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Is the Ford Freestyle 4 wheel drive?

The Ford Freestyle is a crossover SUV that was produced by Ford from 2005 to 2009. While the Freestyle was available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, it did not offer a true 4-wheel drive system.


Explaining the Ford Freestyle's Drivetrain Options


The Ford Freestyle was designed as a crossover vehicle, blending elements of a minivan, station wagon, and SUV. It was available with two drivetrain options:



  • Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): The standard drivetrain configuration for the Freestyle was front-wheel drive, which is common for crossover and minivan-style vehicles. In this setup, the engine's power is sent to the front wheels to provide traction and handling.

  • All-Wheel Drive (AWD): As an optional upgrade, the Freestyle could be equipped with an all-wheel drive system. This provided power to all four wheels, improving traction and stability in various driving conditions. However, the AWD system was not a true 4-wheel drive (4WD) setup with low-range gearing for off-road use.


The key difference between all-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive is that AWD systems are designed primarily for on-road use and improved traction, while 4WD systems are built for off-road capability with features like low-range gearing and locking differentials.


Why the Ford Freestyle Didn't Offer 4-Wheel Drive


The Ford Freestyle was positioned as a family-oriented crossover vehicle, not an off-road-focused SUV. As such, Ford's engineers determined that a traditional 4-wheel drive system was not necessary or appropriate for the Freestyle's intended use cases. The all-wheel drive option provided sufficient traction and capability for most everyday driving needs, without the added complexity and cost of a true 4WD system.


In summary, while the Ford Freestyle was available with an all-wheel drive option, it did not offer a 4-wheel drive configuration. The Freestyle was designed as a practical, on-road crossover vehicle rather than an off-road-capable SUV.

What years of Ford Freestyle to avoid?


Several 2005 and 2007 Ford Freestyle owners have complained about transmission failure, some as early as a few months after purchasing their vehicle. Drivers report that as their check engine light illuminated, the engine would suffer from poor acceleration and would sometimes stall.



What type of drive is the Ford Freestyle?


front-wheel drive



Is the Ford Escape AWD or 4WD?


The 2022 Ford Escape offers Available AWD with AWD Disconnect. This system uses advanced sensors to detect when AWD is not needed, switching to front wheel drive automatically so you don't have to. Available All-Wheel Drive with AWD Disconnect can disable the rear driveline when the system detects AWD is not needed.



Is the Ford Freestyle FWD or RWD?


Engine & Transmission

Engine Type1.5 litre Diesel Engine
Super ChargeNo
Transmission TypeManual
Gearbox5-Speed
Drive TypeFWD



Why did Ford discontinue the Freestyle?


The current Freestyle, which went on sale just 10 months ago, will be discontinued after the 2007 model year, several supplier and industry sources say. With sales below expectations, the Freestyle was squeezed out by a proliferation of sport wagons in Ford's plans.



Do Fords have 4 wheel drive?


From rugged off-roaders to family-friendly vehicles with enhanced traction, Ford SUVs with 4WD or AWD are designed to handle whatever the road throws at them. Let's explore the Ford SUVs that offer 4WD or AWD, so you can find the perfect model for your needs.



Is the Ford Freestyle a good car?


This car is very good perfomance ,exterior so good but projector headlamps and DRL provided as soon as possible, built quality is the best in segment, value for money, nice ground clearance , free maintenance ,no doubt service centre is most honest ,over all this car most family car with safety .



What is a Ford Freestyle considered?


Based on the Ford Five Hundred/Mercury Montego sedan, the Freestyle combines traits of a station wagon and SUV.



What is the difference between 4WD and AWD?


All-wheel drive requires no driver input and is best suited to slippery roads. Four-wheel drive is usually a part-time system requiring the driver to engage and disengage it. It's engineered more for extreme weather and off-roading.



Does Ford have AWD?


AWD-Equipped Ford Vehicles
It's commonly thought that AWD is mainly for SUVs, but Ford offers this boost in capability in multiple vehicle classes! For instance, the Ford Fusion is a mid-size sedan, but can be equipped with AWD for enhanced performance when you're commuting in the middle of a snowstorm.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.