Does Ford have independent suspension?
Yes. Ford uses independent suspension across most of its modern lineup, including many cars, crossovers, and light-duty trucks. The company shifted the F-150 to independent rear suspension (IRS) starting with the 2015 model year and has extended IRS to many current models. Heavy-duty trucks in Ford’s range, however, still rely on solid rear axle configurations for maximum payload and durability in demanding work applications.
Overview of Ford suspension strategy
Independent suspension (IRS) means each wheel can move independently, which generally improves ride quality, handling, and ride comfort on irregular road surfaces. Ford’s mainstream models predominantly use independent suspension on at least the front axle, with many also offering independent rear suspension. For some heavy-duty applications where payload and toughness are paramount, Ford retains solid rear axle configurations.
Before exploring specific models, it helps to know that Ford’s approach has been: embrace IRS across most of the consumer lineup, while preserving traditional, robust rear suspensions for certain high-load, durability-focused trucks.
Examples below illustrate where Ford widely uses independent suspension across its current consumer lineup, and where the brand maintains a solid rear axle for heavy-duty work.
- Mustang — independent rear suspension (IRS) on current models
- F-150 — independent rear suspension (IRS) since the 2015 redesign
- Explorer — independent suspension on both axles
- Expedition — independent suspension on both axles
- Escape — independent suspension on at least the rear axle
- Bronco — fully independent suspension on both axles
- Edge — independent suspension on at least one axle
Examples of Ford models that use independent suspension on at least one axle (as of 2024–2025):
In general, these configurations reflect Ford’s emphasis on ride comfort and handling across daily driving, highway use, and urban/road-condition tolerance.
Examples of Ford models where a solid rear axle remains common in the heavy-duty segment (where payload and durability drive design):
- Super Duty line (F-250/F-350 and heavier) — traditional rear suspension with leaf springs is common in many configurations to maximize payload and towing durability
Heavy-duty variants and specific trims may vary, but Ford’s Super Duty lineup is widely associated with robust, traditional rear suspension for workhorse performance.
Why this matters to buyers
For shoppers prioritizing ride comfort, steering feel, and everyday usability, IRS typically offers a smoother ride and better road handling. For buyers who regularly tow heavy loads or operate in service-heavy roles, the solid rear axle in certain Ford trucks provides durability and payload reliability that can be advantageous in demanding conditions. Checking the exact suspension setup for a given model/trim is important, as configurations can vary by market and by year.
Implications for different vehicle types
Passenger cars and most crossovers from Ford tend to use IRS, contributing to a more refined ride. Full-size and midsize SUVs like the Explorer and Expedition commonly use IRS on both axles, while the Mustang’s IRS underpins its performance-focused handling. The F-150’s move to IRS was a turning point for ride quality in pickups, with many trims continuing to favor IRS today. In contrast, Ford’s heavy-duty trucks keep a solid rear axle to maximize payload and durability in towing and heavy-duty work scenarios.
Summary
Does Ford have independent front suspension?
Point. The design gave each wheel independent movement while maintaining the strength needed for a truck. Fast forward to the early 80s.
When did Ford switch to IFS?
Ford Motor Co.'s new twin traction beam suspension for its 1980 four-wheel drive vehicles uses stamped support arms and a third U-joint in the front axle to achieve independent front suspension (IFS). The new suspension was specially developed for the front drive axle.
Why does Ford still use leaf springs?
Turns out, there are some very good reasons for that, because while leaf springs might be from the Bronze Age, it's the coil springs that have an Achilles heel: They can't handle a lot of weight. The key strength of leaf springs is, well, strength. They can take on a much higher total load without risking failure.
Do any F150s have independent rear suspension?
Now let's get this out of the way right now, the Lightning isn't offered with any sort of off-road package. And it's the only F-150 that has a fully independent suspension front and rear.
