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Ford Escape AWD vs FWD?
First of all, I know a heck of a lot about 4x4's so I'm no dummy. Secondly I'm not interested in 4x4 vs AWD for this discussion. I know the difference. I'm interested in power to four wheels versus two wheels.
My ex-wife bought a 2006 Ford Escape. She claims it's a 4x4. I looked at the rear end to see the drive train and found no rear drive axle and no rear end. Where the rear end is suppose to be is a big hole in the frame. I've seen 4x4 Escapes and they all have the rear diff. So I'm confused.
My daughter says there is a switch on the dash that says something like "auto" or "manual". She was vague as she is too young to observe much.
Normally I don't care as the vehicle isn't mine. However they are going up into the Sierra Nevada's this weekend and the weather is extremely bad. I anticipate chain controls and potentially a shut down of the freeways. They have to go, it's an emergency.
Can someone clarify the confusion? Thanks.
6 Answers
- 1 decade agoFavorite Answer
The Escape may be equipped with AdvanceTrac which is a four-wheel traction control system (in case of slipping or hyrdroplaning). The system would be operable all the time unless deactiviated on the dash, but it wouldn't be an "Auto/Manual" switch. That sounds like an AC switch.
- Bill SLv 61 decade ago
The vehicle that your ex-wife bought is only front wheel drive if there's no rear differential. I really hope that she didn't fall for an AWD price for her 2WD vehicle.
If there's no rear differential then there's no all wheel drive.
As you probably know the Escape is either front wheel drive or all wheel drive, so if there's nothing in the rear axle then the vehicle is only front wheel drive.
I hope your ex wife didn't buy this for an emergency trip, if so she should take it back and tell them that she would like the AWD model if that's what she is supposed to have been purchasing.
- Anonymous1 decade ago
like you said it's a front wheel drive, the auto/manual thing might be traction control for the front wheels. Get some chains if you dont already have them and put them on the front wheels. They should be good for some snow and ice but use caution. Hopefully that answers your question. Also the escape provides power to the front wheels all the time unless it slips in the Awd mode, so there shouldn't be any difference unless you're in 2 feet of snow.
- kwhotrodsLv 61 decade ago
Her escape is not 4 wheel drive, if it was it would have a rear differential not a big hole in the center of the axle.I have a 2001 escape 4x4 and my 4x4 switch says "auto - on" on top of the switch and 4x4 under the switch.
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- 5 years ago
My wife also wants a Ford Escape Hybrid, thus I have been doing a little research myself. We are a family who have been very loyal to both Ford and Honda. (Past: '87 Honda Accord LXi, '96 Ford Mustang GT, '99 Ford Explorer XLT, '00 Honda Accord LX. Currently: '04 Honda Odyssey EXL, and '04 Ford F150 FX4 Super Crew.) I like the looks of the '08 Escape Hybrid, but I hear that the power is somewhat lacking and that the actual MPG is less than advertised. We recently went and looked into the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and like size of the Toyota compared to the Escape (got to be able to fit 2 kids, dog and all our stuff.) Getting the Hybrid would make the environmentalists happier, but I am not quite sure if you would be saving as much money in the long run. Hopefully some of my babbling is helpful, as far as capacity, we are now considering the Honda Accord Hybrid. Would be nice if they would make an Expedition Hybrid... maybe someday. Good luck!
