Ford Escape: Four Wheel Drive (4WD) System (if equipped) - Driving - Ford Escape Owner's ManualFord Escape: Four Wheel Drive (4WD) System (if equipped)

of this type of vehicle, see Preparing to drive your vehicle in WARNING: For important information regarding safe operation of this type of vehicle, see Preparing to drive your vehicle in this chapter.

Your vehicle is equipped with an intelligent 4WD System that continuously monitors vehicle conditions and automatically adjusts the power distribution between the front and rear wheels. It combines transparent all-surface operation with highly capable four-wheel drive.

The 4WD system is always active and requires no driver input. It is capable of handling all road conditions, including street and highway driving as well as off-road and winter driving.

Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles

4WD vehicles are specially equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud and rough terrain and have operating characteristics that are somewhat different from conventional vehicles, both on and off the road.

Blind spot mirrors
Blind spot mirrors have an integrated convex spotter mirror built into the upper outboard corner of the outside mirrors. They are designed to assist the driver by increasing visibility along the sid ...

How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
Truck and utility vehicles can differ from some other vehicles. Your vehicle may be higher to allow it to travel over rough terrain without getting hung up or damaging underbody components. The d ...

See also:

Full Size Spare – If Equipped
The full size spare is for temporary emergency use only. This tire may look like the original equipped tire on the front or rear axle of your vehicle, but it is not. This spare tire may have limi ...

Moonroof (if equipped)
Never let anyone’s hands, arms, head or any objects protrude from the moonroof. A person could be seriously injured if the vehicle stops suddenly or turns sharply or if the vehicle is ...

Dashboard fuse box
Do not use a pointed object such as a screwdriver to open the cover in the dashboard. You could damage the dashboard or the cover. To open: pull out cover 1 slightly at the bottom in the ...