AWD or 4WD? What the 2027 Ford Explorer Brings to Snow

Ford Explorer AWD is Ford Intelligent 4WD, an automatic system that sends power to all four wheels when you need it. You don’t press a button or pull a lever. Ford builds every 2027 Ford Explorer trim with 4WD, so for Barrhaven drivers the question is about the name, not the hardware.

So why does Ford say “4WD” when so many shoppers search for “AWD”? Here’s the short version: the naming, how the system works, how the Explorer copes with Ottawa snow, and how to confirm a specific Explorer has it.

Is Ford Explorer AWD the Same as Intelligent 4WD?

In everyday use, yes. Both systems run in the background and react to changing grip on their own. The difference is mostly the label.

Automakers don’t agree on terms. Some say AWD for any system that drives all four wheels automatically. Ford calls its Explorer system Intelligent 4WD. The name doesn’t change how it drives. You get automatic four-wheel traction on the highway, on side streets and in your driveway.

How Intelligent 4WD Works

It’s a system that’s always paying attention. It reads how the wheels grip the road, then shifts power toward the wheels with the most traction.

In practice, that means:

• You never switch it on or off
• It works on dry pavement, rain, slush and snow
• It adjusts while you drive, with no input from you
• It pairs with the Explorer selectable drive modes for different conditions

Intelligent 4WD needs no driver input, which makes it similar to AWD in daily driving. The Explorer feels steady whether you’re pulling away from a light or merging onto a busy road.

How It Differs From Part-Time 4WD

Traditional part-time 4WD works differently. The driver chooses when to engage it. Many part-time systems also include a low-range setting for slow, steep off-road climbs.

Intelligent 4WD offers AWD-style convenience, which suits family driving across the seasons.

How Does the Ford Explorer AWD System Handle Snow in Barrhaven?

2026 Ford Explorer on the road

Ottawa winters test any vehicle. In Barrhaven, you might back out over a plow ridge at the end of the driveway, then turn onto an unplowed side street. Next comes a slushy commute on Highway 416 or along Fallowfield Road. And freeze-thaw cycles leave patches of ice that appear overnight.

This is where the Explorer 4WD earns its keep. Power moves to the wheels with grip, so the Explorer pulls away from snowy stops with confidence. It also stays composed when one side hits slush and the other hits bare pavement.

Ground clearance helps too. The 2027 Ford Explorer Active has a minimum running ground clearance of 193 mm (7.6 in). That’s useful room over packed snow and those end-of-driveway ridges.

Selectable Drive Modes

The Explorer offers selectable drive modes that tune the vehicle for different surfaces and conditions. A snowy morning calls for a different setting than a dry summer highway run.

Want to know which mode suits Ottawa snow best? Ask the Barrhaven Ford team to walk you through each one on a test drive.

Why Winter Tires Still Matter in Ontario

Four-wheel drive helps you get moving and hold your line. Braking and cornering on ice? That’s down to your tires. Winter tires are designed to keep gripping in the cold.

Pair the Explorer 4WD with a good set of winter tires and you get:

• Confident starts on snowy hills and driveways
• Better grip when cornering on cold, slick roads
• Shorter, more controlled stops on snow and ice
• Steadier handling on long highway drives in blowing snow

The Barrhaven Ford service department can help you choose and install winter tires before the first big storm. For more cold-weather gear, see these winter accessories for Ford Explorer owners.

How Do I Know If My Explorer Has AWD?

Checking a new Explorer is easy. Ford builds every 2027 Explorer trim with 4WD, whether you choose the Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum or ST. Both the 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 and the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 pair with a 4X4 drivetrain.

A pre-owned Explorer is another story, since drivetrains can vary by model year. Use this checklist:

1. Check the window sticker or build sheet. It lists the drivetrain.
2. Look up the VIN. A VIN decode shows the factory drivetrain.
3. Confirm the trim and model year, then compare them with Ford specifications for that year.
4. Look for drivetrain badging on the vehicle. Badge placement varies, so don’t rely on this step alone.
5. Check the drive mode controls inside the cabin.
6. Read the owner’s manual. The drivetrain section explains the system your Explorer uses.

Still unsure? The service team can check the VIN and confirm the drivetrain for you. You can also review the full lineup on Ford Canada’s Explorer page.

Test Drive the Explorer Near Ottawa

2026 Ford Explorer on the road

Intelligent 4WD is Ford name for an automatic system that works like AWD. It needs no driver input, and it pairs with selectable drive modes as conditions change. Add winter tires and you’ve got a strong setup for Ottawa’s snow, slush and ice.

Drivers from Nepean, Kanata and Manotick can feel the difference on a drive. Browse the Explorer inventory at Barrhaven Ford and book a test drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Intelligent 4WD the same as AWD?

For everyday driving, yes. Intelligent 4WD is Ford name for an automatic system that sends power to all four wheels as conditions change. Like AWD, it works in the background, and you never need to engage it. That makes it a good fit for daily commuting in rain, slush and snow. Traditional part-time 4WD is different. The driver switches it on, and it often includes a low-range setting for slow off-road work.

How does the Ford Explorer handle in snow?

Confidently. Its 4WD system shifts power toward the wheels with the most grip, so starts on snowy streets feel steady. Selectable drive modes let you tune the vehicle for slippery conditions, and the Active trim offers 193 mm (7.6 in) of minimum running ground clearance for packed snow and plow ridges. For the best braking and cornering on ice, add a set of quality winter tires.

How do I know if my Explorer is AWD?

Start with the window sticker or build sheet, since both list the drivetrain. Then run a VIN decode to confirm the factory setup. You can also check the trim and model year against Ford specifications, look at the drive mode controls, and read the drivetrain section of the owner’s manual. Shopping new? Every 2027 Explorer trim is built with 4WD. For a pre-owned model, a dealer service team can check the VIN for you.

Disclaimer: Content contained in this post is for informational purposes only and may include features and options from US or international models. Please contact the dealership for more information or to confirm vehicle and feature availability.