Do Fords have 4 wheel drive?
Yes. Ford offers four-wheel drive (4WD) on many models, especially trucks and off-road-oriented SUVs, but not every Ford vehicle has 4WD. Some vehicles use all-wheel drive (AWD) instead, and a few sporty or electric models may use other drivetrain designs.
Overview: how Ford uses 4WD and AWD across its lineup
Ford classifies drivetrains with terms like 4x4, 4WD, and AWD. In practice, trucks and some large SUVs tend to offer traditional 4WD with a transfer case and low-range gearing, while many crossovers and even some performance or electric models use AWD or on-demand AWD. The choice depends on the vehicle’s purpose, trim level, and year.
Trucks and heavy-duty 4x4 options
The following Ford pickups and heavy-duty trucks commonly offer genuine 4x4 capabilities with a transfer case, suitable for off-road use or demanding work tasks. Availability varies by year and trim.
- Ford F-150: 4x4 is available on most trims; higher-end off-road variants like the Tremor and Raptor include advanced off-road 4x4 systems with multi-mode transfer cases.
- Ford Ranger: 4x4 is offered, including FX4 and other off-road-oriented trims, with a transfer-case system for improved torque distribution.
- Ford Super Duty family (F-250, F-350, F-450): 4x4 configurations are common and designed for heavy payloads, towing, and rough terrain.
In the pickup and heavy-duty segment, 4x4 remains a core capability for buyers who need maximum traction, low-speed control, and rugged off-road performance. If you don’t require off-road capability, two-wheel-drive options are often available on base trims.
SUVs and crossovers: AWD vs 4WD in everyday models
In the SUV and crossover space, Ford frequently pairs AWD with smart traction management rather than traditional low-range 4WD. The system you get depends on the model and trim.
- Ford Expedition: Available with 4x4, including systems designed for rugged terrain and adverse weather.
- Ford Explorer: Typically offered with Intelligent 4WD, which provides all-wheel torque distribution and off-road driving modes without a low-range gear.
- Ford Bronco: Built around a true 4x4 framework; most trims include a robust 4x4 system with a two-speed transfer case suitable for serious off-roading.
- Ford Edge and Ford Escape: Commonly offered with AWD, not traditional 4x4 with a low-range transfer case.
For shoppers who mainly drive in urban or suburban settings, AWD can deliver excellent traction in rain and snow without the complexity of a manual low-range 4x4 system. For true off-road capability, 4x4 is often the better choice, especially on Bronco, Expedition, and certain F-Series family SUVs.
Electric and performance-focused models: how 4WD concepts apply
Electric and performance-oriented Fords use modern all-wheel-drive concepts that differ from classic 4x4 terminology, but they still provide multi-wheel traction across axles.
- Ford Mustang Mach-E: Uses all-wheel drive in most configurations (often marketed as eAWD), delivering power to both axles for stability and acceleration rather than a traditional low-range 4x4 system.
- Ford F-150 Lightning: Dual-motor AWD setup that provides all-wheel traction across conditions; no traditional low-range 4x4, but strong capability in adverse weather and work scenarios.
In electric performance models, all-wheel drive is common and focuses on implementation of dual motors and sophisticated control systems rather than a conventional 4x4 transfer-case with a low gear range.
Choosing between 4WD and AWD: what to consider
Understanding when to choose 4WD versus AWD can save you money and improve capability. The following guidelines help distinguish the two systems in Ford’s current lineup.
- Opt for 4WD if you plan serious off-roading or heavy-duty towing, and you want a low-range gear for crawling and extreme conditions.
- Choose AWD for daily driving in rain, snow, or light rough terrain, where traction and stability improvements are beneficial without the complexity of a separate low-range gear.
- Note that some models offer “Intelligent” or “Electronic” AWD that behaves like AWD but still relies on electronic controls to optimize torque distribution; check the trim and system name for specifics.
- Electric Fords (Mach-E, Lightning) use eAWD or dual-motor AWD, which provides traction on both axles without a traditional transfer case, and may be more efficient in certain conditions.
Understanding the drivetrain terminology and the intended use of the vehicle helps buyers pick the right Ford model with the appropriate traction system for their needs.
How to verify drivetrain options when shopping
When evaluating a Ford vehicle, verify the drivetrain in the product page or window sticker, and confirm the trim-specific drivetrain setup. Features like the transfer case, low-range gears, and the presence of an on-demand AWD system may vary by year and trim.
- Check the badge on the rear of the vehicle (e.g., 4x4, 4x2, AWD) and review the official specifications for the exact drivetrain.
- Review the off-road or terrain-management packages in trims like Tremor, Raptor, or FX4 for trucks, and the availability of 4x4 on Broncos and Expedition.
- For electric models, look for terms like eAWD or dual-motor AWD to understand how traction is managed across both axles.
By confirming these details, you’ll know whether a specific Ford model truly offers 4WD (with a transfer case and low range) or AWD (with on-demand or fixed-all-wheel traction).
Summary
Most Ford trucks and many larger SUVs offer genuine 4x4 options, including F-150, Ranger, Super Duty, Bronco, and Expedition. Many Ford crossovers and smaller SUVs rely on AWD or on-demand AWD systems for everyday traction. Electric models like the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning use AWD or eAWD configurations rather than traditional 4WD. In short, Fords do have 4WD, but the availability and terminology vary by model and trim, so check the exact drivetrain details when shopping.
Key takeaway
If off-road capability or heavy-duty use is your priority, prioritize Ford models with explicit 4x4 systems. If you mainly want year-round traction and efficiency, AWD variants across Ford’s lineup often meet those needs. Always verify the drivetrain configuration for the exact year and trim you’re considering.
Which Fords are 4x4?
Ford 4WD models include the Bronco, Expedition, Explorer, F-150, F-150 Lightning, Ranger, and Super Duty trucks (F-250, F-350, F-450). Some models, like the Bronco Sport, come standard with a 4x4 system, while others, such as the Explorer and F-150, offer 4WD as an option or on specific trims.
This video explains the different 4WD drive modes in the F-150: 34sFord Motor CompanyYouTube · May 24, 2022
- Bronco: Available in 4WD, including the Bronco Raptor.
- Bronco Sport: Comes standard with a 4x4 drive system.
- Expedition: Offers 4WD.
- Explorer: Available with an intelligent 4WD system, particularly on certain trims.
- F-150: Available in 4WD, with options like the Tremor and Raptor trims that come equipped with 4WD.
- F-150 Lightning: The all-electric model is equipped with 4WD capability.
- Ranger: Offers a 4WD system.
- Super Duty: The F-250, F-350, and F-450 trucks come with 4WD.
Is the F-150 AWD or 4WD?
For an F-150, 4WD is better for off-road and tough terrain like deep snow, mud, or sand, while AWD is ideal for on-road use in slippery conditions like rain or light snow, providing automatic traction control without requiring driver engagement. Choose AWD if your driving primarily involves daily use with the possibility of changing weather conditions, and 4WD if you frequently drive on trails, beaches, or other off-road surfaces.
This video explains how to use the 4x4 system in a Ford F-150: 59sMacPhee FordYouTube · Jan 20, 2025
4WD (Four-Wheel Drive)
- Best for: Heavy off-road use, deep snow, mud, sand, and rugged terrain.
- How it works: The driver manually engages or disengages the front and rear axles, and often includes a low-range gear (4L) for maximum torque.
- Key feature: Provides maximum traction and power distribution to all four wheels, but is not for use on dry pavement.
AWD (All-Wheel Drive) - also called 4A (4-Auto) in Ford terms
- Best for: Everyday driving in on-road conditions, especially when conditions can change quickly (e.g., rain, icy patches, or mixed wet/dry roads).
- How it works: The system is designed to operate continuously and automatically distributes power between the front and rear axles based on the vehicle's computer's assessment of traction.
- Key feature: Provides enhanced stability and traction for on-road driving without driver intervention and can be used on dry pavement.
Do all Fords have 4 wheel drive?
Several Ford SUVs offer 4-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), including the Ford Bronco, Explorer, Expedition, Edge, and Escape, giving drivers enhanced traction and off-road capability across various models.
Is Ford 4WD the same as AWD?
The main difference between AWD and 4WD is that although 4WD systems send power to the front and rear axles, they can also send a specific amount of power to the left and right wheels.
