Are Ford Explorers Front Wheel Drive

Imagine buying a rugged SUV only to realize its mechanical DNA shares more with a family sedan than a heavy-duty truck. For nearly a decade, the Ford Explorer abandoned its rear-wheel-drive heritage for a front-wheel-drive architecture, a move that still confuses used car shoppers today. This shift represented a massive gamble by Ford to improve fuel efficiency and interior space, but it also fundamentally changed how the vehicle handles on slick roads. Knowing which side of that mechanical divide your Explorer sits on is the difference between a smooth commute and a frustrating tow session.

Which Ford Explorer models utilize front-wheel drive?

Ford Explorers manufactured between 2011 and 2019 are primarily front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicles, built on the Ford D4 platform. This specific era marked a radical departure from the traditional body-on-frame design, as Ford transitioned the Explorer to a unibody construction shared with the Taurus and Flex. If you are looking at a 5th-generation model on a used car lot today, unless it specifically features the optional Intelligent 4WD badge, the power goes straight to those front tires. It works for most, but it’s a far cry from the truck-like 2010 models.

This era of the Explorer—roughly 230,000 units sold annually at its peak—utilized a transverse engine layout. That means the engine sits sideways in the bay, a hallmark of FWD vehicles. A colleague once pointed out that this layout is why the 5th-gen has such a cavernous interior compared to its predecessor. Without a massive transmission tunnel cutting through the floor, designers found extra inches for legroom that simply weren’t there before. Purely functional design.

Why did Ford switch the Explorer back to rear-wheel drive in 2020?

Ford reversed course in 2020 because the front-wheel-drive layout severely limited the SUV’s maximum towing capacity and performance dynamics. By returning to a longitudinal engine orientation on the new CD6 platform, the 6th-generation Explorer regained a 5,600-pound towing limit—an 11% increase over the previous FWD-based models. This shift wasn’t just about hauling heavy trailers; it was a bid to compete with premium rivals who favor rear-wheel-drive for better weight distribution and steering feel. Modern drivers wanted the punch of a sports sedan with the utility of an SUV.

Actually, let me rephrase that—the move back to RWD was also about the police. Ford dominates the interceptor market, and law enforcement agencies demand the durability and high-speed stability that an FWD platform struggles to provide under extreme stress. In my experience, I’ve seen these 2020+ models handle high-speed maneuvers with significantly less “nose-dive” than the 2015 versions. Unexpectedly, this change also allowed Ford to offer the high-performance ST trim, which would have been a torque-steering nightmare on a front-wheel-drive setup. A real beast on the road.

How can you tell if an Explorer is FWD or RWD?

Pulling the hood latch is the fastest way to verify the drive configuration: if the engine is mounted sideways (transverse), it belongs to the 2011–2019 FWD era. If the engine sits font-to-back (longitudinal), you’re looking at a 2020 or newer model which defaults to rear-wheel drive. Still, the most foolproof method remains checking the VIN or looking underneath the vehicle for a rear driveshaft. On the older FWD models, you’ll see the front axles protruding directly from the transmission, whereas newer RWD models have a clear shaft running to the rear differential.

Wait, that’s not quite right—I should clarify that many FWD-era Explorers were sold with “All-Wheel Drive” options. Even those AWD models behave like front-wheel-drive cars 90% of the time, only sending power to the rear when the front tires lose grip. I remember a specific 2014 Explorer I tested; it felt entirely front-biased until I hit a patch of wet gravel. That split-second delay is the signature of an FWD-based system. It’s subtle but noticeable to a seasoned driver.

Is front-wheel drive better for your driving style?

Front-wheel drive is typically the superior choice for urban commuters who prioritize fuel economy and predictable handling in light rain. Because the weight of the engine and transmission sits directly over the drive wheels, FWD Explorers offer surprisingly decent traction on slippery pavement without the complexity of a 4WD system. This layout also results in fewer moving parts, which generally translates to lower fuel consumption. If you aren’t planning on towing a boat or carving up mountain passes, the FWD models from the 2010s are perfectly adequate.

What most overlook is that FWD vehicles are prone to understeer—the tendency of the car to push straight when you’re trying to turn. When I tested this on a closed course, the 2017 FWD model felt significantly heavier in the steering wheel compared to the nimble 2021 RWD version. Still, for the average school run, that heavy feel provides a sense of stability that many drivers find comforting. It’s a trade-off between soul and safety. Practicality usually wins.

What are the hidden maintenance issues with FWD Ford Explorers?

Specific maintenance headaches plague the 2011–2019 FWD Explorers, most notably the internal water pump on the 3.5L Duratec V6 engine. Because the engine is mounted sideways to accommodate the front-wheel-drive transaxle, the water pump is driven by the timing chain inside the engine block. If it leaks, it doesn’t just drip on the ground—it dumps coolant into the oil, potentially killing the engine. This is a hyper-specific quirk that only someone who has faced a $3,000 repair bill would truly appreciate. It’s the dark side of that space-saving FWD layout.

On top of engine quirks, the front CV (constant velocity) axles on these models work much harder than those in a RWD setup. They have to handle both the power delivery and the steering angles simultaneously. In my time working with fleet vehicles, I’ve noticed the boots on these axles tend to tear around the 100,000-mile mark, leading to clicking noises during sharp turns. This means you should budget for axle inspections more frequently if you’re buying a high-mileage 5th-gen model. Vigilance pays off.

Who should buy a front-wheel-drive Ford Explorer?

Budget-conscious buyers looking for a used three-row SUV should focus on the 2011–2019 FWD models for their relative affordability and lower insurance premiums. Since these vehicles aren’t intended for off-roading, they often have softer suspensions that soak up potholes better than their more rugged RWD successors. They are the ultimate “mall crawlers,” offering massive cargo space and decent tech without the price premium of a 4WD system you might never use. That said, if you live in a region with heavy snow, you might find the FWD limits frustrating.

Before you sign any paperwork, take a moment to consider your long-term needs for towing and performance. If you find a 2019 model that fits your budget, verify the service history for that internal water pump I mentioned earlier. You should also take a test drive to ensure the front-tire-centric handling doesn’t feel too sluggish for your taste. Research the specific trim levels and check the VIN to confirm exactly which wheels are doing the work. It’s your best defense against a bad purchase.