Is Ford Explorer front or rear wheel?
The Ford Explorer today is built on a rear-wheel-drive platform with optional all-wheel drive, though older generations used front-wheel-drive-based architectures; the drivetrain depends on model year and generation.
Current generation drivetrain (2020–present)
The latest Explorer uses a rear-wheel-drive–based unibody with Ford’s Intelligent 4WD available as an option on most trims, providing a traditional rear-drive feel with added traction when needed.
- Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is the baseline configuration for many 2020–present Explorers, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available as an option.
- All-wheel drive (AWD) is offered through Ford's Intelligent 4WD system to improve traction in rain, snow, and light off-road conditions.
In short, today’s Ford Explorer prioritizes a rear-drive foundation, with AWD available to enhance all-weather capability.
Drivetrain by generation
Below is a concise breakdown of how the Explorer's drivetrain has varied across major generations.
- Pre-2011 (body-on-frame): Rear-wheel drive was standard; four-wheel drive (4WD) was commonly available as an option for off-road capability. Front-wheel drive was not a typical configuration for these models.
- 2011–2019 (unibody): Front-wheel drive became the default for many trims, with all-wheel drive (AWD) offered as an option to improve traction in adverse conditions.
- 2020–present (reconfigured, RWD-based platform): Returns to a rear-wheel-drive–based architecture with AWD offered as an option, combining traditional RWD dynamics with modern all-wheel capabilities.
Across these generations, buyers have had choices that affect handling, fuel economy, and capability, depending on the year and trim.
What this means for buyers
When shopping, verify the exact drivetrain on the model year and trim you’re considering. If you want stronger towing and a traditional driving feel, look for a RWD base with AWD optional. If you prioritize maximum fuel efficiency or predictable traction in varying conditions, a FWD-based configuration with AWD available may be found in the 2011–2019 models.
Summary
The Ford Explorer's drivetrain has evolved from early body-on-frame, rear-drive designs to a front-drive–based unibody in the middle years, and back to a rear-drive–based platform in the current generation. Today, you’ll typically find a rear-wheel-drive foundation with optional Intelligent 4WD (AWD), giving buyers a range of choices based on weather, towing, and driving preferences.
Is the Ford Explorer front-wheel?
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
A 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive are standard, but all-wheel drive is available.
Are Ford Explorers front or rear-wheel drive?
Along with the standard rear-wheel drive, the Explorer was offered two configurations of part-time four-wheel drive at its launch using a Borg Warner 13–54 transfer case.
Is the 2019 Ford Explorer FWD or RWD?
Also, front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard on all trims except the upper-tier 2019 Ford Explorer Sport and the top-of-the-line 2019 Ford Explorer Platinum, which are offered with all-wheel drive (AWD)..
What year did the Ford Explorer go to front-wheel drive?
2011 - 2019 Ford Explorer (5th Generation)
The Explorer returned in 2011 with a completely new design. Loosely based on the Taurus sedan, the fifth-generation Explorer was a car-based, with a unibody design and front-wheel drive for the first time, although an all-wheel drive system remained available.
