Everyone,

I hope this isn't a dumb question, and please accept that I'm not familiar with the guts of vehicles, but I'm looking at purchasing a used 2020 F-150 Lariat, and it says 4x4 (RWD).

Do all F-150's that offer 4x4 come standard with 4x4 RWD or do they offer 4x4 AWD? I assume the 4x4 RWD would be the best if it is offered.

Thank you all and again I'm sorry if this is a real dumb question. I'm trying to learn as much as I can.

 

No worries, a 2020 F150 Lariat, all have rear wheel drive RWD. The ones that are ordered with 4X4 have the option to engage the front wheels making it 4 wheel drive, and that is different than AWD. You can also order a pickup with only 2WD. But you can NOT order one with AWD.

quote
Why are there no AWD trucks?
AWD offers better on-road performance, and better (smarter) traction than 4WD. ... Unfortunately not many pickup trucks offer the AWD system, because trucks tend to be more meant for work, or off road capabilities, and AWD doesn't normally lend well to that portion of the demographic.

 

I see you posted this question in two places. That's probably not necessary. I've copied my answer from the other thread:

 

IIRC, Lariat's and above that are 4x4 equipped come with 4A.
4Auto serves the same function as most AWD vehicles.

4A can be engaged on dry streets.

 

That might be true, but turning it seems they are al still engaged and it is an unpleasant experience.

 

That doesn't sound right. Mine doesn't make any odd noises or feel weird when turning in 4A.

From the Ford owners manual:
4A (4X4 AUTO)
Provides electronic controlled four-wheel drive with power delivered to the front and rear wheels, as required, for increased traction. This is appropriate for all on-road driving conditions, including dry road surfaces, but is especially useful on wet pavement, snow, dirt, or gravel.

You might want to get yours checked out...to be sure something isn't wrong.

 

It may just be splitting hairs here, because I see both sides: An AWD as far as I understand the term, does not have unlockable front hubs - that was the way our 2000 Expedition was: the front drive gear was always spinning and only decoupled or engaged by the clutch in the transfer case. On the higher trim level trucks of ours, we get true 2WD because the auto locking front hubs disengage and the front drive line is not engaged. If you select 4A the front hubs are locked but power to the front is controlled by the transfer case - unless something goes wrong with the hubs locking, it pretty much is the same as AWD. You suffer a bit in mileage always spinning the front driveline, so I really like the option to use or not the Auto 4WD function. Ours does not scrub in Auto either, but we tend to only use it when the roads get slick or in dirt/gravel/snow...

 

On my truck, there is very little noticeable difference between 2H and 4A.

 

You are correct, my bad.
2H just keeps it in RWD
4A automatically engages 4x4 when it feels slippage. In winter and crappy roads, I drive with 4A.

 

There is a bit more to know about regular 4wd.
1. In Snow/Wet shift mode available on 10 speeds, the ABS Brake system is put in control of the rear brakes to control wheel spin.
2. Putting in 4H and Snow/Wet shift mode>>> do not lock up the rear with the switch<<<, the snow traction is really good
You have the benefit of 4 wheel drive as well as electronic traction control.
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What happens in the open rear under these condition?
1. The open differential allows transfer torque from one side that may lose traction to the other side by the ABS application of light braking to the slipping side.
2. If the rear is electric locked, both wheels can lose traction at the same time and benefit of "traction control" in Snow shift mode is not available due to the lockup.
3. The transfer of torque between wheels is a function that was used in older farm tractors of the past where the driver had left and rignt brake pedals to apply for wheel spinning control and shorten the turning radius in tight areas.
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Why electric lockup?
1. For those who go off road, rough terrain it s now quite useful in 4L crawling conditions.
2. If lockup is run on road, the system unlocks the rear above 25 mph in any event so is not an advantage on road driving over that speed.
3. In 4wd and E lock on the road, turning to any great degree causes binding of the drive line and should only be done on slippery surfaces and not on dry hard surfaces.
4. Use e lock when pulling or applications where extra reaction is needed for a short time application.
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4A equipage has a different transmission transfer case arrangement than regular 4wd.