Are Ford Explorers Front Wheel Drive? | FWD Or RWD Only

Most Ford Explorers use rear wheel drive, while 2011–2019 models ride on a front wheel drive platform with optional all wheel drive.

The question “are ford explorers front wheel drive?” comes up a lot when people cross-shop used SUVs or try to pick the right drivetrain for snow, towing, or city streets. Ford has changed the Explorer layout more than once, so there is no single answer that fits every model year.

This breakdown walks through each generation, shows when front wheel drive (FWD), rear wheel drive (RWD), all wheel drive (AWD), and traditional four wheel drive (4WD) appear, and ends with clear steps to choose the right layout for your daily use, climate, and budget.

Ford Explorer Drivetrain Basics

Before sorting through years and trims, it helps to set the basics. Drivetrain layout describes which wheels receive power most of the time. That choice changes how an Explorer feels in slippery weather, how it tows, and how fast it wears tires and suspension parts.

FWD places the engine and transmission up front with power sent mainly to the front wheels. This layout saves space, often improves packaging for passengers, and tends to feel secure on wet pavement because the driven wheels sit under the engine’s weight.

RWD sends power to the rear axle. Steering and driving duties are split across axles, which can give a calmer feel at highway speed and under heavy load. Many owners like the way a RWD Explorer tracks straight when towing a trailer or carrying a full cabin.

AWD uses a center unit to send power to both axles, often with automatic control. Some systems stay mostly FWD and send power rearward when slip appears, while others start from a RWD bias and send power forward as needed. Older Explorers also came with part-time 4WD systems that rely on selectable modes rather than always-on torque split.

Once those basics are clear, the “are ford explorers front wheel drive?” question turns into a year-by-year review, because Ford moved from RWD to FWD and then back to a RWD platform.

Ford Explorer Front Wheel Drive By Generation

Early Ford Explorers (1991–2010) shared their bones with pickup trucks. They used a body-on-frame structure, standard RWD, and optional 4WD or AWD, depending on year and trim. None of these truck-based generations used front wheel drive as the base layout.

In 2011, Ford redesigned the Explorer on a unibody crossover platform. This fifth generation shifted to a FWD base layout with available AWD. That move brought better ride comfort, more car-like handling, and packaging gains, especially for third-row access.

For the 2020 model year, Ford moved the Explorer again, this time to a new RWD-based platform shared with the Lincoln Aviator. Many trims now start with RWD and offer AWD as an option, while certain performance and police versions use AWD only.

This high-level table sums up the main layout by era so you can spot where FWD fits in the Explorer story.

Model Years	Platform Type	Standard Drive Layout
1991–2010 (Gen 1–4)	Body-on-frame SUV	RWD, 4WD or AWD optional
2011–2019 (Gen 5)	Unibody crossover	FWD, AWD optional
2020–present (Gen 6)	RWD-based unibody	RWD, AWD optional (some trims AWD only)

So if you want a Ford Explorer that is front wheel drive, you are shopping almost entirely in the 2011–2019 range, where base and mid trims lean on a FWD layout and use AWD as an add-on feature.

How Ford Explorer Front Wheel Drive Feels On The Road

A FWD Explorer from the 2011–2019 run aims at family duty and highway travel more than rugged trails. The steering tends to feel light, and the vehicle pulls cleanly out of low-speed corners because the front tires handle both turning and power delivery.

In rain, a FWD layout often feels calm because the heavy front end presses into the pavement. Many drivers coming from sedans or minivans slide into a FWD Explorer and adjust quickly, since the behavior matches what they already know.

That said, RWD-based Explorers, especially from 2020 onward, bring a different flavor. Power pushes from the rear axle, which can make acceleration feel stronger and more composed when the SUV carries a full load. Steering feels a bit freer because the front tires handle direction changes while the rear tires push the vehicle along.

AWD adds another layer. With a FWD-based system, an Explorer behaves like FWD most of the time and sends power rearward when the system senses slip. With a RWD-based system, the opposite happens: power favors the rear axle until conditions call for extra traction up front. Both styles work, but they feel different, and that difference matters if you tow, live on a steep street, or deal with winter storms.

Rwd And Awd Ford Explorers For Towing And Snow

Owners who tow boats, campers, or small cargo trailers often lean toward RWD or RWD-based AWD Explorers. Weight shifts rearward when you add tongue load at the hitch, and a driven rear axle handles that shift with more confidence.

In snow and on icy hills, the choice turns more nuanced. A FWD Explorer with good winter tires can climb and stop well in moderate conditions. The engine weight over the front axle gives solid bite when moving away from a stop, which helps on plowed city streets and wet slush.

An AWD Explorer adds another safety net when surfaces change rapidly. Snow-packed side streets, gravel, and wet grass all ask tires to find grip in mixed conditions. A well-tuned AWD system can shift torque before the driver even notices slip through the steering wheel.

• Pick FWD With Winter Tires — Suits light snow, mild hills, and mostly paved routes where you want lower cost and simple upkeep.
• Pick RWD With Tow Package — Fits warmer regions and steady towing where dry-road stability and payload matter more than ice traction.
• Pick AWD For Four Seasons — Works best for mixed climates with rain, ice, and snow where you want added traction without engaging a 4WD mode.

Older truck-based Explorers with part-time 4WD still show up in the used market as well. Those models suit rough tracks and deep snow when used with proper tires, but they sit in a different category from the FWD crossover generation that drove the “are ford explorers front wheel drive?” search trend.

Which Ford Explorer Trims Are Front Wheel Drive Or Awd?

FWD availability on the Explorer depends not just on year, but on trim level and engine. This rundown uses broad patterns that apply in most markets, though regional packages can vary.

• 1991–2010 Explorer (All Trims) — Built on a truck frame with RWD standard. Buyers could add 4WD or, in later years, certain AWD systems. No pure FWD versions in this span.
• 2011–2019 Base And Xlt — Built on a crossover platform with FWD standard. AWD appeared as an option, usually tied to specific packages or engines.
• 2011–2019 Limited And Platinum — Offered FWD or AWD depending on engine choice and package. Many dealer-stocked units lean toward AWD in snowy regions.
• 2013–2019 Sport — Performance-oriented trim paired with the twin-turbo V6 and AWD only. These models never shipped with FWD.
• 2020–Present Retail Trims — Sit on a RWD-based platform. Most trims start with RWD and offer AWD as an upgrade. Hybrid and performance variants lean strongly toward AWD setups.

Police Interceptor Utility variants, based on the Explorer, use AWD in many configurations and often delete FWD or plain RWD from the order sheet. Shoppers chasing fuel savings and FWD should focus on civilian 2011–2019 Explorers with the non-Sport trims.

How To Pick The Right Ford Explorer Drivetrain

Choosing between FWD, RWD, AWD, and older 4WD Explorers comes down to honest habits. Mileage, climate, towing, and parking needs matter more than spec-sheet bragging rights or marketing labels.

• Check Your Weather Pattern — Long winters with ice and deep snow push you toward AWD or 4WD. Mild climates with rain and short cold snaps work fine with FWD or RWD and good tires.
• Measure Your Towing Needs — Boat ramps, campers, and cargo trailers put stress on the rear axle. RWD or RWD-based AWD handles that stress with more stability during launch and braking.
• Think About Parking And Maneuvering — Tight urban streets and parking structures reward FWD and lighter curb weights. A 2011–2019 FWD Explorer may feel easier to place than a truck-based older model.
• Check Fuel And Tire Costs — FWD usually weighs less and spins fewer driveline parts than AWD, which can trim fuel use and tire wear over time. RWD sits somewhere between, while 4WD adds more hardware.
• Drive A Fwd And Rwd Example — Seat time matters. A short test drive in both layouts can reveal which one gives you more confidence when merging, braking, or taking a freeway ramp.

Once you match layout to your routine, the rest of the search can center on trim, seats, and budget, instead of worrying about whether a given Explorer hides an unexpected drivetrain under the sheet metal.

Key Takeaways: Are Ford Explorers Front Wheel Drive?

➤ FWD Explorers mainly sit in the 2011–2019 model years.

➤ Early 1991–2010 Explorers use RWD with 4WD options.

➤ Current 2020+ Explorers ride on a RWD-based platform.

➤ AWD appears on many trims, built from FWD or RWD bases.

➤ Match drivetrain to weather, towing, and daily routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are All Modern Ford Explorers Front Wheel Drive Now?

No. Modern retail Explorers from 2020 onward use a RWD-based platform with RWD standard on many trims. AWD is widely available, while full-time FWD mainly belongs to the earlier 2011–2019 crossover generation.

If you want FWD in a newer body style, you need to shop used units from that 2011–2019 range rather than current showroom models.

How Can I Tell If A Used Explorer Is Fwd, Rwd, Or Awd?

The window sticker, build sheet, and VIN decoder tools show the drivetrain. You can also crawl under the vehicle and look for a rear differential plus front driveshafts, which indicate AWD or 4WD rather than simple FWD.

Many owners also spot an AWD badge near the tailgate or note extra drive modes such as Snow, Sand, or Mud in the center console controls.

Is A Front Wheel Drive Explorer Enough For Winter Driving?

A FWD Explorer with quality winter tires handles plowed roads, light snow, and city hills well. Traction control and stability systems help keep the SUV pointed straight when the surface turns slick.

Deep snow, unplowed back roads, and steep driveways still favor AWD or 4WD, especially when paired with proper winter tires and smart driving habits.

Does Fwd Or Rwd Give Better Towing In A Ford Explorer?

RWD and RWD-based AWD usually give better towing behavior because the driven axle sits under the hitch. Weight transfer under acceleration and braking flows through the rear suspension more cleanly in that layout.

FWD can tow within its rated limits, yet it may feel less calm at the limit, especially on grades or in crosswinds, so many buyers who tow often choose RWD or AWD.

Which Ford Explorer Years Should I Target For Maximum Flexibility?

Shoppers who want choices across FWD, AWD, and higher-trim comfort often land on the 2011–2019 generation. That span offers multiple trims with FWD or AWD plus family-friendly cabins and a wide mix of engines.

Drivers who care more about towing, rear-drive feel, and newer tech often look at 2020-onward Explorers with RWD or AWD, even though full-time FWD is no longer the base layout.

Wrapping It Up – Are Ford Explorers Front Wheel Drive?

Ford Explorers sit at the crossroads of trucks and crossovers, and their drivetrains tell that story. Early models were RWD SUVs with selectable 4WD. The 2011–2019 generation moved to a FWD crossover platform with optional AWD. Current models run on a RWD-based layout with broad AWD coverage.

If you want a front wheel drive Explorer for city duty and family trips, look at 2011–2019 units in Base, XLT, Limited, or Platinum form. If you prefer a rear-drive feel, stronger towing manners, or the sure-footed grip of RWD-based AWD, focus on 1991–2010 truck-style models or 2020-onward versions. Match the layout to your roads and your load, and the drivetrain choice will feel natural every time you turn the key.