When the all-new Ford Super Duty broke cover back for the 2023 model year, it debuted with a notable change to its lineup: the addition of standard 4X4, or four-wheel-drive (4WD), across all trim levels from the XLT and up. That meant that the entry level XL trim was the only one to feature standard 2X4, or rear-wheel-drive (RWD) from the get-go, although that’s set to change with the 2026 Ford Super Duty. In fact, RWD is now standard on two more trims, as 4X4 was dropped from the list of included equipment.
In a change from years past, the 2026 Ford Super Duty XLT and Lariat trims now feature standard 4X2, not 4×4 like before. At the time of this writing, the cost of upgrading to 4X4 on these trims hasn’t yet been revealed.
It’s also unclear why Ford decided to nix standard 4X4 on these trims, especially since the decisions seems to be in direct conflict with prior strategies. Ford CEO Jim Farley stated a few years ago that the automaker’s internal combustion engine (ICE) lineup had gotten too complex, and that The Blue Oval was seeking to streamline its offerings. That involved expanding the availability of standard 4X4 to all trims XLT and up, which helped to reduce the complexity of ICE offerings across the board. Either complexity is no longer a concern for The Blue Oval, or there was enough demand for the RWD Super Duty that it caved and decided to bring it back as standard.
Other changes headed for the 2026 Ford Super Duty include the deletion of two exterior colors, which will be replaced by three new ones: Argon Blue Metallic, Marsh Gray, and Iconic Silver Metallic, the latter of which is being reintroduced as a fleet-only hue. There’s also minor updates headed for its package lineup, such as the expanded availability of the STX Appearance Package and Tremor Off-Road Package, which is a late-availability option for certain trim levels.
As previously reported by Ford Authority, three Blue Oval plants are expected to produce the 2026 Ford Super Duty, including the Oakville Assembly plant in Canada.
The military claims the move is necessary.
As it faces a spike in demand.
A spot that it has held onto for a while now.
Another potential use for that architecture.
Designed to preview the road ahead.
Switching up the look while shaving some weight.
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I prefer a 2wd truck. The most offroading I do is driving on grass or down a dirt road. I had a 4wd and never once used it in the 4 years I had that truck. Its a waste of money and just makes more maintenance down the road if you don't need it. 4wd trucks are great when needed I just don't need one.
Suppose they'll lower the price significantly for the 4x4 deletion? Me either.
Yeah fat chance of that. They will probably increase the price on all trim levels.
it will probably be a few thousand less than 4WD. But another key factor is the 2WD usually have greater towing capacity, and there seems to be this stupid "we can tow more" war between the big three. Its really only words and numbers that don't translate in real life.
Money grab
Ionic Silver was a good color....Ford drops it from Explorer to..unreal...but you can bet if you go to the Ford dealership...you can have any interior color you want...as long as it black...
Every year Ford deletes some more standard items. But I'm sure the price will go down as well...
Hopefully they keep the 4x2 as the same price as the 4x4, then increase the price of the 4x4 option.
They already lost me when they deleted the Supercab option on the F350 Dually.
There’s no reason to have recalls if quality control Does the job right.
I’m gonna order me a new 350 lariat today RWD Dully paying cash get a good deal
My 03 F250 Super Duty extended cab 2WD XLT, V10 had at the time one of the highest tow ratings. With posi and some weight in the bed I got anywhere I needed to go. I loved that truck.