Yes, the Ford Explorer still exists. It's a little less popular these days though. Probably has something to do with all that useless off-road and towing ability. Today's SUV buyers want cush instead and lots of it.
The prototype you see here should deliver. It's an early test mule for the 2011 Ford Explorer and underneath all the camouflage is the same D4 platform used by the Ford Flex. That's would be of the unibody variety, so this Explorer should ride more like a car than a softly sprung truck.
Interior space should be improved as well which should make for more useful third-row seats. You know, sort of like the Flex. In fact, this Explorer will probably use the same engines as the Flex too.
So why bother making this Explorer if it's just going to be a rebodied Flex? Don't worry, Ford will have a very long explanation for it sometime next year when the official production version debuts. More pics after the break.
roar02ram says:
02:18 PM, 10/13/09
Appears to have quite a bit more ground clearance than the Flex. I wonder if this really is a move towards a weenie Explorer or just a way to get a better compromise on he existing MO (ala the Grand Cherokee). I would think that the latter makes more marketing sense...
speddle says:
03:29 PM, 10/13/09
It appears to look somewhat like a Honda Pilot, perhaps a bit longer, and wider. It'll be interesting though to see what this product turns out to be like. My father has an original '91 Explorer, in mint condition without rust, they loved it when it was new. They purchased an '06 and were completely dissatisfied, was in the shop more than it was out. They've since gone with all Honda products.
I'm willing to put money on it being an impressive crossover though, just based on the fact it's derived from the Flex.
alman08 says:
06:53 PM, 10/13/09
hope Ford will keep the shift-on-the-fly 4x4 with the next Explorer and that alone will certainly distinguish it from the Flex. Otherwise, I will have to wonder too why a rebodied Flex.
inlinesix says:
10:55 PM, 10/13/09
"Yes, the Ford Explorer still exists. It's a little less popular these days though. Probably has something to do with all that useless off-road and towing ability. Today's SUV buyers want cush instead and lots of it."
I test drove an 06 V6 Explorer and an 06 V6 4.0 Pathfinder. I got the pathfinder because it had more power, better interior, had 7 seat belts (kids), towed my 19' Reinell with ease. Sorry IL, I passed over the V6 Explorer because it had a LOW comparable towing, power, and interior quality. Cush was not a factor.
Maybe explorer sales have slumped because it needs to be a better SUV?
zoomzoomn says:
05:16 AM, 10/14/09
I kind of hope that Ford is able to restore the Explorer to some assemblance of it's former glory. While I never really understood the craze what with it's trucky driving dynamic and such, it was one of Ford's best sellers EVER. The last iteration was actually, finally a very nice ride. Very smooth and quiet. My opinion is that it failed for a few reasons in particular: timing and previous quality woes/bad press.
On the timing side you had it's introduction coinciding with the highest gas prices ever seen in the USA. That fact combined with still rather lackluster fuel mileage was destined to doom it. Add to that the constant negative press of the model two generations prior in addition to the quality issues that were plaguing the generation just previous to it and the result is as it became. A market share crash with no likely precedence for Ford at a time when Ford could nary afford it.
felonious says:
09:48 AM, 10/14/09
Hmm a rebodied Flex might not be a bad idea. The appearance is the only issue my wife has with the big Ford. Flex goodness in a more attractive body (to her) = new car for me! :)
cr_driver says:
11:00 AM, 10/14/09
Hey look, its a soccer mom!!!
ag4 says:
02:47 PM, 10/14/09
@roar02ram,
Aside from having more ground clearance than the Flex, it also appears to have a shorter wheelbase (probably the same wheelbase as the Taurus).
Between the Flex and the shorter (discontinued)Taurus X, I'm guessing the next Explorer is probably about the same size as the Taurus X.
dino6 says:
11:55 PM, 10/14/09
It will be interesting to see what Ford's marketing department came up with because this Explorer will be a marketing exercise. Ford already has the CUV segments covered with the Escape, Edge and Flex. Since this Explorer will mechanically be a rebodied Flex how will they differentiate it?
Will a higher ground clearance, slightly smaller and more sporty styling than the Flex do it? But the Edge already is the sporty CUV. Ford may be struggling to split hairs in marketing segmentation with the new Explorer just so they can add yet another CUV.
Meanwhile, that leaves a gaping hole in Ford's lineup. With the elimination of the body on frame Explorer. and the "pickup version of the Explorer, the Sport Trac" and its towing capability, that leaves Ford without an SUV smaller than the Expedition and no truck between the Ranger and F-150. Ford s/d have spent its dollars trying to fill this gap with a modern version of a true SUV/sport trac instead of yet another CUV.
mathew8487 says:
02:33 AM, 12/17/09
Very informative post. But i like 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is a well known for its performance and versatility. price , it is quite expensive. Interiors are very spacious with head room and leg space. Engine is mated to five speed automatic transmission. 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is a family friendly utility vehicle, ample towing capacity. For more details refer http://www.macktruck.org/
jackfan4 says:
06:37 PM, 12/29/09
I hope this crossover is more sporty at the same time more rugged then flex. but has a nice upscale interior like the flex. I like the flex but make the explorer crossover different in appearance from the flex so it can be its own. try to get more updates on the explorer. from the spy shots it looks like il be nice lets hope thats true