The 2026 Ford Expedition looks like the family-hauler you already know, but the four-wheel-drive story is far trickier than it seems. There are several 4WD systems in the lineup, each tied to a specific trim or package — and picking the wrong one is easier than you’d think.
The base Intelligent 4WD comes standard on the Expedition XL, King Ranch and Platinum. On the entry-level Active it’s a $3,000 option. The system constantly watches acceleration, wheel speed, steering angle and throttle position, then shuffles torque to the wheel with the most grip. It pairs with the Terrain Management System and its Normal, Sport, Tow/Haul, Slippery and Off-Road modes.
But if you’re hooking up a trailer regularly, everything changes. The Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package becomes the deciding factor: with it, the SUV gets a two-speed transfer case with an automatic 4WD mode and Neutral Towing — the ability to flat-tow the Expedition itself with all four wheels on the ground.
On the Active that package is optional and tied to the 4WD version. On the Tremor, Platinum and King Ranch it’s standard. For anyone who actually drags heavy trailers around, the difference is huge: heavy loads, long hauls and flat-towing all demand exactly this setup.
The Expedition Tremor sits in a category of its own. It runs a dedicated 4×4 system and adds an extra drive mode: Normal, Sport, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Off-Road and Rock Crawl. That last one is exclusive to the Tremor — and it’s what turns a big family SUV into a truck that isn’t afraid of terrain where ride height and AWD alone simply aren’t enough.
For 2026, four-wheel drive is the only option on Platinum, Tremor and King Ranch. But in 2027, Ford will bring rear-wheel drive back — for the Platinum Elite, King Ranch and versions with the Stealth Appearance Package.
The Tremor will stay strictly 4×4, while the Active will continue to offer the choice between RWD and 4WD. Pricing on the Ford Expedition Active 2026 starts at $62,700, before destination and additional fees.
Four-wheel drive on the Expedition is no longer just a box to tick on the spec sheet. Depending on which system you pick, your SUV becomes one of three completely different things: a relaxed highway cruiser for the family, a serious workhorse for a heavy trailer, or a truck that simply doesn’t care whether there’s pavement under the tires.
