- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru Fr He
2019 Ford Explorer SUV. 6th generation
The Ford Explorer is a mid-size five- or seven-seater crossover SUV manufactured by Ford Motor Company. At the moment, Israeli buyers can purchase the sixth generation vehicle, which has been produced since 2019.
The sixth generation was unveiled at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show. The new Ford Explorer is still a crossover SUV, but offers a radically changed design. It is built on a completely new platform and still has a load-bearing body, featuring a classic layout, with a longitudinal engine and rear drive wheels. The fifth generation had a front-wheel drive structure with a transverse engine.
Exterior
The exterior of the 2019/2020 Ford Explorer is calm and balanced. Compared to the fifth generation, the overall silhouette of the crossover SUV looks more dynamic thanks to the long hood and the sidewall relief, but still remains recognizable, featuring typical black roof pillars and taillights. The vehicle is 5,050 mm long, 2,004 mm wide and 1,778 mm high. The wheelbase has grown significantly: from 2,865 to 3,025 mm.
Interior
The Explorer’s interior is distinguished by the T-shaped architecture of the front panel. The interior design is modern, decorated with wood-like inserts. The vehicle comes standard with the Ford SYNC 3 multimedia system with a 9-inch display. There are such options as a 10.1-inch screen and a 12.3-inch digital dashboard. The basic version is equipped with a new 10-speed automatic transmission, which is controlled via a rotatory switch.
The basic model features a 2+3+2 interior layout. Just as before, the new Ford Explorer is a seven-seater vehicle with three rows of seats. For a surcharge, you can order separate second-row seats. The backrests of the third row are folded electrically. But in any version, the middle row is equipped with a new folding mechanism (to access the third row), which can be handled with one hand.
The return to the classic layout has made the interior roomier (by some measurements) and increased the trunk volume from 595 liters to 515 liters. But thanks to the new transformation system, the maximum capacity of the trunk compartment with the seats folded down has increased to 2,486 liters instead of 2,313 in the previous model. The interior provides numerous pockets and niches with a total capacity of 123 liters.
Powertrains and chassis
The new Explorer is powered by two EcoBoost petrol engines, both turbocharged. The base engine is a 2.3-liter unit generating 300 hp and a torque of 420 Nm. It can be installed on both rear and all-wheel drive versions. Expensive modifications have a completely new 3-liter V6 engine with 365 hp, with a torque of 514 Nm. All engines are aggregated with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Versions with a 3 liter engine are equipped with all-wheel drive. The ST sports version with a 400 hp engine is also available in Israel.
The new Explorer is equipped with the Terrain Management system, which changes the modes of operation of the driving electronics: there are five modes for mono-drive versions, whereas the all-wheel drive versions feature settings for driving in deep snow and sand. The ability to conquer off-road terrain increases the ground clearance by 200–208 mm, depending on the engine. The maximum weight of the towed trailer has increased from 2,268 to 2,540 kg.
Equipment and trim levels
In Israel, the 2020/2021 Ford Explorer is offered in three versions: the sporty ST with all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive with a 2.3 liter engine (both in the expensive Limited version). Vehicles differ significantly in dynamics: acceleration to 100 km/h takes 8.2, 8.5 and 6.0 seconds, respectively.
All vehicles designed for Israel are equipped with the Ford Co-Pilot360 system, which includes automatic braking, lane keeping assist and outdoor lighting control systems, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, reverse automatic emergency braking, all-round cameras, and also a rear view camera with washer. 8 airbags are also responsible for safety. There are other electronic assistants, all LED optics, Bang&Olufssen sound system with 12 speakers, keyless entry and start, three-zone climate control, wireless charging of gadgets, electric/heated/ventilated front seats and driver’s seat memory. You can choose the number of seats in the vehicle: either a three-seater backseat or 2 separate second row seats. The interior features black or beige leather upholstery.
The luxuriously sporty ST version has everything the Limited has, plus: active parking assist, reverse brake assist with braking warning and assistance, 10.1-inch touchscreen in the center console, 12.3-inch digital dashboard, B&O sound system with 14 speakers, sports front seats with massage function and more. The Ford Explorer ST features a radiator grille and mirrors with a glossy black finish, black roof rails, 20-inch two-tone alloy wheels, 255/55 tires, and other elements.
