Ford Cars with All-Wheel Drive (9 Models: New & Used)
As one of America’s largest car manufacturers, Ford produces several popular and iconic nameplates that provide strong performances, like the F-Series truck and the muscular Mustang.
However, its range of SUVs is where Ford offers buyers all-wheel drives for enhanced on-road grip and better traction off-road.
Does Ford Have All-Wheel-Drive Cars?
Ford’s more-recognizable models are high-performance vehicles that the company offers with rear-wheel drive.
Still, Ford has all-wheel-drive vehicles that cover SUVs of various sizes and one truck presently.
Ford Sedan with AWD
Ford does not produce any sedans, let alone all-wheel-drive ones.
Shoppers looking for AWD sedans should consider the following alternatives:
Ford SUVs with AWD
The following are AWD-equipped Ford SUVs, ranging from subcompact to midsize.
#1 Ford EcoSport
Ford entered the subcompact crossover class in 2018 with the diminutive EcoSport.
The burgeoning success of the segment with an increasing number of capable players like the Taos (one of Volkswagen AWDs), CX-30 (one of Mazda AWDs), and Kona (one of Hyundai AWDs) means the EcoSport has its work cut out to compete at the front of the field.
All Ford EcoSport crossovers from 2018 to 2021 have had optional all-wheel drive, while AWD became standard from 2022 onwards.
Although substandard fuel economy and a jittery ride compromise the EcoSport’s overall competitiveness, its cargo room and interior space are above-average.
#2 Ford Escape
Besides strong reliability and good ride comfort, consumers today expect small SUVs to have roomy interiors, and the Ford Escape delivers in these aspects.
It is one of the American company’s most popular models, rivaling compact all-stars like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 – both competitors with AWD.
Every Ford Escape since 2005 has had optional all-wheel drive, while the preceding models had four-wheel drive.
The Escape’s smooth and composed ride on twisty roads and highway drives is a highlight.
Ford Escape shoppers can choose either a gas-only, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid powertrain – the third option without AWD.
#3 Ford Escape Hybrid
All regular Escape’s qualities carry over to the hybrid model, and all-wheel drive is optional in all Ford Escape Hybrids.
Crucially, it is one of the more efficient compact hybrids, averaging around 40 mpg in mixed driving.
#4 Ford Bronco Sport
While its Escape sibling is built for the pavement, the equally small Bronco Sport has an off-road inclined DNA.
The Bronco Sport is a rugged little SUV with above-average off-road ability but sacrifices on-road ride comfort where class leaders excel.
Ford Bronco Sports aren’t 4×4 but all-wheel-drive vehicles; AWD has been standard since 2021.
The highly off-road capable, midsize Ford Bronco is a four-wheel-drive SUV, not an all-wheel drive.
Plus, the Ford Bronco is a thoroughly livable daily driver, more so than most off-road-oriented midsize SUVs.
#5 Ford Edge
If you desire a more comfortable midsize SUV from Ford and feel the Bronco is lacking in this regard, the Edge will meet your expectation and then some.
It is one of Ford’s better-riding SUVs, with supportive seats and a quiet cabin for up to five passengers.
Ford Edge SUVs have had optional all-wheel drive since its 2007 debut, but AWD became standard equipment from 2022 onwards.
Other pluses include a tech-forward cabin and an abundantly generous cargo hold behind the second row.
#6 Ford Explorer
Should you have more passengers than the Ford Edge can fit, the midsize three-row Ford Explorer is your answer, a suitable vehicle for a family of six or seven.
Although the model has an off-road-tuned version, all Ford Explorer SUVs have had optional all-wheel drive since 2011.
Ford Explorers before 2011 had optional four-wheel drive.
The latest Ford Explorers have an above-average towing capability for the class, especially on the rear-wheel drive platform.
#7 Ford Explorer Hybrid
Like the small Escape crossover, Ford also offers a hybrid powertrain with the midsize Explorer.
AWD is optional in Ford Explorer Hybrids, with RWD being the other drivetrain choice.
Ford Truck with AWD
#8 Ford Maverick
The small truck class does not have many entrants.
All Ford Maverick trim levels have an optional all-wheel drive trim in an otherwise affordable front-wheel drive compact pickup.
The standard hybrid powertrain provides excellent fuel economy and adequate towing capacity for its size.
Ford Electric Vehicle with AWD
#9 Ford Mustang Mach-E
As track-capable as the regular Mustang coupe is, the SUV form of the popular pony car with an electrified powertrain makes a desirable proposition for a sporty EV.
The athletic luxury Ford Mustang Mach-E offers sports car-like acceleration and handling and a wagon-like utility to meet your daily needs.
Despite Mustang Mach-E’s sporty demeanor, the rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive variant transports its occupants in excellent comfort with a cabin well-insulated from external noises.
Is Ford AWD Good?
Ford does not fare well in overall product quality as a company, often languishing in the bottom half of durability rankings.
Ford’s all-wheel-drive system has had multiple reliability issues involving power transfer unit (PTU) failures, essentially the AWD transfer case that transmits and varies power to all four wheels.
Consumer Reports rated the following Ford vehicles with AWD as the more reliable ones among the company’s lineup:
- Ford Maverick.
- Ford Edge.
- Ford Escape Hybrid.
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