Good morning everyone, I’m thinking about getting an Expedition after a lot of research. I used to own a 4x4 F150 when I was in Connecticut, but now that I’ve moved to North Carolina, I’m wondering if I still need the 4x4. I go to the mountains, but it’s mostly on trails to campsites and I’ve always used AWD vehicles for those trips. I’m just curious if the 4x2 will be enough. Would love to hear people’s opinions on it. Thanks and have a great day!
It’s one of those things you might not miss until you really need it. I usually use 2WD, but when I’m pulling my boat up a ramp, having those extra two wheels helping is nice. Also, in snow or ice, the ability to switch to 4WD is super helpful.
@Joss
Snow and boats aren’t a concern for me here, but I do get the ‘I wish I had it now’ feeling sometimes. Are there any issues or concerns you have with the 4x2?
Cairo said:
@Joss
Snow and boats aren’t a concern for me here, but I do get the ‘I wish I had it now’ feeling sometimes. Are there any issues or concerns you have with the 4x2?
You’ll never regret getting the higher trim, but you might regret going for a lower one. Get the features you actually want!
Cairo said:
@Joss
Snow and boats aren’t a concern for me here, but I do get the ‘I wish I had it now’ feeling sometimes. Are there any issues or concerns you have with the 4x2?
Resale value is probably better on 4WD. But if you plan to keep it forever and never need 4WD, the RWD might be a better choice. It probably gets a bit better gas mileage and might have a higher towing capacity. The modern RWD systems have pretty good traction control compared to older models. I do remember the old days of RWD when the back end would slide out too easily—makes me lean towards AWD.
@Joss
In my 2005 F150, the back end slid out, and I ended up hitting a house and two cars. After that, I’ve always preferred AWD… until now when I’m thinking about buying again.
We always try to keep one 4x4 in the family. My 2021 XLT Expy is 4x2, but my husband drives a 4x4 F150. It works well for him since he hunts and the roads on the hunting land can get pretty rough. Like others have said: you won’t miss it until you need it.
I live in Houston, TX, and I went with the 2WD, and I love it. There are probably more 2WDs here than 4x4s. Our last vehicle was AWD, and I never felt the need for it here. Plus, AWD comes with more maintenance costs because of the transfer case fluid. Your weather in NC might be different, but we hardly ever get snow here. The 2WD works fine in the rain—just put it into slippery mode when needed.
@Teo
I’ve been here for 7 years and only had two bad storms, and they melted away the next day. This pretty much answers my question. Thanks!
I have the 4x2. The only towing I’ve done is with my 7k travel trailer, so no boat ramps or anything like that. Never needed the 4x4, even in light snow in New Mexico and the Texas panhandle.
Get the 4x4… It’ll definitely be useful in the winter. Plus, it has a higher resale value!