The Ford Explorer comes in both all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive versions

Not every Ford Explorer is all-wheel drive. Ford sells the Explorer in both AWD and FWD configurations, and which one you get depends on the trim level and what you order. The base model and some mid-range trims come standard with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available on most trims as an option, and it comes standard on the higher trim levels like the Platinum and King Ranch.

If you're shopping for an Explorer and AWD matters to you, check the window sticker or the dealer's listing before you buy. The difference in price between FWD and AWD versions typically runs $2,000 to $2,500, depending on the model year and trim.

Key Takeaways

  • Ford Explorer FWD is the standard on base and mid-range trims; AWD is an option you pay extra for or comes standard on higher trims.
  • The Explorer's AWD system is on-demand, meaning it sends power to the rear wheels only when the front wheels slip, not constantly.
  • AWD adds weight and reduces fuel economy by roughly 1 to 2 miles per gallon compared to the same FWD model.
  • If you live in a snowy climate or regularly drive unpaved roads, AWD is worth the cost; for mostly highway driving in dry conditions, FWD handles most situations.

How the Explorer's AWD system actually works

The Explorer uses what Ford calls intelligent four-wheel drive on its AWD models. This is not a system that constantly powers all four wheels. Instead, it monitors wheel slip and automatically engages the rear axle when it detects the front wheels losing traction. When you're driving normally on dry pavement, power goes to the front wheels only, just like an FWD vehicle.

This on-demand approach saves fuel and reduces wear on the drivetrain during normal driving. The system can shift power to the rear wheels in a fraction of a second when you accelerate hard on wet pavement, hit snow, or encounter loose gravel. You don't have to do anything — it happens automatically.

The Explorer does not have a low-range transfer case or locking differentials, so it is not designed for serious off-road work. It's built for better traction on slippery surfaces and unpaved roads, not for rock crawling or deep water crossings.

What the fuel economy difference actually costs you

An Explorer with AWD typically gets 1 to 2 fewer miles per gallon than the same model in FWD. The EPA estimates vary by model year, but a recent FWD Explorer might be rated at 28 mpg highway and 21 mpg city, while the AWD version of the same trim drops to 27 highway and 20 city.

Over a year of typical driving — say 12,000 miles — that difference adds up. If you drive mostly highway miles at 28 versus 27 mpg, you'll buy roughly 40 extra gallons of gas per year. At current prices, that's roughly $120 to $160 annually, depending on where you live. Over five years of ownership, that's $600 to $800 in extra fuel costs.

The weight penalty is real but small: AWD adds roughly 200 to 250 pounds to the Explorer's curb weight. That contributes to the fuel economy loss but is not the only factor — the mechanical complexity of the AWD system itself requires more engine effort.

When AWD makes sense for an Explorer owner

AWD is worth the money if you live in a region with regular snow or ice, or if you drive unpaved roads often. The automatic engagement means you get better traction without thinking about it, and you don't have to switch between modes or lock anything in manually. In snow, the Explorer's AWD system will help you accelerate and climb hills more reliably than FWD.

AWD also helps in heavy rain on highways, where standing water can cause hydroplaning. The rear wheels engaging gives the engine more grip to power through wet conditions. If you tow a trailer regularly, AWD provides slightly better stability when the rear is loaded, though the Explorer's towing capacity is the same in both FWD and AWD versions.

For drivers in dry climates who stay on paved roads, FWD is sufficient. The Explorer's front-wheel drive is competent for normal driving, and the fuel savings and lower purchase price make it the smarter choice if you don't need the extra traction.

How to check which version you're looking at

If you're shopping for a used Explorer, the window sticker or Monroney label will list the drivetrain. Look for "All-Wheel Drive" or "4WD" in the specifications section. On newer Explorers, you can also check the VIN decoder on Ford's website or use a third-party VIN decoder to confirm the drivetrain code.

For a new Explorer, the dealer's inventory listing will show the drivetrain. If you're ordering one, you'll select FWD or AWD during the configuration process. Ask the dealer what the current lead time is for each option — sometimes one is in stock and the other requires a factory order.

If you're buying used and the listing doesn't specify, ask the dealer or seller directly. You can also look at the undercarriage: an AWD Explorer will have a rear differential housing and axle shafts visible underneath. An FWD model will not.

Comparing Explorer AWD to other three-row SUVs

The Explorer's on-demand AWD is similar to what you'll find on the Chevy Traverse and Honda Pilot, both of which also use automatic engagement systems. The Dodge Durango offers a different approach — its AWD is always active, which provides slightly better traction but costs more in fuel economy. The Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe use similar on-demand systems to the Explorer.

If you're comparing across brands, the real difference is not the AWD system itself but the overall weight and engine efficiency of each vehicle. A lighter SUV with a more efficient engine will use less fuel even with AWD than a heavier one with FWD. The Explorer is middle-of-the-road in this category — not the heaviest, not the lightest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add AWD to an Explorer that came with FWD?

No. The AWD system requires different axles, driveshaft, and transfer case components that are not retrofit-compatible with the FWD platform. If you need AWD, you would need to trade in or sell the FWD model and buy an AWD version.

Does the Explorer's AWD work in snow as well as a truck's 4WD?

The Explorer's AWD will handle most snow driving better than FWD, but a truck with true 4WD and low-range gearing will perform better in deep snow or off-road conditions. The Explorer is designed for light snow and slippery pavement, not for serious winter or off-road work. Winter tires matter more than the drivetrain in most snow situations.

What's the difference between the Explorer's AWD and the Platinum trim's standard AWD?

There is no mechanical difference. The Platinum trim comes with AWD as standard, while lower trims offer it as an option. You're paying for the same system; the difference is whether it's included in the base price or added separately.

Will AWD help me tow a trailer more safely?

AWD provides slightly better stability when accelerating with a loaded trailer, but it does not improve braking or cornering with a trailer attached. Proper trailer weight distribution, a weight-distribution hitch, and good tires matter much more than AWD for safe towing. The Explorer's towing capacity is the same in FWD and AWD.