If you’re buying a family SUV in central Minnesota, winter capability is the question that sits underneath every other question on the list. The Explorer might have the right seating configuration, the right technology package, and the right price — but none of that matters if you’re sliding through an intersection in Hutchinson in January or getting stuck at the end of a gravel lane in Dassel after the first real snowfall.

The 2026 Ford Explorer® handles Minnesota winters well — but how well depends significantly on which drivetrain and trim you choose. RWD and 4WD Explorer models are not the same vehicle in winter conditions, and the Tremor® is a different animal again. This guide covers exactly what the Explorer offers for central Minnesota winter driving: the drivetrain differences, the drive modes that actually matter, the cold-weather features worth having, and which configuration makes the most sense for buyers in McLeod County and the surrounding region.

RWD vs 4WD Explorer — Which Is Right for Minnesota?

The 2026 Explorer is available in both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and Intelligent 4WD — and for most central Minnesota buyers, the answer to this question is straightforward: 4WD is the right call.

Here’s the honest breakdown of each option for buyers in this market:

When RWD might make sense for a Minnesota buyer: RWD is a reasonable choice only if your driving is genuinely all-paved-road, you have covered garage parking, and you live and work in an area where roads are cleared promptly. For a buyer in Hutchinson who drives to Minneapolis on I-94 and back, parks in a heated garage, and never deals with gravel or farm access — RWD is workable and saves money at purchase.

When 4WD is the right call: If you park outdoors, drive gravel roads regularly, access rural property, live in a township with slower plow response, or tow a boat to a launch ramp that isn’t always pristine — 4WD is the answer. For the vast majority of central Minnesota families across McLeod, Meeker, Kandiyohi, and Brown counties, 4WD is the correct baseline for an Explorer purchase.

What Is Intelligent 4WD and How Does It Work?

The Explorer’s Intelligent 4WD system is worth understanding before you compare it to what you might be used to in a truck or an older SUV — because it works differently from traditional part-time 4x4 systems like the Electronic Shift-On-The-Fly (ESOF) system in the F-150.

Traditional part-time 4x4 (like the F-150): The driver manually selects 2H, 4H, or 4L using a selector. The system locks front and rear axles together at a fixed torque split. You shift in and out of 4WD consciously based on conditions.

Explorer Intelligent 4WD: The system is active and continuously variable. It monitors wheel slip, road conditions, and vehicle dynamics in real time and automatically distributes torque between the front and rear axles to maximize traction. On dry pavement, most power goes to the rear. When slip is detected, power shifts to the wheels that can use it — all without driver input. There is no 2H/4H/4L selector on the Explorer. The system manages itself.

What this means for everyday Minnesota winter driving: The Intelligent 4WD system is always working — you don’t need to remember to engage 4WD before a slippery stretch of road. When you select Slippery drive mode, the system combines reduced throttle sensitivity with the 4WD management to deliver smooth, controlled traction on ice and packed snow. It’s a fundamentally different user experience from a truck-style 4x4.

The practical trade-off: The Explorer’s Intelligent 4WD is excellent for the winter driving conditions most Minnesota families face — icy roads, packed snow, slippery parking lots, moderate gravel. It is not a replacement for a truck-style lockable 4WD system in truly extreme off-road conditions. For that use case, the Tremor®’s TORSEN® differential and Off-Road drive mode provide the additional hardware needed.

What Drive Modes Does the Explorer Have for Snow and Ice?

The Explorer’s selectable drive modes are one of its most useful features for Minnesota winter driving — and knowing which mode to use in which condition makes a real difference in how the vehicle behaves on snow and ice.

The practical Minnesota winter playbook: For most central MN driving from November through March, Slippery mode is your default whenever there’s any ice, packed snow, or slippery pavement. It’s not just for extreme conditions — it’s the right everyday mode for a Minnesota winter. Switch to Trail mode on 4WD models when you’re on unplowed surfaces or soft winter gravel where maintaining momentum matters. Normal mode is fine on clear dry roads between Hutchinson and Glencoe in January — just don’t forget to switch when conditions change.

Important for all winter driving: 4WD and drive modes improve traction for acceleration and cornering stability. They do not shorten stopping distance on ice. Braking performance on slippery surfaces is governed by tires and the AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™) system — which is standard across all Explorer trims. Leave extra following distance regardless of drivetrain.

Is the Explorer Tremor® Better in Winter Than Standard 4WD?

Yes — and for specific central Minnesota winter scenarios, the difference is meaningful. The Tremor®’s winter advantages over a standard 4WD Explorer come from three hardware items:

1. TORSEN® limited-slip rear differential

On a standard open differential, if one rear wheel loses traction on ice — like when one side of your driveway is icy and the other isn’t — all the power goes to the spinning wheel while the wheel with grip gets nothing. The TORSEN® differential automatically shifts torque to the wheel with traction without any driver input. In practical Minnesota winter terms: fewer moments where you feel the rear step out, fewer instances of one wheel spinning uselessly on an icy patch.

2. All-terrain tires standard

The Tremor®’s 31.5” diameter all-terrain tires have a more aggressive tread pattern than the all-season tires on standard Explorer models. In snow and loose winter surfaces, the all-terrain tread provides meaningfully better grip. On packed snow and ice, all-terrain tires also perform better than standard all-season tires. For buyers who want the best tire for Minnesota winter conditions without purchasing a separate winter tire set, the Tremor®’s standard tires are a genuine advantage.

3. Increased ground clearance

The Tremor®’s 8.7” of ground clearance vs 7.8” on a standard 4WD Explorer means the Tremor® handles deeper snow accumulation without the undercarriage dragging — useful on unplowed township roads in a county where plow response times vary, and on any rural property that doesn’t get cleared after every snowfall. The Tremor® off-road capability in winter is covered in full detail in our 2026 Explorer Tremor off-road guide.

What Tires Does the Explorer Come With for Winter Driving?

Tire selection varies by Explorer trim and has a real impact on winter performance. Here’s the full picture:

For most Minnesota buyers, the all-season tires on standard Explorer models are adequate for typical winter conditions — packed snow, moderate ice, plowed highways. They are not winter-rated tires and are not designed for extreme snow performance. If you regularly deal with very deep snow, extended periods on unplowed surfaces, or extreme cold conditions, a dedicated winter tire set mounted on a spare set of wheels is the upgrade that makes the biggest single-item difference in winter traction. Your Jay Malone Ford service team can advise on compatible winter tire options for your specific trim.

The Tremor® tire advantage in winter: The all-terrain tires standard on the Tremor® perform meaningfully better on snow and loose winter surfaces than the all-season tires on other Explorer trims. For buyers who want the best factory tire for Minnesota winter conditions without a separate winter tire purchase, the Tremor® is the path to get there.

What Cold-Weather Features Should a Minnesota Explorer Have?

Beyond the drivetrain, these are the comfort and convenience features that make daily life meaningfully better through a central Minnesota winter — and which ones are included vs optional varies by trim:

• Heated front seats: Standard on Active 200A and above. Not available on Active Base 100A. For a McLeod County January, this is a daily-use feature from the first cold morning.
• Heated second-row seats: Standard on Tremor® (captain’s chairs) and Platinum™. Available on ST-Line via the Premium Package (68L) for outboard positions. Genuinely useful for families with kids who complain about cold seats.
• Heated steering wheel: Available on Active 200A via the Active Comfort Package (68A). Standard on ST-Line and above. Makes the first few minutes of a subzero morning significantly more tolerable.
• Remote Start System: Available on Active 200A via the Active Comfort Package (68A). Standard on ST-Line Select and above. Pre-warms the cabin before you leave the house — one of the most practically valued features by Minnesota owners.
• Power liftgate: Standard on Active 200A and above (not on Active Base). Useful year-round but especially in winter when you’re wearing gloves and dealing with slippery surfaces.
• Heated mirrors: Standard on ST-Line Select and above. Available on Tremor® via Convenience Package (68G). Prevents ice and frost buildup on mirrors that blocks visibility in the morning — a functional safety feature, not just a comfort item.

The Active Comfort Package (68A) — the Minnesota winter upgrade for Active 200A buyers: If you’re buying an Active 200A and want the core cold-weather comfort features, this is the package to add. It includes heated steering wheel, remote start, LED fog lamps, 8-way power passenger seat, and ActiveX™ seating material upgrade. For Minnesota buyers, the combination of heated seats (already standard on 200A), heated steering wheel, and remote start from this package covers the daily winter experience well at an accessible price point.

Note on engine block heaters: Unlike the F-150, the 2026 Explorer order guide does not list an engine block heater as a factory-order option. If cold-start performance in extreme temperatures is a concern, discuss aftermarket engine block heater options with your Jay Malone Ford service team after purchase.

How Does the Explorer Handle Winter Towing?

The Explorer’s 5,000 lb towing capacity (Class III Tow Package standard on all trims) covers the recreational towing most Minnesota families do in winter — snowmobile trailers, ice fishing equipment haulers, and utility trailers. Tow/Haul mode improves transmission behavior and engine braking when towing in winter conditions, particularly on hills and during deceleration on slippery surfaces.

The Explorer includes Side-Wind Stabilization and Trailer Sway Control as standard features on all trims — both of which are particularly valuable for winter towing in central Minnesota where crosswinds on open highway stretches can affect trailer stability. BLIS® with Trailer Coverage is also standard, extending blind-spot detection to cover the trailer’s footprint.

One important note for snowmobile and winter trailer use: The Explorer cannot be flat towed behind another vehicle — this applies in all seasons. If you need to transport your Explorer behind a larger motorhome or use a tow dolly, a flatbed carrier is required. Flat towing will cause transmission damage regardless of drivetrain.

Which Explorer Trim Is Best for Minnesota Winters?

Here’s a practical assessment of each trim for central Minnesota winter use:

• Active Base 100A 4WD — Capable baseline for winter with Intelligent 4WD and Slippery mode. No heated seats as standard. Right for buyers who prioritize value and add aftermarket cold-weather accessories.
• Active 200A 4WD with Comfort Package (68A) — The best value winter configuration in the Explorer lineup. Adds heated seats (standard on 200A), heated steering wheel, and remote start via the Comfort Package. Covers the daily Minnesota winter experience well at a strong price point.
• ST-Line 4WD — Adds Trail drive mode, 360-degree camera, and B&O audio. Heated steering wheel and remote start standard. Add the Premium Package (68L) for heated second-row outboard positions and driver memory if those matter to your family.
• Tremor® 4WD — The most capable Explorer in winter conditions. TORSEN® differential, all-terrain tires, increased ground clearance, and Off-Road drive mode combine to give the Tremor® a meaningful winter traction advantage over any other Explorer trim. Standard heated front and second-row seats add comfort. Best for buyers who deal with challenging winter terrain regularly.
• ST 4WD — Strong winter performer with sport suspension, 4WD, and standard BlueCruise for long highway runs. The sport-tuned suspension provides confident winter handling. Best for buyers who want performance alongside winter capability.
• Platinum™ 4WD — Full luxury winter experience. Heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain’s chairs, massaging seats, and BlueCruise standard. The most comfortable Minnesota winter commuter in the lineup. The all-season tires are its winter limitation compared to the Tremor®.

How to Configure Your Explorer for Central Minnesota Winter Use

1. Choose 4WD. For most central Minnesota buyers — gravel roads, rural property, outdoor parking, varied road conditions — 4WD is the right call. The Intelligent 4WD system manages itself; you don’t need to think about it. The Trail drive mode and improved ground clearance on 4WD models add meaningful capability over RWD in winter conditions.
2. Prioritize heated seats and remote start. If you’re on the Active 200A, the Comfort Package (68A) is the must-add for Minnesota winters. Heated seats are standard on 200A; the package adds the heated steering wheel and remote start that complete the cold-weather setup.
3. Consider the Tremor® if you deal with challenging winter terrain. If your driveway is regularly unplowed, you access farm property in winter, or you pull a boat to soft-surface ramps in early spring mud season — the Tremor®’s TORSEN® differential and all-terrain tires provide the best factory winter capability in the Explorer lineup.
4. Use Slippery mode as your winter default. Once temperatures drop below freezing, make Slippery mode your starting point whenever roads are less than ideal. It doesn’t limit your driving — it just smooths power delivery and maximizes the system’s traction management.
5. Factor in the 360-degree camera for winter parking and towing. Parking in snow-covered lots where lines are invisible and backing to a trailer in cold conditions both benefit from the 360-degree camera available on ST-Line and above. It’s a practical winter-season tool, not just a summer convenience.

For the full picture of how trim and equipment decisions fit together on the 2026 Explorer, visit our 2026 Ford Explorer complete overview at Jay Malone Ford. Trim-level differences are covered in full in our 2026 Explorer trim levels guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

My Take on Explorer Winter Capability for Central Minnesota

I grew up in Hutchinson and I know what a Minnesota winter actually demands from a family vehicle. The Explorer 4WD handles it well — the Intelligent 4WD system and Slippery mode together cover 95% of what central MN families encounter from November through March. It’s not a truck with a lockable transfer case, but it’s a capable, confident family SUV in winter conditions that most buyers in this market are genuinely happy with year after year.

The Tremor® raises the bar meaningfully for buyers who need more. If you access farm property in winter, navigate township roads that don’t get plowed on the same schedule as county roads, or just want the best factory winter traction setup available in an Explorer — the Tremor®’s all-terrain tires and TORSEN® differential are worth a serious look.

And regardless of trim — get the heated seats and remote start. That’s the one recommendation I make to every Explorer buyer in central Minnesota. A warm cabin when you get in the vehicle on a January morning is not a luxury feature in this part of the state. It’s just how life should work.