Is the 2002 Ford Explorer FWD or RWD?
The 2002 Ford Explorer was a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) vehicle. This means that the power from the engine is transmitted to the rear wheels, which provide the primary driving force for the vehicle.
Detailed Explanation
The Ford Explorer is a mid-size SUV that has been in production since 1990. The 2002 model year was part of the second generation of the Explorer, which was produced from 1995 to 2001. During this time, the Explorer was exclusively a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) vehicle, with an optional four-wheel-drive (4WD) system available as well.
The RWD configuration was a key feature of the Explorer, as it provided better traction and handling characteristics compared to a front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout, especially in off-road or towing situations. The RWD setup also allowed for a more balanced weight distribution, which contributed to the vehicle's overall driving dynamics.
It wasn't until the third generation of the Ford Explorer, introduced in 2002, that a front-wheel-drive (FWD) variant was made available. This FWD model was intended to provide a more fuel-efficient and urban-friendly option for buyers who didn't require the off-road capabilities or towing capacity of the traditional RWD Explorer.
So, in summary, the 2002 Ford Explorer was a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, with an optional four-wheel-drive system available. The front-wheel-drive variant was not introduced until the following generation of the Explorer.
What year did Explorer go back to RWD?
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 · Sep 30, 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
Is the 2002 Ford Explorer front or rear-wheel drive?
The 2002 Ford Explorer is a four-door midsize SUV that can be configured to seat five or seven passengers. It's sold in XLS, XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited trims. Both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are available. A two-door variant of this model is offered, and it's known as the Ford Explorer Sport.
Is the 2003 Ford Explorer FWD or RWD?
The 2003 model is available with off-road 4-wheel drive (4WD), on-road all-wheel drive (AWD), or the standard rear-wheel drive (RWD).
Is the Ford Explorer FWD or RWD?
The Ford Explorer is a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) vehicle, not front-wheel-drive (FWD). For the 2020 model year and newer, it uses a rear-wheel-drive-based platform, and optional all-wheel drive (AWD) is available. While earlier generations sometimes used FWD platforms, the current models are built on a RWD-based architecture.
This video explains the difference between the RWD and FWD platforms: 54sWay Scarff Ford Isuzu in Auburn, WAYouTube · Sep 22, 2025
- Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): Standard on models from 2020 onward, with the rear wheels providing the primary propulsion.
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD): An optional system that sends power to the front wheels as needed, in addition to the rear wheels.
- Benefits of RWD: The switch back to a RWD-based platform for newer models improved weight distribution and enhanced handling and towing capacity.
