Ford Explorer Switches to Rear-wheel drive to Pursue Sportiness, Functionality

Ford unveiled the sixth generation of the Explorer at the NAIAS (North American International Auto Show) in January 2019. In April, the company announced the PHEV version for the European market. This is the first time that the Explorer has been introduced to the European market. It is manufactured at Ford’s Chicago plant and was scheduled to go on sale in North America in the summer of 2019, but it seems that manufacturing problems delayed its launch (as of September 2019). The European PHEV version is expected to be available from the end of 2019.

The Explorer, which was first released in 1990, is the most sold SUV in the history of the United States. The model is also used as a police vehicle. Rather than a ladder frame body which was used from the first generation, the fifth generation, launched in 2011, was built on a monocoque body. At the same time, the drive system has changed from a rear-wheel drive base to a front-wheel drive base. However, the 6th generation switched back to rear-wheel drive again.

HEV / PHEV

The 6th generation is fitted with HEV and PHEV drive systems. The HEV version will be sold in North America and PHEV model will be sold in Europe. In the US, the Lincoln Aviator is powered by the same PHEV system, so Explorer PHEV will not be sold in the home market.

Exterior / Interior

The body size is almost the same as that of the predecessor. The roofline slope was strengthened and the front overhang was shortened, creating a more sporty and stylish impression. The previous model’s pillar coloring (blackout A / B / D pillars and C-pillars matching the body color) has been inherited. The lift gate is motorized and can be opened hands-free. To make it easier for rear passengers to get in and out, the seats of the 2nd and 3rd rows can be folded and slid by pressing the button on the seatback. A cargo space of approximately 2,486L is secured with the 2nd and 3rd row seats folded down.

Chassis

The new rear-wheel drive architecture has been redesigned to achieve a more functional, sporty and spacious cabin space compared to the previous generation. It also has a Terrain Management System that provides operation modes according to road conditions. In the higher grades, intelligent 4WD technology was used to improve off-road capability.

New Ford Explorer: Model Outline

Model overview

・In January 2019, Ford announced the 2020 model, the sixth generation of the Explorer, at the Detroit Motor Show. – The Ford Explorer is the most sold SUV in US history. – The first generation is the first 4-door SUV produced by Ford. It was released in 1990 as the successor model of the Ford Bronco II. – In the fifth generation, which was released in 2011, the ladder frame body, which continued from the first generation, was changed to a monocoque body. The drive system has been changed from rear wheel drive base to front wheel drive base. – The 6th generation switched back to rear-wheel drive again. – Since 2013, it has been introduced as a police vehicle under the name Ford Police Interceptor.

Production / sales

・It is manufactured in Chicago, Illinois. Production began in June 2019. ・Sales were scheduled to start in the summer of 2019, but it seems to have been delayed due to manufacturing problems (as of September 2019). – The assembled vehicle has been transferred from the Chicago plant to the Flat Rock plant in the south of Detroit, where it seems to undergo chassis, transmission and air conditioner adjustment.. ・The price for the Base model is 400 USD higher than the previous model.

Model configuration and variations

・Five types of gasoline engine models will be launnched in the US market. – The five types are the Base, XLT, Limited, ST and Platinum. The Base will be sold as a fleet model. ST is the successor of the previous Sport model. ・In Europe, two PHEVs will be released. – Two types are the ST-Line and Platinum.

HEV/PHEV

・The Limited grade is set to become the Explorer's first HEV model. – A water-cooled lithium-ion battery with a battery capacity of 1.5kWh is placed under the second-row seat. – Combined with a 3.3L V6 engine, it generates a system output of 237kW and a maximum torque of 437N · m. – The cruising range (EPA standard) for rear wheel drive (2WD) is estimated to be over 800km (500 miles). ・In Europe, the PHEV version will be released in the second half of 2019. – Available in the ST and Platinum grades. – The 3.0L V6 EcoBoost engine (261kW) and electric drive motor (75kW) generate a maximum output of 331kW and a maximum torque of 840N · m for the entire system. – EV cruising range is 40km (WLTP). – Fuel consumption is 3.4km / 100km and the CO2 emission is 78g / km. – It is manufactured at the Chicago plant in the United States. – This is the first time Explorer has been introduced to the European market. – In the US, the Lincoln Aviator is powered by the same PHEV system, so Explorer PHEV is not sold in the home market.

Towing capacity

・The 3.0L V6 EcoBoost-equipped model can tow up to 2,540kg. – The predecessor model 3.5L Eco V6 EcoBoost had a maximum capacity of 2,268kg, indicating a 12 percent increase in towing capacity of the new model. ・The 2.3L EcoBoost-equipped model can tow up to 2,404kg. – The predecessor model had a maximum capacity of 1,361kg, indicating a 77 percent increase in towing capacity of the new model. ・The PHEV model available in the European market can tow up to 2,500kg.

Driving mode

・The latest version of Terrain Management System that can select the driving mode according to the road surface condition will be installed. – There are seven driving modes that can be selected in the latest version: (1) Standard, (2) Trail, (3) Deep snow / sand (4WD only), (4) Slippery road surface, (5) Sports, (6) Traction / transport and (7) Eco. (Created based on company PR materials and various media sources)

New Ford Explorer: Exterior and Interior

Exterior

・The body size is almost the same as that of the predecessor. ・The roofline slope was strengthened and the front overhang was shortened, creating a more sporty and stylish impression. – The front overhang is about 137mm shorter than the predecessor, and the wheelbase is about 160mm longer. ・The previous model’s pillar coloring (blackout A / B / D pillars and C-pillars matching the body color) has been inherited. ・Active grill shutters are standard on all models. – It maximizes aerodynamic efficiency and engine cooling capacity. ・Power lift gate and rear bumper protector are standard equipment. – The lift gate can be opened by gently kicking under the rear bumper with the key in the pocket. Notes: Dimensions of the Base model. The unit is mm. Figures in parentheses are those of the previous generation.

Interior

・The seating capacity is 6-7 people in 3 rows. ・The second-row seat is the captain seat. The armrest and center console are standard equipment (excluding Base). – The console in the center of the second row seat is located at a low position. It is designed to make it easy to move between the second and third rows. ・The design allows the rear passengers to easily get on and off. – As an option for the second row seats, you can add “E-Z entry” function that tilts and slides the seats forward by pressing the button on the seat back. – Seats can be folded or restored with a single button (PowerFold). ・A cargo space of approximately 2,486L (87.8 cubic feet) is secured with the 2nd and 3rd row seats folded down. ・In the ST and Platinum grades, seats with massage function (Multicontour Seats with Active Motion) can be installed for the driver and the front passenger. – It can massage around the back, hips and pelvis in five different massage modes to reduce long-term drive fatigue. ・The center console has fewer switches and a rotary gear shift dial. ・Twin panel moon roof can be added (Standard equipment on the Platinum grade).

Powertrain

The new EcoBoost engine, which is lighter and stronger than the previous generation, is combined with a 10-speed AT with select shift developed jointly with GM. The lower grades are equipped with an improved 2.3mm inline 4 EcoBoost engine. The upper grade is equipped with 3.0l V6 EcoBoost, which has lower engine displacement than the previous model but improved performance. The 3.0L EcoBoost-equipped vehicles can tow up to 2,540kg, a 12 percent increase over the previous model. A dual wall dashboard jointly developed by Teijin Group’s Continental Structural Plastics and Ford was placed around the engine.

Connected / Infotainment / UX

It comes with FordPass Connect as standard equipment, which has a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot function that can connect up to 10 mobile devices to the Internet and a remote access function to the vehicle. The remote access function can be used to lock the vehicle and specify its location from a smartphone. In addition, the latest version of the in-vehicle information system SYNC 3 developed by Ford will be installed, enabling operations such as air conditioning and navigation by voice input.

The higher grades are equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch vertical touch screen (optional) to improve usability.

The Explorer is also equipped with Tri-Zone Climate Control that can control the temperature in the car in three areas, the driver's seat, front passenger seat and rear seat.

---