Why the Ford Explorer is RWD
The Ford Explorer is rear-wheel drive (RWD) due to a major change made by Ford, which moved the Explorer from a truck-based, rear-wheel-drive body-on-frame platform to a car-based, unitized front-wheel-drive platform. This change was a significant shift, as the Explorer was transformed from a truck-based SUV to a crossover, with the largest engine being a V-6, while turbocharged four-cylinders became available later. This move improved fuel mileage and on-road ride, and the Explorer now features Fords Terrain Management System, which has seven available modes in all-wheel-drive models. The 2025 Ford Explorer is standard with rear-wheel drive but offers Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive, which improves driving control as a wide range of sensors constantly monitor road conditions, traction, steering wheel angle, wheel speed, and acceleration every 16 milliseconds.
The 2020 Ford Explorer returns to RWD, which has been described as improving safety and performance. The layout gives the new Explorer more capability and sharpened driving dynamics. The base engine in the Explorer is Fords venerable 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged inline-4, which makes 300 horsepower and provides decent acceleration. The Platinum trim features a 3-liter EcoBoost V6 that makes 365 horsepower, while the ST trim comes with a similar engine, but tuned to crank out 400 horsepower ,.
In conclusion, the Ford Explorer is RWD due to a significant shift in its platform and design, which has resulted in improved performance, driving dynamics, and fuel efficiency.
Contents
- When did Explorer go back to RWD?
- Are Ford Explorers FWD or RWD?
- How does AWD work on Ford Explorer?
- What is the difference between Ford Explorer AWD and 4WD?
- Is Ford Explorer really 4 wheel drive?
- Is Ford Explorer ST rear-wheel drive?
- Why did Explorer go back to rear-wheel-drive?
- Is the Ford Explorer FWD or RWD?
- When did the Ford Explorer switch to rear-wheel-drive?
- What is FWD in a Ford Explorer?
When did Explorer go back 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 …
Are Ford Explorers FWD or RWD?
Engine
| Engine Specifications | |
|---|---|
| 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 | |
| Drive type | Rear-wheel drive with available intelligent four-wheel drive |
| Engine type | 2.3L Turbocharged, Direct Injection Ti-VCT EcoBoost® I-4 |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic (select shift capability available on Timberline) |
How does AWD work on Ford Explorer?
How does Ford Intelligent AWD work? A Ford Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system monitors hundreds of pieces of data every second, including the car’s rate of acceleration, turning, steering wheel angle, speed, and accelerator pedal position.
What is the difference between Ford Explorer AWD and 4WD?
AWD, also known as all-wheel drive, is a drivetrain configuration that sends torque from the engine to the front and rear axles to all four wheels. 4WD, or four-wheel drive, sends power to the front and rear axles, and it also directs a specific amount of power between the left and right wheels.
Is Ford Explorer really 4 wheel drive?
Every model of the 2022 Ford Explorer comes standard with Intelligent 4WD. This feature optimizes the powertrain and braking system to get the right amount of traction for road conditions.
Is Ford Explorer ST rear-wheel drive?
Is Explorer ST Available As Rear-Wheel-Drive Only? Rear-wheel drive is standard on the Explorer ST trim, although a four-wheel drive is available as an option. This lets SUV drivers get better on-road performance and additional options. The car is powered by a 3.0-liter EcoBoost® engine with 400 horsepower and 415 lb.
Why did Explorer go back to rear-wheel-drive?
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.
Is the Ford Explorer FWD or RWD?
Engine
| Engine Specifications | |
|---|---|
| 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 | |
| Drive type | Rear-wheel drive with available intelligent four-wheel drive |
| Engine type | 2.3L Turbocharged, Direct Injection Ti-VCT EcoBoost® I-4 |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic (select shift capability available on Timberline) |
When did the Ford Explorer switch to rear-wheel-drive?
Related: 2020 Ford Explorer: Back to the Future
But the switch back to a rear-wheel-drive platform for the sixth generation is both celebratory and puzzling — celebratory in that we fully enjoy rear-wheel-drive vehicles for their handling, styling proportions and towing abilities.
What is FWD in a Ford Explorer?
2019 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr Front-wheel Drive.
