Ford AWD Car – Best 7 All-Wheel-Drive Blue Oval Cars Reviewed

If you seek a vehicle from Blue Oval, offering optimum traction both on- and off-road, pick any Ford AWD car from the automaker’s huge lineup. From commuter passenger vehicles like the Escape to off-roaders such as the F-150, Ford boasts an extraordinary range of AWD cars.

What is Ford AWD (All-Wheel-Drive)?

As the name implies, when you hit the pedal of a Ford AWD car, all four wheels (instead of just the front or back wheels) receive engine power to propel the vehicle. While an AWD doesn’t sound like a significant vehicle mechanism, it plays a special role in car handling, particularly in difficult conditions such as snow, mud, and rain.

We strongly recommend a Ford AWD car for off-road enthusiasts before hitting the beaten path. The extra traction in tricky conditions makes a world of difference for drivers.

What’s the Difference Between All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)?

Ford offers both AWD and 4WD, and while we typically use these terms interchangeably, there are some differences. Both All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) and Four-Wheel-Drive (4WD) drivetrains power all four wheels. However, the all-wheel drivetrain uses a front, rear, and center differential, while the four-wheel drivetrain employs two differentials and a transfer case for propulsion.

The best way to remember the dissimilarity between the two is that all-wheel-drive is always engaged automatically, while the four-wheel-drive only activates when you physically engage it.

Key Takeaway: AWD and 4WD both offer optimum traction and handling on different terrains, but 4WD is more apt for off-road trails.

How Do Ford AWD Car Models Work?

Ford uses the Intelligent AWD system for its vehicles, and as the name suggests, it is more prudent than many of its rivals. The advanced drivetrain system continuously observes your driving behavior and alters the power delivery for optimum performance.

The system uses Ford technology to comprehend the driving conditions and takes into account speed, acceleration, and turning angle to adjust traction and improve handling. In other words, the Intelligent AWD system sends torque to those wheels that need more traction. The more power the engine sends to the wheels, the firmer the grip.

Therefore, a Ford AWD car would be a perfect addition to your garage if you primarily drive in snowy, rainy, icy, and muddy conditions. It will largely eliminate the chances of getting stuck or slipping. A few Ford vehicles also come equipped with an Intelligent Display to show the torque delivery to different wheels.

What Advantage Does A Ford AWD Car Offer?

Since all-wheel-drive vehicles cost higher than FWD (Front-Wheel-Drive) or RWD (Rear-Wheel-Drive) cars, you may wonder why some buyers always choose an AWD car. Well, we say why they shouldn’t.

AWD gives you the liberty to hit any trail with confidence and peace of mind. It doesn’t matter if you face a snowstorm, thick mud, or ice; you can conquer the conditions superbly and safely. Therefore, people living in hilly, snowy, and rainy areas can chiefly benefit from the all-wheel drivetrain. That said, a Ford AWD car might not be essential for those driving in constantly moderate weather.

The only downsides of all-wheel-drive cars are their low fuel economy and higher price tag than their standard FWD and RWD counterparts.

Do I Need AWD?

It depends on where you live and drive primarily. As said earlier, a Ford AWD car is ideal for conquering snow, ice, and rain, so it makes more sense in areas witnessing extreme weather conditions. Of course, you can always swap all-season tires with snow tires to get better traction, but it is mind-numbing for most people residing in year-round dangerous conditions to change tires multiple times a year.

Nevertheless, you should prefer a Ford AWD car or 4WD if you are an ardent off-roader who loves to hit the beaten path often or lives around a hilly area with lots of snow and rain.

On the other hand, if you drive mostly on paved roads with not much rain or snow, an all-wheel drive will only make your journeys costlier.

Which Ford Vehicles are 4WD and AWD?

The good news is that all sports utility vehicles, crossovers, and trucks from the American automaker offer Ford Intelligent 4WD or Ford Intelligent AWD (as a choice mostly). The latest Ford vehicles offering these techs include:

• Ford Mustang Mach-E (AWD)
• Ford F-150 Lightning (AWD)
• Ford Escape (Intelligent 4WD)
• Ford Edge (Intelligent AWD)
• Ford EcoSport (Intelligent 4WD)
• Ford Bronco (Intelligent 4WD)
• Ford Ranger (Intelligent 4WD)
• Ford Explorer (Intelligent 4WD)
• Ford Expedition (Control Trac® 4WD)
• Ford F-Series – Including F-150 (4WD) and Super Duty (4×4)

Top 7 Ford AWD Car Models

1. Ford EcoSport

Starting price: $22,040
Body style: Subcompact SUV
Engine type: 2.0 L 4-cylinder with 166 horsepower
Drivetrain: Standard Intelligent Four-Wheel-Drive

The smallest Ford SUV in the lineup is not the best seller, but it comes with standard intelligent 4WD and ticks all boxes at a relatively lower cost than other subcompacts on the market. The large cargo hold, four-wheel drive, and easy maneuverability are some of the features that make the 2022 EcoSport a dependable outdoor SUV.

___________________________________________________________________________

2. Ford F-150

Starting price: $29,990
Body style: Full-size Pickup Truck
Engine type: 3.3-liter V6 with 290 horsepower, 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, 5.0-liter V8, twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6
Drivetrain: Available Four-Wheel-Drive

Ford’s perennial best-seller, the true workhorse, the legendary F-150, needs no introduction. There is not one best year for Ford F150 because all of the models are top-class, and that’s why it is still the most-sold full-size pickup truck in America.

The new 2022 Ford F-150 excels in all departments. A few of its top-rated features include:

• A maximum towing capability of 14,000 pounds
• A payload capacity of over 3,300 pounds
• Abundant powertrain choices consisting of naturally aspirated V6 and V8 engines, robust twin-turbo V6s, and a hybrid mill
• Well-balanced handling and ride quality
• Spacious and upscale interior

Those seeking to buy an EV version of the F-150 can opt for the Lightning model, which is all-new for the 2022 model year. It has everything you could expect from Ford’s ultimate pickup truck, including an efficient powertrain, excellent range (up to 320 miles), refined ride and handling, stout hauling capability (up to 10,000 pounds), authoritative acceleration, spacious and comfortable cabin, and a long list of advanced tech and safety amenities.

With the standard All-Wheel Drivetrain, the Ford F150 Lightning price starts at $39,974 and goes as high as $90,874 for the 2022 Platinum trim. If you buy this new F-150 EV model, you might not need to know what is a PCM on a car.

___________________________________________________________________________

3. Ford Ranger

Starting price: $26,400
Body style: Compact Pickup Truck
Engine type: 2.3 Liter 4-cylinder with 270 horsepower
Drivetrain: Available Four-Wheel-Drive (4WD)

The Ranger appeared on the automotive scene nearly four decades back (in 1982, to be exact). Over the years, it retained its position as a reliable pickup truck. Some drivers even clocked 300,000 miles on it without any massive problems. The 2022 model ranks at the top of the J.D. Power reliability rating with an 85 /100 score.

What makes it stand out in the competition is its powerful turbocharged mill, composed handling, and bold towing and hauling capabilities (up to 7,500 pounds with the optional tow package).

___________________________________________________________________________

4. Ford Bronco

Starting price: $31,300
Body style: SUV
Engine type: 2.3 L 4-cylinder, 2.7 L V6, 3.0 L V6
Drivetrain: Standard Four-Wheel-Drive (4WD)

The standard 4×4 capability makes sure you have no issue conquering any trail while on your next adventure behind the wheels of Bronco. With the best-in-class 11.6-inch ground clearance, the highest 29-degree break-over angle, and a 37.2-degree departure angle, you do not have to worry about where you are heading in the wild.

Besides, the Terrain Management System, with up to seven G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Terrain) modes (such as Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Sand), lets you customize your driving experience to complement the situation.

For extreme offroading, we highly recommend the Bronco Raptor.

___________________________________________________________________________

5. Ford Explorer

Starting price: $35,510
Body style: Midsize SUV
Engine type: 2.3 L 4-cylinder, 3.0 L V6, 3.3 L V6
Drivetrain: Available Four-Wheel-Drive (4WD)

The new 2022 Ford Explorer is an excellent option in the midsize SUV segment courtesy of its robust engines, lively handling, huge cargo section, and a wide range of standard facilities. Furthermore, with a seating capacity of up to 7 and an available Intelligent 4WD with a Terrain Management System, the new Ford Explorer is an ideal utility vehicle for big families.

Create permanent memories and hit any trail where other mid-sizers frighten to tread, courtesy of seven available drive modes and the capability to tow up to 5,600 pounds with the legendary Explorer.

Besides, the reliability rating of 81 from the J.D. Power and the highest rating of Good in all six crash tests from the IIHS add to its merits along with a plethora of standard driver assistance features.

___________________________________________________________________________

6. Ford Mustang Mach-E

Starting price: $46,895
Body style: Electric SUV
Engine type: Electric – two battery pack sizes (Standard Range and Extended Range)
Drivetrain: Available All-Wheel-Drive (AWD)

If you are someone looking to join the EV bandwagon, the Mustang Mach-E could be an exciting option with an available eAWD (electric all-wheel drive), offering swift acceleration and confident handling. With a 70-kWh Standard Range or 91-kWh Extended Range battery and from a brave 266 horsepower to a brawny power of 480 horses, the electric Mustang can easily handle slippery roads.

7. Ford Expedition

Starting price: $53,395
Body style: Large SUV
Engine type: 3.5-liter V6 engine with 380 to 440 hp
Drivetrain: Available Four-Wheel-Drive (4WD)

In case you are in the market for a large SUV, the new 2022 Ford Expedition is hard to beat in performance, luxuriousness, and comfort. The engines are potent and fuel-efficient, the towing capacity is superb (9,300 pounds when rightly armed), and the interior is cavernous.

Moreover, the Intelligent 4WD with Terrain Management System boasts unique drive modes to automatically aid the Expedition in changing its behavior according to different road conditions. You can also manually switch between 2W and 4WD, according to your preference.

___________________________________________________________________________

Final Words

Like other automakers, Ford focuses more on SUVs, crossovers, and pickup trucks, and all models come with either AWD or 4WD. Yes, a Ford AWD car is costlier than its 2WD counterpart, but it has the prowess to conquer challenging trails and conditions with ease.

We highly recommend the AWD or 4WD if you drive primarily in snowy, muddy, sandy, rainy, and icy conditions. On the other hand, if you frequently drive on paved paths in a moderate climate, you do not have to buy a Ford AWD car. A standard FWD or RWD vehicle would be ideal for optimum handling and traction.

FAQs