2017 Ford Explorer Intelligent 4WD and Terrain Management

Tackling tough terrain has never been easier and more fun in a 2017 Ford Explorer! Its Intellgient 4WD and Terrain Management System is as easy as turning a dial on the stove, so let’s get some adventure cooking!

2017 Ford Explorer Intelligent 4WD and Terrain Management System

In a traditional four-wheel drive system, the driver engages a four-high or four-low setting with either manual locking hubs or electronic shift on the fly.  The new Ford Explorer’s advanced Intelligent 4WD technology will monitor, reassess and adjust to driving conditions 20 time faster than the blink of an eye to automatically provide dynamic handling and traction.

It continuously monitors wheel speed, throttle position and steering angle to determine how the Explorer is handling and the intentions of the driver.  The system is then capable of adjusting the torque split between front and rear wheels automatically.  So, no matter what terrain you are traversing, Intelligent 4WD prevents the loss of traction.

Terrain Management System

The driver has the choice to select one of four modes that properly balance four-wheel drive, engine, transmission and traction control systems to adapt to various conditions encountered on the road or other situations.

Normal Mode: This setting will transfer the majority of torque to the front wheels for a smoother ride and will only distribute torque to the rear wheels when it is needed. It’s ideal for all regular driving with normal road conditions.

Mud/Ruts: When optimized for performance in mud or ruts, the Terrain Management System provides a more aggressive throttle response, limits upshifting and desensitizes the stability control.  Together it will allow for more tire spin to help the vehicle maintain momentum.

READ MORE: All-Wheel Drive vs 4WD

Sand: When you hit the dunes at the beach, this setting will transfer maximum torque to the wheels, so that they can spin aggressively to regain traction. Sand Mode holds gears longer with a more aggressive throttle progression.

Snow/Grass/Gravel: For firm surfaces covered in packed snow, ice, water, grass or gravel, this mode limits torque to wheels to prevent slippage.  It upshifts the gears earlier with less aggressive progression that helps to improve traction.

Hills: Billed as Hill Descent Control (toggle in centre of dial), this setting sets and maintains a consistent speed while traveling downhill without using the brake pedal, improving your safety.

The icons on the dial and instrument panel take all the guess work out of which Terrain Management Mode to use.  Simply turn the dial to match the terrain conditions anytime the climate or surface you’re travelling changes.

More than just your average family-hauling SUV, the 2017 Ford Explorer has all of the features you could want for a thrilling off-road experience. Stop in today and see for yourself when you schedule a drive in one of our current Ford Explorer models.