Is All-Wheel Drive on the 2026 Ford Explorer the Right Choice for Stevens Point, WI Winters?

Stevens Point Auto Center – Is All-Wheel Drive on the 2026 Ford Explorer the Right Choice for Stevens Point, WI Winters?

When roads in Central Wisconsin turn slick, the question we hear most about the 2026 Ford Explorer is simple: should you choose All-Wheel Drive for winter confidence. At Stevens Point Auto Center, we help drivers match the right drivetrain to real-life conditions around Stevens Point, Plover, and Wisconsin Rapids. The Explorer gives you flexibility with standard Rear-Wheel Drive and available All-Wheel Drive, plus a refreshed cabin, modern tech, and trims tailored for everything from daily commuting to off-pavement exploring.

Here is the short answer for our area. If your calendar includes pre-dawn commutes, school drop-offs after snowfall, or weekend trips to the lake in shoulder seasons, All-Wheel Drive is the setup most shoppers ultimately prefer. It adds sure-footed traction when surfaces change quickly and works seamlessly with the Explorer’s composed ride and predictable handling. For drivers who stick mostly to plowed city streets, Rear-Wheel Drive can be perfectly fine with a quality set of winter tires. Either way, the Explorer’s balanced chassis and smart safety tech make winter driving feel straightforward and confidence-inspiring.

The 2026 lineup brings a notable addition for adventure-minded shoppers. The new Tremor trim rides on a lifted suspension with a limited-slip rear differential, all-terrain tires, and special 18-inch wheels. If your routes include unplowed driveways, cabin roads, or frequent slush and ruts, Tremor’s extra traction and clearance can make winter driving easier. Prefer a sportier feel. The ST continues with a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 rated at 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, while Active, ST-Line, and Platinum feature a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder rated at 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. A 10-speed automatic is standard across the board, and All-Wheel Drive is available on every trim.

Technology plays a bigger role in confidence than ever. Every Explorer includes standard driver-assist features such as forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. Inside, a 13.2-inch LCD touchscreen powered by the Ford Digital Experience brings Google and Amazon services together with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for compatible devices. With the vehicle parked, you can stream or browse via Google Play, and available BlueCruise can be added on select trims for hands-free highway convenience where available and properly equipped. For families juggling charging cables and devices, there are eight USB ports including two in the third row.

If you are weighing AWD vs RWD, think about your routes, parking surfaces, and how often you drive in fresh snow before plows arrive. AWD helps you launch from a stop, climb snowy grades, and maintain momentum when one or more wheels encounter ice or packed snow. It works in the background with traction and stability control so the Explorer tracks straight with gentle steering inputs. Tires remain the biggest swing factor, so pairing AWD with winter-rated rubber is the ultimate confidence combo. Our service team can guide you to the right tread pattern for the way you drive and install, rotate, and store your seasonal sets.

• AWD availability on every trim for added traction in snow
• Tremor trim with lifted suspension, limited-slip rear differential, and all-terrain tires
• Composed, predictable ride and handling for winter commuting
• Standard driver-assist technologies that support safer decision-making
• Ford Digital Experience with a 13.2-inch touchscreen and robust connectivity

For shoppers who tow year round, the 2026 Explorer’s maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. All models include a Class III Towing package with a hitch, trailer wiring, and trailer sway control, so you can confidently pull a pair of snowmobiles, a small fishing boat, or a compact trailer. If you are new to towing in winter, our team will walk you through weight distribution, hitch setup, and best practices for braking and traction on mixed surfaces.

1. List your must-haves such as seating, towing, or all-terrain capability
2. Decide between RWD or AWD based on your typical winter routes
3. Select the trim that aligns with your priorities such as Tremor for capability or ST-Line for style
4. Schedule a winter-focused test drive to feel traction, visibility, and tech in action

Our approach is simple. We listen, we map your day-to-day driving, and we suggest the drivetrain and trim that feel right in real conditions. Visit Stevens Point Auto Center on Stanley Street to compare RWD and AWD on identical routes, test the Tremor’s extra ground clearance, or experience the ST’s added power. We are here to make your Explorer decision clear and confident before the next cold front arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I need All-Wheel Drive for a 2026 Ford Explorer in Stevens Point, WI

If you regularly drive before plows clear the roads, park on unpaved or sloped surfaces, or travel outside town on winter weekends, AWD is worth it. For mostly in-town driving on plowed streets, RWD works well with dedicated winter tires. We can help you test both to decide.

Which 2026 Explorer trim is best for snow and mixed surfaces

Tremor is the most winter-ready from the factory thanks to a lifted suspension, limited-slip rear differential, and all-terrain tires. Any trim with AWD and proper winter tires will feel confident on plowed and partially plowed roads.

How does AWD impact efficiency on the Explorer

The EPA has not released 2026 fuel economy ratings yet. Based on 2025 guidance, AWD typically reduces highway estimates a bit compared to RWD. Real-world results vary by driving style, temperature, and tire choice. We are happy to review current data during your visit.

Is the Explorer’s tech helpful in winter travel

Yes. Standard driver-assist features support smoother braking and lane tracking, while the Ford Digital Experience integrates navigation, voice assistance, and smartphone compatibility so you can focus on the road. Available BlueCruise on select trims can reduce fatigue on long, well-marked highways where available and properly equipped.

Ready to see how the 2026 Ford Explorer handles Wisconsin winter. Stop by Stevens Point Auto Center in Stevens Point, WI or call 715-344-4100 to schedule a winter-focused test drive. Our non-commission team will help you compare AWD and RWD, choose the right trim, and set you up with the tires and accessories that make every cold morning feel easier.

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