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Winter Driving Guide · Great Falls, MT
Winter-Ready Ford 4x4 & AWD Guide for Great Falls, MT
Montana winter is here. This guide shows Great Falls, MT drivers which Ford trucks and SUVs offer 4x4 or AWD, how Ford's snow-ready drive modes work, and how to prep tires, batteries and cold starts, whether you commute from Black Eagle, report to Malmstrom AFB, or drive the Belt and Fort Benton highways.
Every 2026 Bronco® comes standard with 4x4¹Know Before the Snow
Great Falls Winters Ask a Lot of Your Vehicle
Great Falls winters are famous for their swings. A chinook can push temperatures well above freezing in an afternoon, melting packed snow into slush that refreezes into glare ice by morning. Then an arctic front drops in from Canada, the wind starts drifting snow across US-87 and I-15, and the overnight low falls well below zero. Your vehicle has to start, steer, stop and keep you warm through all of it.
The good news: the Ford lineup gives Montana drivers more ways to handle winter than ever, from standard 4x4 on every Bronco and Bronco Sport to Intelligent 4WD on Explorer and Expedition, available AWD on the Maverick® hybrid, and two-speed automatic 4WD on many F-150 and Super Duty® configurations. This guide breaks down which Ford fits your winter, and the simple service steps that keep any vehicle ready for January.
4x4 standardOn every 2026 Bronco and 2027 Bronco Sport¹
Oct 1 – May 31Studded winter tires permitted in Montana⁴
~15% lowerTypical gas mileage at 20°F vs. 77°F, per fueleconomy.gov⁵
511Dial for MDT road conditions anywhere in Montana
Why It Matters Here
Why Montana Drivers Choose 4x4 and AWD Fords
Traction is only part of the winter equation. Here's what Great Falls drivers value most when the snow flies.
Traction When You Need It
4x4 and AWD help you get moving from a stop on an icy hill, climb out of an unplowed driveway in Sun River, or pull through drifted snow on a county road outside Vaughn. They help put power down. Remember they don't help you stop, which is why tires matter just as much.
Drive Modes That Think Ahead
Ford's Terrain Management System™ and G.O.A.T. Modes™ (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) adjust throttle response, shift points and traction control for the surface. Slippery mode is designed for ice, snow or wet pavement, so you can match the vehicle to the road with a turn of a dial.
Warm Starts on Cold Mornings
Available remote start, a factory engine block heater on many F-150 trims, and the Ford app's remote features mean you can warm the cabin before you walk out to the driveway. On a -15°F morning at Malmstrom, that's not a luxury. It's how the day starts right.
SUVs for Snow
Winter-Ready Ford SUVs in Great Falls
Bronco Sport. Ford lists 4x4 as standard on every 2027 Bronco Sport trim, with an Advanced 4x4 system on Badlands®. G.O.A.T. Modes include Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery and Off-Road. It's a compact, easy-to-park SUV that's well suited to Great Falls commuting and weekend runs up to Showdown. Learn more on our Bronco Sport page.
Bronco. Every 2026 Bronco includes 4x4. Base, Big Bend®, Outer Banks® and Heritage models offer Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery and Sand G.O.A.T. Modes, while Badlands, Stroppe and Raptor add more off-road modes. See our 2026 Bronco guide.
Explorer. The 2027 Explorer comes standard with rear-wheel drive on most trims, with Intelligent 4WD available, and 4WD standard on Tremor. Its drive modes include Slippery and Trail. Most Montana families will want to specify 4WD. Read our 2027 Explorer page.
Expedition. The 2027 Expedition offers 4x2 or 4x4 on Active, Platinum and King Ranch, with 4x4 standard on Tremor, plus Intelligent 4WD with the Terrain Management System. It pairs three-row space with a strong tow rating; see 2027 Expedition towing.
Pickups for Snow
Ford Trucks Built for Montana Winter Work
F-150. 4x2 is standard and 4x4 is available. On 2026 models, XL, STX and XLT use electronic shift-on-the-fly 4x4, while Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum use Torque On Demand two-speed automatic 4WD. 4x4 models add Deep Snow/Sand and Mud/Rut modes. A factory engine block heater is an available option on many 2026 trims, and remote start is standard on Lariat.² Explore the 2026 F-150 in Great Falls.
Super Duty. 4x4 is available on most 2027 Super Duty configurations, with selectable modes that include Slippery, Tow/Haul and Off-Road. For ranchers feeding cattle through February, see our F-250 and F-350 pages.
Ranger. 4x4 is available on every 2026 Ranger® and standard on Ranger Raptor®. It's a midsize truck that's easy to maneuver downtown and still ready for the back roads.
Maverick. The 2027 Maverick hybrid is front-wheel drive as standard, with AWD available on XL, XLT and Lariat and standard on Tremor. Its drive modes include Slippery. If you're shopping a Maverick for winter, we recommend AWD. See our Maverick page.
Moving From 2WD to 4x4 This Winter?
Find out what your current vehicle is worth, then line up financing on a winter-ready Ford. It takes just a few minutes online.
At a Glance
Ford 4x4 & AWD Lineup for Great Falls Winters
Here is how the current Ford lineup handles drive systems, as shown on ford.com at the time of writing. The model year shown is the one Ford currently displays for each vehicle.
| Model | Standard drivetrain | 4x4 / AWD availability | Snow-relevant drive modes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Bronco Sport | 4x4 | Standard on all trims; Advanced 4x4 on Badlands | Slippery, Normal, Eco, Sport, Off-Road |
| 2026 Bronco | 4x4 | Standard on all models | Slippery, Normal, Eco, Sport, Sand (more on Badlands/Raptor) |
| 2027 Explorer | RWD (most trims) | Intelligent 4WD available; standard on Tremor | Slippery, Trail/Off-Road, Tow/Haul |
| 2027 Expedition | 4x2 or 4x4 | 4x4 available; standard on Tremor | Terrain Management System with selectable modes |
| 2027 Maverick | FWD hybrid | AWD available on XL, XLT, Lariat; standard on Tremor | Includes Slippery |
| 2026 Ranger | 4x2 (XL, XLT, Lariat) | 4x4 available on all; standard on Raptor | Off-road modes vary by trim |
| F-150 | 4x2 | 4x4 available; automatic 4WD on Lariat and up (2026) | Deep Snow/Sand, Mud/Rut on 4x4 |
| 2027 Super Duty | 4x2 | 4x4 available on most configurations | Slippery, Tow/Haul, Off-Road |
| 2026 Mustang Mach-E® | RWD (Select, Premium) | eAWD available; standard on GT and Rally | Whisper (recommended for slippery conditions) |
Availability varies by trim, package and model year. Confirm drivetrain on the window sticker of the specific vehicle.¹
Your Great Falls Winter Prep Checklist
Most winter-driving pages stop at "buy AWD." Here's the full list our service team recommends before the first big storm, whether you drive a brand-new Bronco or a ten-year-old pickup.
- Tires first. Tires are your only contact with the road, and they do most of the work in braking and steering on ice. Dedicated winter tires use softer rubber and deeper siping that stay flexible in the cold. Montana permits studded winter tires from October 1 through May 31.⁴ Shop our tire center or read about the benefits of new tires.
- Check tire pressure often. Cold air lowers tire pressure. Check it on cold mornings and set it to the placard on your driver's door jamb, not the number molded on the sidewall.
- Test the battery. Cold weather reduces a battery's available power while making the engine harder to crank. A quick test before December can prevent a no-start in a parking lot. See our battery and alternator service.
- Use the right oil. The correct viscosity helps oil flow quickly at startup. Follow your Owner's Manual and your Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor®, and read our oil change advice.
- Wipers, washer fluid and lights. Swap streaky blades, fill up with winter-rated washer fluid and make sure every headlight and taillight works. Mag-chloride spray on I-15 coats windshields fast.
- Plug in when it's bitter. If your vehicle has an engine block heater, use it on the coldest nights. If it doesn't, ask us whether one is available for your model.
- Pack a winter kit. Blankets, gloves, a shovel, traction aids, a flashlight, water, snacks and a phone charger. NHTSA's winter driving tips include a full checklist.
- Check for recalls. Look up your VIN on NHTSA's recall site, and our service team can perform open Ford recall work.
Cold-Start Tech
Remote Start, Block Heaters and Cold-Weather Efficiency
Ford says activating the modem in the Ford app unlocks free features like Phone As A Key, door lock and unlock, and remote start and stop on eligible vehicles.³ That means you can warm the engine and cabin from your kitchen table in Black Eagle before heading across the river. Factory remote start is also available on many models. Ford lists it on the 2026 F-150 Lariat, in the Maverick XLT Luxury Package, in the Explorer Active Comfort Package, and on several Super Duty trims.
Cold weather also affects efficiency. According to fueleconomy.gov, a conventional gasoline vehicle's gas mileage is roughly 15% lower at 20°F than at 77°F, and it can drop as much as 24% on short trips.⁵ Combining errands, using a block heater where equipped, and avoiding long idle times all help. Driving electric? Ford's Mustang Mach-E offers a Whisper drive mode that Ford recommends for slippery conditions. Read about Mach-E ownership for Great Falls commuters.
Winter Around Great Falls
Great Falls Winter Driving: Roads, Wind and Long Miles
Winter driving around Great Falls has its own personality. The stretch of I-15 toward Vaughn and Wolf Creek Canyon can go from clear to blowing snow quickly. US-87 toward Belt and Stanford climbs into higher, colder country. US-89 to Choteau and the Rocky Mountain Front is beautiful and exposed, and ground blizzards can cut visibility even on sunny days. Heading north to Conrad, Shelby or Cut Bank means long miles with few services between towns.
Before any long winter trip, check the Montana 511 road map or call 511 for MDT road conditions. MDT's chain and studded tire page explains Montana's traction rules. Let someone know your route, keep your tank at least half full, and stay with your vehicle if you get stuck.
Closer to home, Great Falls winter driving means icy intersections along 10th Avenue South, steep grades on the hill up from the river, and early-morning shifts at Malmstrom AFB when the base roads haven't been plowed yet. Weekend trips to Showdown Montana ski area or ice fishing at Holter and Canyon Ferry add their own challenges. A 4x4 or AWD Ford on good winter tires, kept up by a local service team, handles all of it with confidence. Active-duty and veteran families can also visit our Ford Military Appreciation page.
Get Winter-Ready
Shop, Finance and Winterize at Bison Ford
Whether you need a new 4x4, a dependable pre-owned SUV, or a set of winter tires, start here.
Why Bison Ford
Great Falls' Ford Team for Winter Sales and Service
Bison Ford is a local Ford dealer that lives through the same Great Falls winters you do. Our sales team can help you compare 4x4 and AWD systems across the lineup and match a vehicle to your commute, your family and your winter recreation. Our Ford-trained technicians handle batteries, tires, oil changes and multi-point inspections, so you go into winter knowing exactly where your vehicle stands.
Have a question before you come in? Visit our contact page for directions and hours, or learn more about Bison Ford.
Helping winter drivers from:
- Great Falls
- Black Eagle
- Malmstrom AFB
- Belt
- Cascade
- Vaughn
- Ulm
- Sun River
- Fort Benton
- Choteau
- Conrad
- Shelby
- Cut Bank
- Havre
- Lewistown
- Stanford
- Helena
Questions
Montana Winter Driving FAQ
Which Ford SUVs come standard with 4x4?
Ford lists 4x4 as standard on every 2026 Bronco and every 2027 Bronco Sport. The 2027 Explorer and Expedition offer 4WD on many trims and include it as standard on Tremor. Availability varies by trim, so confirm the drivetrain on the window sticker.
Is AWD or 4x4 better for Great Falls winters?
Both help. AWD systems manage traction automatically and suit daily driving on plowed city streets and highways. Truck-style 4x4 systems with low range are better for deep snow, unplowed ranch roads and towing. Ford's automatic 4WD systems, available on F-150 Lariat and above, combine automatic operation with true 4x4 hardware. Whichever you choose, good winter tires make the biggest difference.
When are studded tires legal in Montana?
According to the Montana Department of Transportation, studded winter tires are permitted in Montana from October 1 through May 31 of the following year. Check MDT's traction and chain information for the latest rules.
Does the Ford Maverick come with AWD?
The 2027 Maverick hybrid comes standard with front-wheel drive. AWD is available on XL, XLT and Lariat and is standard on Maverick Tremor. For Montana winters, we recommend AWD.
Can I remote start my Ford from my phone?
On eligible vehicles, Ford says activating the modem in the Ford app unlocks free features including remote start and stop and door lock and unlock. Availability varies by model and model year, so ask our team whether your vehicle qualifies.
Is a factory engine block heater available on the F-150?
Yes. A factory engine block heater is an available option on many 2026 F-150 trims, including XL, STX, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum. Ask Bison Ford about availability on other models.
How do I check Montana road conditions before a winter trip?
Visit 511mt.net or dial 511 anywhere in Montana for the Montana Department of Transportation's road and weather report. From outside Montana, call 800-226-7623.
What winter service should I get before December?
We recommend a battery test, a tire inspection or winter tire installation, an oil change with the correct viscosity, new wiper blades, winter washer fluid, a lighting check and an open-recall check. Schedule service online at Bison Ford in Great Falls.
Get Winter-Ready at Bison Ford in Great Falls
Shop a 4x4 or AWD Ford, or book winter service for the vehicle you already drive. Either way, we'll help you head into a Montana winter ready.
Disclaimers
* Pricing: Any MSRP referenced is as published by Ford Motor Company and excludes destination/delivery, taxes, title, license, registration, dealer documentary fees and options. Dealer sets final price. Pricing, incentives and availability are subject to change; see Bison Ford for details. Vehicles shown may include optional equipment.
- Drivetrain and drive-mode availability as shown on ford.com at the time of writing for the model year indicated. Availability varies by trim, package and model year. 4x4 and AWD do not reduce stopping distance; drive for conditions. Off-roading and driving in snow involve risk; see your Owner's Manual.
- 2026 F-150 engine block heater (option code 41H) and remote start availability per Ford's 2026 F-150 order guide. Availability varies by trim and engine.
- Ford app remote features require a compatible vehicle, the Ford app, an activated modem and cell coverage. Availability varies by model and model year. Features and terms are subject to change. See ford.com for details.
- Studded tire dates as published by the Montana Department of Transportation. Laws can change; consult MDT and Montana Code Annotated for current requirements.
- Cold-weather fuel economy information from fueleconomy.gov (U.S. Department of Energy / EPA). Actual results vary.