How is the four-wheel drive system of the domestic Explorer?

[DeKaden]

The four-wheel drive system equipped in the 2020 domestic Changan Ford Explorer four-wheel drive model is in the form of an on-demand four-wheel drive. According to the four-wheel drive structure diagram, its four-wheel drive performance is average. If you plan to go off-road, it is acceptable for light off-roading, but not suitable for high-intensity off-roading, as it is not as capable as those hardcore off-road vehicles. In the roller group test session of the 2020 domestic Explorer four-wheel drive model, the vehicle could not escape when only the single front wheel had traction, but it passed all other test items smoothly.

[MacJameson]

The domestic Explorer's four-wheel-drive system is very worry-free in daily use, especially for ordinary families. For daily tasks like picking up kids or commuting, it mainly uses front-wheel drive, with fuel consumption similar to that of a two-wheel-drive vehicle—around 11 liters per 100 km in the city. However, when encountering rainy or snowy weather or unpaved rural roads back home, the system immediately switches to four-wheel drive. Last month, I drove on slippery muddy roads, and the tires gripped firmly without any slipping. While it doesn’t have the hardcore off-road capability of low-range four-wheel drive, it’s more than sufficient for rural trails or light off-roading. That said, it’s best to avoid extremely steep slopes or deep mud, as it’s still positioned as a city SUV.

[SanAlexis]

The Explorer's intelligent four-wheel drive is achieved through a multi-plate clutch differential. Sensors can monitor wheel slippage in real-time, and the computer can instantly decide how much power to allocate to the rear wheels, with a response time at the millisecond level. This system mostly operates in front-wheel drive mode, making it much more fuel-efficient than the older models, with highway fuel consumption dropping to around 9L/100km. Unfortunately, it lacks torque amplification, making it less capable on steep slopes. I recently tested it on gravel roads, and the intervention speed was indeed fast, more proactive than some Japanese competitors. Overall, the technology is advanced, but the clutch can overheat under prolonged high loads, so that's something to watch out for.

[StSamantha]

Compared to the Highlander and Teramont, the Explorer's four-wheel drive is more balanced. The Highlander's DTC four-wheel drive is relatively conservative, lacking in off-road capability; the Teramont's 4Motion performs well on highways but is less adaptable to rough roads than the Explorer. The Explorer is noticeably more stable on gravel roads, with more flexible power distribution. However, the Highlander has better fuel efficiency, and the Teramont offers a more luxurious interior. Among these three models, the Explorer's four-wheel drive is the most reliable on unpaved roads without compromising highway performance, making it a well-rounded choice suitable for those who need to balance city driving and outdoor adventures.

[MilaLynn]

This four-wheel-drive system is quite capable during road trips. I've driven it through grassy mud and gravel slopes, and it engages quickly without getting stuck. Last time after the rain, the electronic limited slip kicked in promptly to easily get out of muddy roads. The ground clearance is high enough to handle most unpaved roads. However, it shows weakness on cross-axle terrain, struggling when a single wheel is off the ground. Overall, its off-road capability is stronger than urban SUVs but weaker than hardcore off-roaders, which is a very accurate positioning. As long as you don't intentionally challenge rock crawling, it's more than sufficient for routes like National Highway 318 or ordinary overland trails, making family trips particularly reassuring.

[DeJune]

After more than two years of use, this four-wheel-drive system has been worry-free. Routine maintenance just involves oil changes with no extra costs. It provides a strong sense of security when driving on snowy roads in winter—even during last year's heavy snowfall with icy roads, there was no skidding. Fuel consumption is reasonable for such a large vehicle at 11L in the city and 9L on highways. Although the multi-plate clutch may overheat under prolonged high load, it performs perfectly under normal usage. It's recommended to change the transfer case fluid regularly and avoid using overly viscous engine oil. Overall reliability is good, with no reports of widespread failures in owner communities. For long-term ownership, just stick to scheduled maintenance—this system isn't particularly delicate.