All-wheel drive (AWD) is nothing new. This type of drivetrain has been offered on various models for many decades. The idea behind AWD is four-wheel control. In a front- or rear-wheel drive vehicle, the two front or rear tires spin freely and are not powered by the transmission and drivetrain. When traveling over uncertain terrain or on snowy or icy roadways, AWD creates a more stable vehicle posture. If the front or rear wheels get stuck, the other two wheels come to the rescue.

The great advantage of AWD is realized when hauling heavy loads or traveling off-road, so it’s no wonder that pickups can be purchased with “four on the floor”. Nonetheless, several Ford sedans and SUVs also offer an AWD option.

The Ford Fusion is a mid-size passenger sedan that comes with front-wheel drive as standard, but an AWD option is available. The standard engine is a 2.5L, four-cylinder power source that produces a total of 175 horsepower. However, many buyers are attracted to the V6 Sport trim. This is a variant of the SE version, but it’s fitted with a turbocharged V6 rated at 325 horsepower. It also comes with AWD, so it’s a smart choice for those who anticipate a lot of bad weather driving.

The V6 Sport also includes the Equipment Group 202A amenities. These include keyless entry and ignition, heated mirrors, leather upholstery, driver-seat memory settings, and heated front seats. All in all, a pretty nice package.

The best-selling SUV from Ford has certainly evolved over the years, and the changes are for the better. With seating for seven and a very long list of standard features, this model is perfect for hauling the family around town or around the country.

The Explorer is offered in five different trims. The Base, XLT, and Limited are powered by the buyer’s choice of a 3.5L V6 or a turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder engine. Both engines can be paired to either a front-wheel or AWD power delivery. The uplevel Sport and Platinum trims are AWD only. All Explorers come with a rearview camera, Ford’s Sync system, and 18-inch or larger wheels.

Of course, it’s not at all surprising to see the legendary F-150 with an AWD option. The big choices here concern cab and bed configurations. The choice of regular, extended, or crew cab is a matter of personal taste and hauling capacity expectations. Not all cab configurations can be coupled to each of the three bed lengths. However, AWD is always an option. Buyers will want to do a bit of comparison shopping because there are engine choice limitations per trim. For example, the XL trim comes with a standard 3.3L engine, but the optional V8 is offered only if AWD is chosen.

For complete details on the 2018 model lineup, contact us at JC Lewis in Savannah. We have a huge inventory of Ford models, and we’ll show you the AWD options on all of the relevant models and trims.