Ford Explorer

Overview

The Ford Explorer, first introduced to the world in 1990 as Ford’s first ever four-door full size SUV. It has been one of the highest selling models for Ford in its parent country, the USA. Currently, in its fifth generation, the Ford Explorer has seen a lot of changes by becoming more premium, bigger, and a monocoque SUV after ditching its body-on-frame structure which underpinned the erstwhile four generation models. In the Philippines market, the Ford Explorer is slotted between the Everest and Expedition, and is available with two Ecoboost petrol engine options and is being offered in three sober colors – Tuxedo Black, White Platinum, and Magnetic Metallic.

Interior & Features

Carrying forward the simple and elegant feel of the exterior on the inside, the Ford Explorer has a plush and premium cabin which is meant to pamper you a lot with its space, features, and high level of build quality. The cabin has a dual tone layout of black and beige, with a subtle usage of wood and fake aluminium inserts to make it feel rich.

The three-spoke steering wheel with chunky buttons on both the sides is somewhat we have already seen on the Ford Everest. The semi-digital instrument console which looks distinctive with centrally mounted analogue speedometer and two TFT screens flanking it on either side for other vehicle data.

The long vertical centre console gets unique chrome finish on both of its sides. The large trapezoidal housing for the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system from Sony, comes loaded with features like audio, reverse camera, and navigation, which gets complemented with the 12-speaker music system. The buttons for automatic climate control somewhat look archaic and could have styled better, though.

Given its full-size proportions, one gets an ample amount of space for all the seven passengers or three rows. And considering its premium positioning, the Ford Explorer gets a generous amount of feel-good comfort and convenience features including power adjustable pedals with memory, all weather floor mats, ambient lighting, cruise control, moonroof, dual zone climate control, dual DVD headrest for rear passengers, power foldable third row seats, 10-way powered front seats with heating and cooling functions and full leather upholstery.

Exterior

One look at the Ford Explorer and you will instantly recognise it as that typical big and brute American SUV which screams “huge’ from every angle. All this makes the Explorer look intimidating,thus giving it a tremendous road presence. The overall profile of the Ford Explorer is boxy, however, it is far from being awkward or dated.

At the front, the Ford Explorer has got a simply styled hexagonal three black slat grille, which is adjoined by trapezoidal headlamp unit. The headlamps are full LED units, with C-shaped daytime running LEDs, making it look very premium. The unique C-shaped fog lamps on the front bumper too make the otherwise sober looking front end of the SUV somewhat characteristic.

From the sides, the Explorer looks a bit stretched thanks to its long wheelbase and boxy stance, however, it doesn’t look quirky, thanks to its well-proportioned design. Though, the lack of any significant character crease or curve, except for the single sharp crease flowing from front fender towards the rear door, might look bland for some. However, the presence of large 20-inch diamond cut alloy wheels make it feel premium.

At the rear, the Ford Explorer again feels simple as the front profile, with the tail lamps inspired from that of the Range Rover. The thick strip of chrome with the “Explorer’ badge embedded at the centre, gives it a premium appeal. The black cladding all around the SUV, along with the roof mounted spoiler as well as silver skid plates at both front and rear, give the Explorer a sportier stance.

Ride & Handling

The Ford Explorer gets underpinned by a suspension setup consisting of MacPherson struts at the front and independent multilink suspension at the rear. It also gets sport-tuned setup for the more premium 3.6-litre variant. The suspension, like every other Ford car, has been tuned to attain a perfect balance between being comfortable, dynamic, and sporty. This is due to which the Ford Explorer, even after its bulky and boxy profile, gets minimalist body roll along with suppel and precise feel when driven on the road.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

Ford has ditched its typical American ‘big engine gives big power’ theme for the Explorer. This full-size SUV is offered in two turbocharged petrol engine options for the Philippines market. The smaller engine is a 2.3-litre four-cylinder Ecoboost motor which produces 274 PS of power and 408 Nm of torque. The bigger motor is a 3.5-litre V6 Ecoboost engine which makes 370 PS of power and 475 Nm of torque. Both the engines are paired to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, which come with paddle shifters as standard. The engines are high on performance, but low on fuel efficiency.

Braking & Safety

The Ford Explorer is one premium full-size SUV which has “big” written all over it. To make it feel much easier in terms of drivability, Ford has equipped this SUV with some very impressive safety features. The list of safety equipment includes front, side, curtain and knee airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, Hill Launch Assist, front park assist, blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert, perimeter alarm, S.O.S. post crash alert system, SecuriCode keyless entry keypad, traction control, reverse parking sensors, advanced Trac with roll stability control, tire pressure monitoring system, and Ford’s very innovative MyKey function.

Verdict

With its intimidating stance, the Ford Explorer has got that old school road presence which only a typical American SUV can offer. The overall design might not be that modern and swanky as compared to its predecessor, but with contemporary design elements, it surely feels up to date. The performance from both the engine options is brisk and the SUV even after all its bulk, doesn’t feel underpowered by any standards. The overall space and comfort levels, given its full-size proportions, are quite high, and the SUV behaves well on road both in terms of ride quality and handling.