Are Ford Explorers front or rear-wheel-drive?
Most Ford Explorers today use rear-wheel drive as the base layout, with all-wheel drive available on most trims; there is no standard front-wheel-drive configuration in the current lineup.
Current drivetrain architecture
The latest generation of the Explorer is built on a rear‑wheel‑drive–based platform, with intelligent all‑wheel drive offered as an option. This setup prioritizes the handling characteristics of RWD while providing AWD traction when needed, such as in wet weather or light off‑road conditions.
Rear-wheel drive with optional all‑wheel drive is designed to balance driving dynamics, comfort, and capability for everyday use and family hauling.
Key points about the current lineup:
- Base configurations are rear‑wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available across most trims.
- All‑wheel drive provides enhanced traction in rain, snow, and slippery surfaces.
- There is no conventional front-wheel-drive configuration in the current Explorer lineup; AWD is the practical alternative when needed.
In short, today’s Explorers are built around a rear‑wheel‑drive architecture with optional AWD across the range.
Historical context
Historically, the Explorer evolved from a traditional, body‑on‑frame SUV with selectable four‑wheel drive options to later unibody designs that offered all‑wheel drive. Across generations, the drivetrain profile has generally favored rear‑drive capability, with AWD variants available as needed for traction and weather conditions.
Drivetrain options by era:
- 1990s–early 2000s: primarily rear‑wheel drive with available four‑wheel drive; 2WD and 4WD configurations were common on many trims.
- 2011–2019: redesigned as a unibody SUV with available AWD; AWD accommodates wet/snowy conditions while preserving a rear‑drive bias in many modes.
Across these periods, Ford emphasized rear‑drive capability as a core characteristic, with AWD variants offered to boost traction when needed. Front‑wheel drive has not been a standard core configuration for the Explorer in its modern generations.
What this means for drivers
Understanding the drivetrain helps buyers anticipate performance, fuel economy, and versatility for different climates and uses.
Practical implications for users:
- Rear‑wheel drive provides strong towing and balanced handling on dry roads; it’s the standard baseline for most Explorers today.
- All‑wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow, and light off‑roading, but adds weight and can slightly reduce fuel economy.
- Choosing AWD is beneficial in regions with winter weather or mixed conditions; in consistently dry climates, RWD can offer better efficiency and simpler maintenance.
In short, if you live in a climate with winter weather or you anticipate slippery conditions, AWD is a sensible option; if you prioritize efficiency and mostly drive on dry pavement, a rear‑drive configuration will be sufficient.
Summary
The current Ford Explorer lineup is built on a rear‑wheel‑drive–based platform with optional all‑wheel drive across most trims. While older Explorers offered 2WD/RWD and 4WD variants, the modern model avoids a traditional front‑wheel‑drive configuration. For drivers, this means choosing AWD for stronger traction in challenging weather or light off‑roading, and opting for RWD if you want better fuel economy and straightforward maintenance in dry conditions.
Is the Ford Explorer front or rear-wheel-drive?
(All power figures are dependent on premium fuel.) A 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive are standard, but all-wheel drive is available. In our test drive, we found the 2025 Explorer's driving experience to be nearly identical to the previous version.
When did Ford Explorers become front-wheel drive?
2011
Fifth generation: 2011 to 2019
Ford took a fresh approach to chassis engineering in 2011, moving the Explorer to a car based front-wheel-drive crossover with unibody construction.
What year Explorer to stay away from?
You should stay away from the 2002–2006 Ford Explorer models due to frequent and expensive transmission problems, engine issues, and suspension wear. Other years to avoid include the 2016 and 2020 models, which have reported issues with electrical systems, faulty parts, and transmission problems.
Model years to avoid
- 2002–2006: The third generation is widely considered the least reliable due to significant transmission failures, engine problems (like timing chain issues), and premature suspension wear. The 2002 model year has the highest number of overall complaints, primarily for its transmission.
- 2016: This model year has been criticized for issues like faulty fuel tanks and suspension components, as well as poor rearward visibility and lack of interior storage.
- 2020: As the first year of the current design, the 2020 model is noted for a high number of recalls, particularly involving transmission problems that can cause stalling and power loss.
Other years with potential issues
- 2011–2019: This generation has drawn complaints about electrical system problems.
- Early 2021 models: Some 2021 models built in late 2020 and early 2021 had issues, though later models made in late 2021 are generally considered more reliable.
What year did the Ford Explorer go back to rear-wheel-drive?
The Ford Explorer returned to a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) platform with the introduction of the 2020 model year. This marked a return to the RWD layout after the previous generation (2011-2019) was built on a front-wheel-drive (FWD) platform.
This video explains the history of the Ford Explorer, including the move from RWD to FWD and back: 33sWay Scarff Ford Isuzu in Auburn, WAYouTube · Oct 1, 2025
- Previous generation: The 2011-2019 models were based on a FWD platform.
- New generation: The 2020 model year marked a significant redesign on a new, rear-wheel-drive-based platform. This change improved handling, towing capacity, and overall performance.
You can watch this video to learn more about the advantages of the RWD platform in the new Explorer: 47sWay Scarff Ford Isuzu in Auburn, WAYouTube · Sep 17, 2025
