Don Johnson’s Cumberland Motors – Does the 2026 Ford Explorer offer Intelligent 4WD for back roads around Shell Lake, WI?
Ford designed the 2026 Ford Explorer® to handle day-to-day driving with confidence and to shine when the pavement ends. If you’re comparing drivetrains and wondering how available Intelligent 4WD and selectable drive modes work in the real world around Shell Lake, WI, this guide breaks it down in clear terms so you can pick the configuration that makes sense for your driveway and beyond.
Explorer® starts with a rear-wheel drive platform for planted, predictable handling, confident towing manners, and a calm, balanced ride. From there, shoppers can opt for available Intelligent 4WD, which automatically helps direct power to the wheels with the most grip. It’s a smart way to add surefooted traction when you encounter loose gravel, a muddy boat launch, or a rutted cabin driveway—situations common on back roads and lakeside routes in northern Wisconsin.
How Intelligent 4WD Works
Intelligent 4WD continuously monitors wheel speed, throttle input, steering angle, and other vehicle data to anticipate and react to changing traction. When surfaces get uneven or slippery, the system can route torque to the axle and wheel ends that can use it best. You feel this as steady, drama-free forward motion without needing to manually select a setting. It’s a transparent layer of control that simply makes Explorer® feel composed when conditions shift.
Selectable Drive Modes Explained
Selectable drive modes complement Intelligent 4WD by adjusting throttle mapping, transmission shift logic, and traction control to suit the moment. With a simple dial, you can tailor Explorer® for normal driving, a slick gravel pullout, or a bumpy two-track. The benefit isn’t just traction—it’s also confidence. Each mode helps the SUV respond the way you expect, so you can focus on steering and situational awareness rather than constantly feathering the throttle.
Which Trims Pair Best With Intelligent 4WD?
The beauty of the Explorer® lineup is choice. You can equip available Intelligent 4WD on models built for comfort, sport, or trail duty. If your plan includes regular unpaved road travel, the Tremor® model stacks the deck with off-road-tuned suspension, underbody protection, and a Torsen® limited-slip rear axle that helps both rear wheels keep moving on uneven ground. If you prefer a more athletic feel on the road, ST delivers available 3.0L EcoBoost® power with sport-tuned hardware, and Intelligent 4WD helps put that power to the ground consistently.
Prefer a confident, comfortable daily driver that can still handle dirt access roads to the lake? Explorer® Active and ST-Line offer a great balance. Equip available Intelligent 4WD and enjoy the added assurance when a paved county road quickly turns to gravel.
Towing and Traction Go Hand in Hand
Explorer® can tow up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped, and available Intelligent 4WD helps you feel composed at the launch or when the path to your campsite gets rough. If you’re pulling a fishing boat or small camper, combine the Class III Trailer Tow Package with the drivetrain and drive modes that match your routes. Together, these systems add up to smoother getaways and easier returns.
What About Highway Driving?
While Intelligent 4WD shines on variable surfaces, Explorer® also offers available Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving for compatible roads. It’s a powerful pairing—an SUV that steadies itself bravely off the beaten path and settles into relaxed, confidence-building support when you cruise major corridors to Eau Claire or beyond.
Test-Driving Tips Around Shell Lake, WI
Set aside time to put both drivetrains through their paces. Start with rear-wheel drive to feel Explorer®’s balanced character. Then drive the same loop in an Intelligent 4WD model. If you can, include a short stretch of well-maintained gravel to appreciate how calmly Intelligent 4WD manages micro-slips you might not even notice from the driver’s seat.
- Plan your loop: Include town streets, a highway segment, and a short gravel or unpaved access road.
- Try drive modes: Rotate between modes on similar surfaces to sense how throttle and shifts adapt.
- Simulate your routine: Load a cooler or gear in back to evaluate ride quality and cargo practicality.
- Ask about tow tech: If you’ll tow, confirm the Class III Trailer Tow Package and practice low-speed maneuvering.
Powertrains That Fit the Mission
The 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 is a terrific match for daily use and weekend travel. If you prefer robust acceleration and frequent highway passing, the available 3.0L EcoBoost® engine on ST and Tremor® models gives Explorer® a confident surge of power. Pair your preferred engine with the drivetrain that suits your roads, and you’ll have a setup that feels tailor-made.
Cabin Comfort and Tech for Real Life
Explorer® complements capability with comfort and smart tech. Available seating for up to seven, up to 85.8 cu ft of cargo space, and an available B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® create a cabin that families enjoy mile after mile. Add Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ for features like Adaptive Cruise Control, and consider available 360-Degree Camera to remove stress from trailhead parking or tight boat storage spots.
If you’re ready to compare drivetrains and trims side-by-side, Don Johnson’s Cumberland Motors can set up a back-to-back drive and talk through which configuration best suits your routes. We are proud to be serving Almena, Clear Lake, and Shell Lake with a guest-first approach and deep Explorer® product knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is Intelligent 4WD worth it if I mostly drive on pavement?
Yes, if your weekends include gravel paths, lake launches, or unpaved shoulders, available Intelligent 4WD adds a valuable layer of traction and confidence without compromising on-road comfort.
Do I need Tremor® to go off-pavement?
Not necessarily. Tremor® is the most off-road-capable Explorer® thanks to its suspension tuning, underbody protection, and Torsen® limited-slip rear axle. But an Explorer® with available Intelligent 4WD and the right tires can comfortably handle graded trails and gravel county roads.
Which drive modes should I use on gravel?
Selectable drive modes are designed to help. Choose the mode recommended in your owner information for looser surfaces to refine throttle, shift mapping, and traction control for steadier progress.
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