yeditityet

I saw in the thread about the recently test-driven 2016 Limited that someone asked if it has all-wheel drive. Is this different from the automatic-4WD (4A) available on the 2015 Lariat and up models? If yes, can someone explain the difference?

Thanks!

blackout44

I was the one who test drove it, and it had the same selector switch as any of the platinum& lariat 4x4 models.

The options on the switch are 2H, 4A, 4H, 4L. The 4A option simply lets the truck decide on how much power to transmit amongst the 4 wheels.

yeditityet

Thanks for the response.

Curious how this supposedly "crazy combo AWD/4WD system" in the 2017 Raptor is different from the ones in the Lariat/Platinum/Limited that also appear to offer AWD and 4WD.

Spectre06

iTrader: (1)

http://m.motortrend.com/features/con...05_4wd_vs_awd/

Here is a good read on the differences between the two systems. But our trucks are 4wd. With an auto capability. Start to slip and It will lock in 4wd automatically. I personally don't use the option.

yeditityet

I guess this is where I'm still confused. Does the F150's automatic 4WD act like, say, the AWD system of an Audi Q7 in that you can drive with it on dry or slippery surfaces without driveline binding? Or does it simply switch between 2WD and 4H thus resulting in possible binding?

Also, thanks for the article. Reading it now!

Dalingrin

Auto 4WD is great in bad weather on the highway because it doesn't kill your gas mileage but will kick if necessary. Particularly good for a wife or someone "scared" of the 4WD systems.

KYBuckeye

The 4WD auto on the F150 works like any AWD car I've driven. It's rear wheel drive until it senses slipping then transfers power appropriately. You could leave it in 4WD Auto forever if you didn't mind sucking more gas. There is no binding on dry surfaces. It's an instantaneous ans seemless process.

Spectre06

iTrader: (1)

All the auto 4wd does is help you switch to 4wd without taking your hands off the steering wheel. It will then switch back out when deems nessesary. Now I haven't used it yet. Probably never will. But to say that it's just like awd is not exactaly true. Awd is all wheel drive all the time. Meaning it changes power distribution to the different wheels in a much more complex matter than our trucks do. Therefore I would take my wife's Audi over my truck almost any day in snow conditions.

austingta

Yes, except there is a slight delay as the ECM recognizes the rear wheels spinning and engages the front axle.

It's better for trucks because cars with AWD almost always have it on full-time, and there is no low range available.

2015F150Platinum4x4

I've used the 4A setting on mine and I've also owned Jeep Grand Cherokees in the past that have a true AWD system (with low range, however that locks the transfer case). There is a difference on how the 4A option drives than a true AWD system. The 4A system has a slight, but noticeable, delay before it transfers power to the front. A true AWD system doesn't have that delay and feels more seamless. My better half's vehicle is a Subaru Legacy and the AWD system in that (no low range of course) works phenomenally and is seamless.