Wow that is very interesting because I have a 2011 AWD Limited and thought it did extremely well in the snow. My last two vehicles were a 2007 4x4 Nissan Armada and before that, a 2001 4x4 Nissan Xterra both of which had all terrain tires. My development has a very steep 1/4 mile grade that I figure is at least 15% and then it comes to our driveway which is even steeper up about 200ft to our house. As far as traction goes, the ford amazed me with how well it did in the snow. Now granted, clearance is not what I'm used to but 3-4 inches is no problem. Mine has the 20" rims if that makes a difference.
-TK