2026 Ford Explorer 4WD vs RWD: is 4WD worth it?
Active 4WD vs Active RWD
4WD adds $2,000. Costs $70 more a year in fuel.
$2,417more over 6 years
- 23 vs 24 mpg.
- 12,000 miles a year. Gas $3.20.
Every 4WD and RWD pair
| Pair | MSRP | Price step | Rating | Energy a year | Extra over 6 years | Weight gain | Ground clearance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active RWD Active 4WD | $38,465 $40,465 | $2,000 | 24 mpg 23 mpg | $1,600 $1,670 | $2,417 | 0 lb | Same |
| Active w/100A Pkg RWD Active w/100A Pkg 4WD | $38,465 $40,465 | $2,000 | 24 mpg 23 mpg | $1,600 $1,670 | $2,417 | N/A | 7.6 in 8.2 in |
| Active (200A) RWD Active (200A) 4WD | $40,585 $42,585 | $2,000 | 24 mpg 23 mpg | $1,600 $1,670 | $2,417 | +49 lb | 7.7 in 7.8 in |
| Active w/200A Pkg RWD Active w/200A Pkg 4WD | $40,585 $42,585 | $2,000 | 24 mpg 23 mpg | $1,600 $1,670 | $2,417 | N/A | 7.6 in 8.2 in |
| ST-Line RWD ST-Line 4WD | $45,155 $47,155 | $2,000 | 24 mpg 23 mpg | $1,600 $1,670 | $2,417 | 0 lb | N/A |
| Platinum RWD Platinum 4WD | $50,965 $52,965 | $2,000 | 24 mpg 23 mpg | $1,600 $1,670 | $2,417 | 0 lb | N/A |
| ST RWD ST 4WD | $54,905 $56,905 | $2,000 | 21 mpg 20 mpg | $1,829 $1,920 | $2,549 | N/A | Same |
What this cannot tell you
Resale, traction and insurance are not included.
Your own mpg will differ.
- 2 or more sources
- 1 source
- Model-level, rule or estimate
- Sources disagree