yes true, it would only be similar when the truck is looking for traction. 4A tries to meet in the middle of true AWD and real 4x4 and imo its not worth the cost in the f150 if all you're trying to get is 4A with a lariat and up. If you're already getting that trim or higher and it's there, bonus

 

Since I got the 4A in my truck, it has saved my bacon in real bad down pours in Florida. I loose about .5mpg when running 4A and the truck is quicker off the line as well Do I think it's worth the money, yes I do.

 

I used mine last week while in Denver and the first snow hit (Saturday). 4A was great for heading down the highway with the roads in semi-rough condition. Of course I did not over drive the conditions like a couple of the other 4x4 that I saw hit the center wall. As you know living up there, 4WD does not make the truck invincible.

 

I just bought a 2019 XLT with 4 wheel drive and no 4 auto. Don't even know if it's available on the XLT. But it was one of those options I was hoping was available on something in my price range. Turns out it wasn't. As I sat pondering whether or not I really needed it I just thought about the last 4 wheel drive truck I had. That was a 2000 Dakota. That thing had a mechanical shift into 4H or 4L and I realized it never bothered me a bit to push the shifter into 4H when I thought I needed it. And I live in the Syracuse N.Y. area where we get a crap ton of snow every year. So I realized reaching a very short distance from the steering wheel to turn on 4H when I think I need it is not a big deal. As others have stated, I'd really like to have it, but it wasn't in my price range and not important enough to go over my budget.

 

My situation for liking 4A is unique I guess -

My driveway (850') is gravel and is pretty steep where it meets the road. When winter is in full force I of course keep it plowed but since you can't put salt on dirt it always has an snow pack which eventually turns pretty slippery. So I need 4WD to get out of my driveway.

There is little sight distance until you are right up at the road so you have to stop to look. The road is a state road which most of the time is bare. So I have to make a pretty hard turn from my driveway onto the road.

With regular 4WD even if I switch the 4WD off as soon as I start moving it of course stays engaged since there is pressure on the system. Then I would get that binding feeling while making the turn which drove me nuts.

Enter my new-to-me Lariat and my first winter with it last year. 4A - just walk up the driveway - stop to look - and proceed without any of the binding in the drive train. Awesome!

Also we are in an area with frequent snow squalls coming off Lake Erie. Those of you down wind of any of the lakes know what I am talking about. Nice peace of mind to be able to drive in 4A on those days ready to hit that wall of snow at any time.

 

I don't have so never experienced 4A.
Questions for those who have and use 4A in snow or ice.

For example when driving on a long stretch of dry pavement in 4A then suddenly hit a stretch of slippery snow....
....how long does it take 4A to apply torque to the front axle?
It it basically instant or a second or two lag?
And is there any indication on the display or elsewhere that the front axle in engaged?

 

J Echo I was in the same boat as you when shopping for my 2016 F-150 3 years ago, at first I was going to get an XLT but was shocked that it was not available in 4Auto. What the hell? This was my first ford experience. My previous truck was a 99 Silverado which I had since new the 4 Auto worked awesome in the MN winters, no problems at all just push the button and go. So I moved up to a Lariat and would not consider a standard 4WD system.

Once you have 4Auto you won't go back. Good luck with your search.

 

I had a Toyota Tundra and no 4A - my Lariat has it and I wont go back. You can definitely tell when its in 4A because the front drive train is engaged but the transfer case uses a clutch to activate it.

 

Only activates with wheel spin or how much throttles is applied and it really fast with more throttle, slower with less throttle and just 4A is on the dash and the normal traction control lights when spinning or drifting.
You can make full turns and no wheel hop!

 

Exactly my situation and the reason for upgrading my transfer case. Lake effect snow will make you wish you had 4A.

Mike