I have a heritage model which has the 35s and there is little road noise. You should get what you want since tires are an easy change. I would recommend getting the Sasquatch package or a Badlands for the 4A and locking diffs.
I would not compare it to a true AWD system like Honda. They were built from the ground up as an AWD system.
For me, I view Ford’s AWD system as something you use when the road is wet or the snow/slush is intermittent, making 4H difficult to use. That’s how I will be using it.
Perhaps I am...
Nothing to fix. The 2.7 is much better than the 2.3.
Do I wish Ford had made the base engine the 2.7/MT, absolutely and I would have one. Even the MT can’t justify the 2.3.
Cause “I feel the need, the need for speed”.
If given the option, why not go for the stronger, faster more reliable 2.7? It only makes sense IMO.
And I want to know that if I am in a situation that I need power and speed it’s there.
I would love to know if it impacts an extended warranty. It’s not worth it to gain a little extra HP/Torque if the powertrain warranty stops at 36K miles.