Ford Explorer

An exclusively American model until 2020, the Ford Explorer was exported to Europe, in a plug-in hybrid version only, until the arrival of a new generation that almost wiped the slate clean. Indeed, the new Explorer is now 100% electric and cousin to a certain Volkswagen ID.4 and other SUVs using the group's MEB platform!

The look and dimensions of the Ford Explorer

The new Ford Explorer abandons its typically American XXL size to adopt a silhouette more tailored for Europe. As a result, the SUV goes from 5.07 m in length to 4.46 m, loses 23 cm in width to 1.87 m and reduces its height to 1.63 m (-15 cm). The Explorer can thus carry a family of five people and their luggage, thanks to a trunk volume announced at 450 dm3. That's 100 dm3 less than its Volkswagen cousin, but that's normal, since the Ford Explorer is 12 cm shorter. Aesthetically, it is difficult to find the affiliation with the ID.4. The Explorer has its own style, taking some of the styling elements of the "big" combustion Explorer such as the rear lights and of course a rather robust cubic look, like the American models. What distinguishes it from its combustion variant is its solid grille, a feature found on the majority of 100% electric vehicles.

The American SUV does not lack space on board either. As proof, the central armrest houses a storage volume of 17 dm3 "for a large handbag, a laptop and several 1.5 L bottles" announces the manufacturer. In the center of the dashboard is the 14.6-inch central touchscreen, which can slide and raise to reveal new storage. The driver can count on a 5.3-inch diagonal digital instrumentation. Finally, for those who are eager for connectivity, Android Auto and wireless Apple Carplay are included, as is inductive charging for smartphones.

Ford Explorer engines

On the mechanical side, there are no surprises. Exit the supercharged 3.0 V6 is associated with a 457 hp electric motor, the Ford Explorer logically uses the engines of the Volkswagen group. There are three power levels to choose from: 204 hp, 286 hp and 340 hp. While the first level is necessarily associated with a 79 kWh battery, the other two can be declined with a smaller 77 kWh accumulator. As far as all-wheel drive is concerned, it necessarily goes hand in hand with the larger capacity battery. Ford claims between 532 and 602 km (WLTP) of range depending on the configuration and equipment. Surprisingly, the most efficient is not the one with the smallest motor and the 79 kWh battery.