-generation Explorer, which was introduced in 2002, marked a major change in the model line. It ended chassis commonality with the Ford Ranger and introduced rear-wheel drive as the standard option, with four-wheel drive and permanent all-wheel drive also available.
The switch to a rear-wheel-drive platform for the 2020 Explorer offers improved weight distribution and a newfound sense of balance, according to Ford’s engineers. This change has been well-received by Explorer loyalists who have test driven the sixth-generation vehicle.
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Are older Ford Explorers 4 wheel-drive?

1991–1994: The O.G.
A 155-hp 4.0-liter V-6 (dubbed “Cologne”) is the only engine offered and rear-wheel drive is standard. A pushbutton-activated four-wheel-drive system is available (low-range gearing is included, and also is activated via a button on the dashboard).

What is the problem with RWD?

Disadvantages of Rear-Wheel Drive
Lack of traction can be another major disadvantage for rear-wheel drive. It tends to work best in dry conditions, and inclement weather such as rain or snow can cause the vehicle to lose traction much faster than other drivetrains.

Are 2013 Ford Explorers rear-wheel drive?

Front-wheel drive is standard, four-wheel drive is optional. Although the Explorer does not come with low-range gearing, 4WD versions of the Explorer get Ford’s Terrain Management system, which allows the driver to select from four modes for optimal traction in a variety of driving environments.

When did Ford Explorer switch to RWD?

2020
2020–25 Explorer
With its 2020 redesign the Explorer returns once again to a rear-wheel-drive-based platform. Its styling is similar to the previous generation, though the SUV is a bit bigger and has a longer wheelbase that helps create more cargo room. Power comes from a standard turbocharged 2.3-liter …

What Explorer is rear-wheel drive?

Average Price Paid

Trim	XLT RWD
Exterior Colors
Drivetrain	Rear Wheel Drive
Transmission	Automatic
MPG	21 City / 28 Hwy

Does the Ford Explorer have rear-wheel drive?

A change in drive and engine direction
The new Explorer has a rear-wheel-drive-based architecture and optional all-wheel drive. That’s a major change from the outgoing model, which had base models that were front-wheel-drive and optional AWD.

Why did the Explorer go back to RWD?

Why Did the Sixth-Generation Ford Explorer Switch to Rear-Wheel Drive? Ford’s engineers say that the rear-drive chassis offers a newfound sense of balance thanks to its improved weight distribution, and Explorer loyalists that have test driven the sixth-generation vehicle concur.

When did Ford Explorer go to front-wheel drive?

2011 – 2019 Ford Explorer (5th Generation)
The Explorer returned with a completely new design. Loosely based on the Taurus sedan, the fifth-generation Explorer was a car-based, unibody design and front-wheel-drive for the first time, although an all-wheel-drive system remained available.

When did Ford Explorer go to front-wheel-drive?

2011 – 2019 Ford Explorer (5th Generation)
The Explorer returned with a completely new design. Loosely based on the Taurus sedan, the fifth-generation Explorer was a car-based, unibody design and front-wheel-drive for the first time, although an all-wheel-drive system remained available.

When did Ford Explorer go to front wheel drive?

2011 – 2019 Ford Explorer (5th Generation)
The Explorer returned with a completely new design. Loosely based on the Taurus sedan, the fifth-generation Explorer was a car-based, unibody design and front-wheel-drive for the first time, although an all-wheel-drive system remained available.