FORD EXPLORER
The Ford Explorer is a five-door midsize crossover SUV that has been manufactured by Ford since 1991. It offers versatile drive modes, including Eco, Sport, Tow/Haul, Slippery, and Trail, making it suitable for diverse terrains and driving needs. Available color options include Agate Black, Vapor Blue, Carbonized Gray, Rapid Red, and Star White.
FORD EXPLORER ORIGIN
The Explorer was introduced as a replacement for the three-door Bronco. Its name is derived from a trim package previously offered on Ford F-Series pickup trucks. Currently, the Explorer is marketed as the Lincoln Aviator in certain regions. Available trim levels include the base Active, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum.
FORD EXPLORER GENERATIONS
FIRST GENERATION: Mazda Navajo
Introduced in March 1990 as an early 1991 model, the Explorer replaced the Bronco II. Ford redesigned the Explorer to balance off-road capability with family-friendly features, making significant changes to its predecessor while maintaining similarities with the Ranger pickup truck.
SECOND GENERATION: Explorer Sport
The second generation of the Explorer, designed by Bob Aikins in 1992, introduced dual airbags for enhanced safety.
THIRD GENERATION
The third generation of the Explorer, designed exclusively as a five-door wagon by Edward Golden in 1997, began production in 2002.
FOURTH GENERATION
The fourth-generation Explorer, designed by Jeff Nowak in 2003, entered production in July 2005. It was the final generation to feature the Mercury Mountaineer model.
FIFTH GENERATION (2011)
Built on the D4 platform, the fifth-generation Explorer features blacked-out A, B, and D pillars to achieve a floating roof design. Chief engineer Jim Holland oversaw its development from February 2008 to October 2010.
SIXTH GENERATION (2020)
The sixth-generation Explorer was officially launched on January 9, 2019. The 2020 model is built on the rear-wheel-drive CD6 platform and is available in four trim levels: XLT, Limited, ST, and Platinum.
FORD EXPLORER FEATURES
Towing Capacity
The Explorer offers a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. All models come equipped with a standard Class III towing kit, which includes a hitch, a trailer wiring harness, and a trailer sway control system.
The Ford Digital Experience
The Ford Explorer’s digital system supports access to Google and Amazon apps, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for compatible smartphones. While parked, users can stream videos from platforms like YouTube, browse the internet, and enjoy games via Google Play.
Bluecruise Technology
The technology enables hands-free highway driving by managing steering, braking, acceleration, and lane centering. A driver-facing camera ensures safety by monitoring eye gaze and head position to help keep your eyes on the road when your hands are not on the wheel.
FORD EXPLORER SAFETY
The 2020 Explorer earned the “Top Safety Pick” award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and achieved a full five-star rating from Euro NCAP.
Key safety features of the Explorer include:
- forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross-traffic alert
- lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assistance
FORD EXPLORER
FORD EXPLORER DURABILITY
With proper and regular maintenance, the Explorer can last 200,000 miles or 10–17 years.
Factors affecting the Ford Explorer’s longevity include:
- Driving Style: Aggressive behaviors like rapid acceleration, hard braking, and frequent heavy towing can wear out the engine, transmission, and brakes prematurely.
- Your environment: Rugged terrain, steep grades, and cold climates can contribute to faster wear. In icy conditions, salt can corrode the vehicle’s undercarriage. Driving cautiously on rough terrain can help reduce strain.
FORD EXPLORER MAINTENANCE
The Ford Explorer’s limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles, while its powertrain warranty extends to five years or 60,000 miles.
FORD EXPLORER PRICE
The price of the Explorer ranges from $41,350 to $55,755 depending on the trim.
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