Spy Photos: 2011 Ford Explorer Nearly Uncovered

I won't even get started . . .

Between this and the Flex, Ford is starting to make some pretty good looking minivans.

Yeah! One unnecessary BOF beast.

I meant, one less BOF beast.

@csubowtie:

In the end, that's all SUV's are to most people.

"Yeah! One unnecessary BOF beast.I meant, one less BOF beast. "

And yet another meaningless crossover.

I'll take a meaningless crossover over a meaningless BOF SUV. The Explorer never really served much of a purpose as an offroad vehicle. It's towing never was terribly impressive (5375 lbs), unless you picked the extra thirsty V8 option (7115 lbs). The Flex tows 4500 lbs. and gets 3 mpg city and 4 mpg highway better. Even worse for the V6 explorer is the Chevy Traverse, it's rated at 5200 lbs and 17/24 mpg. With Ford's recent improvements in powertrains, I can see the 2011 Explorer getting even better mileage.

I think the industry is moving in a positive direction. On one hand, you have vehicles like the FJ Cruiser that excel at off-roading while sacrificing some on-road capability. On the other, you have vehicles like the Flex and this Explorer that sacrifice most or all off-road capability for increased on-road prowess. Now people who actually want to go off-road have some great choices, and the vast majority of people who don't go offroad but still want the size and layout of an SUV also have some great choices.

I think the division of yesteryear's multipurpose SUVs into these two specialized areas is natural evolution and a win-win for everyone involved. "Jack of all trades, master of none."

"I'll take a meaningless crossover over a meaningless BOF SUV. "

Why buy either?

The old Explorer may have been a poor SUV but crossovers aren't good SUVs either. They do make better minivans until you compare them to an actual minivan.

They could have kept it BOF and improved on it's shortcomings but instead they chose to keep the short comings intact and add one more crossover to an already crowded market. The Flex gets better mileage because it has a better engine, frame design has nothing to do with that.

How many off roaders or good tow vehicles are left on the market? Without going full size or pick up there isn't much to choose from. I know a lot of people think "I don't tow or go off road therefore no one does" but that is not the case.

I think they are missing out on an opportunity here.

It undoubtedly looks better....but that isn't main issue.

I will never buy a next gen Ford Explorer become crossover. I will buy a used old traditional SUV Ford Explorer from first to forth generation, Ford Sport Trac, Ford Explorer Sport, Mercury Mountaineer, rare Lincoln Aviator, Mazda Navajo, Ford Ranger and Maxda B-Series. I am very disappointed about why next generation Ford Explorer will crossover will more ugly model. cheap price, FWD/AWD no more V8. it will not off road.

@ kingon

Yeah! What he said! =D

One true BOF SUV that is very capable off-road...Nissan Xterra.

Dumb idea from Ford to go the Crossover route with the Explorer when they already had the bases covered by the Escape and the Edge. Actually, Ford started robbing the Explorer/Sport-Trac from its off-road prowess when they decided to make it an IRS (independent rear suspesion), it was all doomed from there on. What a dumb idea from Ford to leave the nitch way open for very few true BOF SUVs out there...Xterra and Liberty being a couple.

A great idea dressed in good looking sheet metal!! It'll be a winner especially with the 275hp turbo 4. People barely tow bulk items from Costco, let alone trailers. If you need to tow a ski-doo or atleast 5500lbs, i'm sure Ford's got that covered as well. I'm glad to see Ford bring some refinement and focus to the Explorer. It took long enough!! ( I need to see the interior.. where's the pics)

Smaller SUV...Front Wheel Drive...Better Mileage (supposebly)....Man, Car Makers will do anything , ANYTHING, EXCEPT BUILD STATION WAGONS!!!!

Out of Topic, WHERE IS KINGON FROM?????

Forgive a camouflage question from an auto outsider.
Why do some manufacturers use the black and white image sticker look (like the Ford above) while others physically cover the car up with foam and fabric to disguise its shape? In the Explorer, its pretty evident the shape of the vehicle, its curves and creases, light placement, etc. Other than looking wonky, what good does the camo they used do?

Who in the hell uses the Explorer for off road purposes in the first place!?

Lets be real...
1) the thing has always been used as an in-town people mover
2) it looks remarkably well considering past designs
3) I will definitely purchase one

LONG LIVE THE FORD EXPLORER, I APPROVE!!!

(lol)

Why so much coverage of a vehicle 10 years beyond its prime? The Explorer and SUVs are a concept in the throes of death.

@realistic... almost nobody takes these off-road. SUVs are suburban combovers.

I like. Nice design, Ford. Still not sold on those wheels though.

On the way home from work today, I thought: "I wonder if the new Explorer will have dual exhaust?" I'd seen the teaser images earlier today (mostly trees and rocks). And lo and behold, it does! Surprised nobody commented. To bad it's FWD, though. I do, however, like the body style, way to go Ford. If the driver's seat is ultra comfortable, mileage is reasonable, and there's not much tourqe steer, I'm in.

"The Flex gets better mileage because it has a better engine, frame design has nothing to do with that."

The engine is part of it, but BOF vehicles weigh more because of that nice ladder that runs from front to back. Less weight equals better fuel efficiency.
I think it's a sharp looking SUV..err i mean crossover. Yeah it might not be as off road capable, but it might surprise us yet, who knows. I personally think that the only people that off road explorers are high school boys looking to show off to their girlfriends.

buy a minivan and stop pretending (or combing over as blueguy...)

I think this is a big move in the right direction. For whatever reason people want 1.3 scale station wagons. So why give them a less efficient, worse riding BOF truck w/a fixed camper? Yes, there is some fringe portion of the market that would buy a brand new $30K truck to go offroading with- but Ford doesn't stand to make any money compromising the design for them, and there are literally millions of BOF caveman Explorer 4x4s to pick from and build. This is the Explorer that Ford needs right now.

I really like it and I think it looks really good

At the end of the day, sh*ts got to sell and people aren't buying body-on-frame SUVs. Assuming the new Explorer maintians the quality we are seeing coming out of recent Ford products (Fiesta, Fusion, etc) this should sell. It definitely has more mainstream appeal than the Flex and should be able to go head to head with the Toyota Highlander, GMC Acadia, etc.

Is a step forward!

THIS IS INCREDULOUS!! GM is now badge-engineering a Lambda model for Ford????

HELL HATH NO FURY?!?!?!?

Oh, wait a minute, my mistake. That's a Taurus.

This thing is going to sell very well. We all know it, despite whatever dislikes we have of SUVs, crossovers, BOFs, or whatever acronym you want to use.
And I actually like the wheels. Those tires look pretty squat for a crossover.

Where does this fit in Ford's line up? I take it that this is a replacement for the Taurus X in terms of price and capacity?

So the line up now goes: Escape, Edge, Explorer, Flex?

I worry that this is too similar to the Flex and that Ford will cannibalize its sales. However, that said, this looks to be an attractive vehicle and hopefully will be a winner for Ford. I just hope that there is enough product differentiation in their lineup to support it and the other Ford SUV/CUVs

My, what a great looking GMC Acadia. Throw in the back of a Grand Cherokee and my what a unique vehicle.

Yawn.

Well, the original Explorer was a very good answer to a question many Americans were asking. (most did not care about the off-roading part) It quickly became one of the best selling names in US history, and forced every other manufacturer to react. I think this is a step in the right direction, because it again is answering the question Americans are asking. Although now it's playing catch-up. Hopefully now they will get rid of the Flex.

BOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRRRRINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
maybe if they put that ecoboost engine in here. Get rid of the weak V8.

The Jeep Cherokee was unibody and I am pretty sure it could off road just fine, so I don't see why Ford couldn't make this a passable off-roader if they wanted to.

i dont know...its an interesting design but i'm not really feeling it.

I don't know what's worse, Ford having too many crossovers under one brand, or GM offering the same crossover for 4+ different brands.

That aside, I guess it's good for folks who like the flex, but want something more anonymous. Hopefully it will put up a good fight with the likes of the Pilot and Highlander.

"The Explorer and SUVs are a concept in the throes of death."

The SUV serves(served) a purpose that a minivan or a crossover can't. They can usually tow more AND haul people. I picked up a Pathfinder SE Offroad that seats 7 and can tow 6,000lbs when I need it. I can also drive through snow, on logging trails hunting....

I wish a minivan or a wagon would work.

@relyt

it all depends at what stage the prototype is in. Early test mules have more drastic camoflage and as you get closer to production/concept release you start to just see stickers. Every company does it differently, but the basic idea is the same.

Jeep Grand Cherokees are crossovers.
Land Rover Range Rover/Sport/LR2/LR4 are all crossovers.

The best off roaders available on the market are crossovers.

Stop living in yesterday. a BOF is a work truck for slamming heavy industrial stuff in the bed, not the best off roader.

With the Land Rover derived off-road system, the Explorer and the Grand Cherokee will be the best off roaders in this price range.

i agree with the first part, I don't think the explorer has any intention of leaving the road.

The grand cherokee on the other hand...

The previous generation VW Touareg was also a unibody SUV that out off-roaded many truck based SUV's like the Jeep Liberty and prev. gen Explorer. I have to say thouh, there still is a market for BOF SUVs, and since Ford already has the Flex and Edge, it as stupid to pu this vehicle on the Taurus platform.

Personally though, I think it looks like an Equinox...a combo of both generations

OK to the person saying the flex has a better engine..... they both have the duratec 3.5l v6 same transmisson, same drivetrain, same chassis.........

" billt9 says:

05:49 AM, 06/11/10

Jeep Grand Cherokees are crossovers.
Land Rover Range Rover/Sport/LR2/LR4 are all crossovers."

I don't agree with that. A crossover is half car / half SUV, and either based on a car platform or a dedicated crossover platform. A crossover does NOT have an off-road capable 4WD system (with things like a transfer case with a 4 Lo feature), nor proper ground clearance.

The Grand Cherokee and Range Rovers you cited all have platforms that are not shared with cars, and are dedicated SUV chassis, with very capable 4WD systems for offroading, and some of the best ground clearance available in production SUVs.

Now, what these vehicle's owners use them for is an entirely different issue. But they are NOT crossovers.

Seems like a lot of debate on semantics. BOF vs. unibody, suv vs. cuv.

This is a unibody suv with no intention of offroading.

My real of thumb is .. if it's based on a front wheel drive platform it's a crossover and if it's rear wheel drive based then it's an suv.

BOF is not semantics.
The best offroad & tow SUV's are BOF. They are the strongest. It's simply choosing the best construction for the job.

Toyota's FJ Cruiser, 4Runner, Sequoia, Tundra, Tacoma, Lexus GX, LX are all BOF. They are the most capable trucks & SUV's in their respective class.

Nissan's Xterra is another notable SUV that still has chops.

Mercedes G-Wagen is another

Ford Exped and Chevy Tahoe are capable tow & light offroad large SUV's.

The only reason the unibody Jeep Grand Cherokee was capable was that it had solid axles and lockers.
That has gone away.

Land Rover makes due with fragile IFS, IRS and unibody platform so heavy that it might as well have been BOF. It does have great interior space but reliability? As reliable as a crack fiend clocking into work at 8am sharp.

All that is moot because the Explorer has always been used as a crossover. It was never the capable SUV a 4Runner was nor was it widely used as a tow rig.
Ford finally threw away the pretense and just made it a car.

Ford knows how to make a true offroader [Raptor in aisle 1] but this market is the mommy-mall-circuit and sometimes mommy doesn't want a minivan, they want that fading memory of a true SUV tied to their Taurus.

Mirror mounted turn lights - thats a 1st on Ford USA passenger vehicles !
Nice design not crazy about the corperate grille

The new ford explorer looks great. I hope ford makes a SVT explorer with the ecoboost engine like what they did with the F-150. DIE HARD FORD PERSON.

cruiserhead- what percentage of the Explorer's market share do you think would spend $40K on a brand new 7 passenger truck to go offroading in? I doubt enough to warrant going with a BOF live axle truck. Ride quality and fuel economy trump offroad ability for most Explorer buyers, which is why this makes sense. If you want to go off road, get an FJ. I do think Ford may be spreading themselves too thin in the crossover market, and should come out with a small legit offroader- but they shouldn't have put that gamble on a volume car like the Explorer.

Looks a tad large - interest in seeing specs. A Flex w/more ground clearance = dumb. An Edge with more capability = potentially smart.

Hey look, a GIANT Edge... (hmmm maybe)

@ sportyaccordy
I think you misunderstood my comments. I absolutely think Ford made the right choice in making it into a crossover. They followed what their market was asking from the Explorer.

When I say it's designed for the "mommy-mall-circuit", that's not a slam against "mommy" or the "mall circuit" or the crossover.

Also agree they should make a entry level 4x4. The Bronco concept was a nice start.
A simple BOF, solid axle suv that would be a stylish, mainstream alternative to Jeep. Ford could do it.

The Raptor proves they can make a niche market exotic BOF truck for a great price -
The kind of product that makes me want to scream, "I love America!" :)

"The only reason the unibody Jeep Grand Cherokee was capable was that it had solid axles and lockers"

My 95 Grand Cherokee doesn't have locker but if you look under the truck you will see a frame. Unlike car based vehicles like my sisters Forester, the Grand Cherokee (and Cherokee) does have a frame. It's not a separate frame like the Wrangler but it is a frame.

I'm not so sure about the new Benz version.

GM already did this move when they replaced their GMT360 platform (TrailBlazer, Envoy, etc.) with the current, and very successful Lambda platform (Enclave, Acadia, Traverse). They knew what they were doing. Ford, as usual, is just following the leader.

"They knew what they were doing. Ford, as usual, is just following the leader."

I hope they dont follow the leader into bankruptcy! Do you do stand up for a living or just on auto blogs?

I think it looks like what it is - a re-style, rename of the Taurus X.

BTW the reason for the success of crossovers vs. minivans is that women (or men) cannot show up for work in a van and still be thought serious about their career. The minivan says "family first, posturing second". What corporation would hire or promote such a person?

I think some are missing the point or forgetting the history. Original Explorer's mission was really just a capable BOF station wagon. It excelled in comfort and convinience over it's competitors and what made it a sales leader for over a decade. The next popular Grand Cherokee was unibody, but a trailblazer off road. Each improvement of the GCherokee tried to copy the Explorer's comfort. The Blazer while selling in good amounts, never really accomplished any one good thing. And this was common in comparisons over and over. The 4Runner (BOF) and Pathfinder (Uni)were usually let down by high cost, lack of features, under powered engines and sold in small quantities.

Come 2010 and remind yourselves what these vehicles have evolved to. Pathfinder in BOF hasn't helped much, 4Runner probably stayed true to the formula but only because Highlander fills the comfort and convinience features families seek. Grand Cherokee has stayed the same course, but it sales demonstrate its not what most seek. Trailblazer evolved but GM switched to Lambda trying to fullfill a mission of a SUV/Minivan sans sliding doors.

The market has shown it's still looking for the comfort and convinience that the new Explorer seems to benefit from. A 3rd row seat, and minimal soft off-roading if need, in a more fuel efficient package. Again, it's not about where we've been and what we want, rather, what sells and what currently works.

firstwagon,
http://www.worldcarfans.com/206120412220/2008-buick-enclave/highphotos#77
Well what do you think this is under the Enclave/Traverse?
The Pilot. The Ridgeline.

It just about whether the company wants to give it offroad functions or not.

And the Explorer will have off road functions, as it has the Land Rover derived traction control modes.

If it is not rear wheel drive, I will not buy it.

I think the new Explorer looks great! It definately looks better than the bulky looking Chevy Traverse. I would never buy one of these things but I have no doubt Ford will sell a bunch of these.

Ford is producing really great designs, however, it is following into the same trap as other major car makers. Too many crossover life vehicles. This looks just like the Edge... Mercedes, BMW, and even Cadillac, have become to market segmentized (if that is a word). Ford needs to keep the Edge... and offer a nice truck/off road SUV with meaty tires, nice pano roof and rugged interior. Hat's off to them yet I think times are changing where people are not going to have a family car and sports car in the garage but only have the income to find one that fits all their needs.

"The only reason the unibody Jeep Grand Cherokee was capable was that it had solid axles and lockers.
That has gone away."

It just bugs me when people get things wrong......the Grand Cherokee hasn't had solid axles on the front and rear since 2004. Second, the "lockers" aren't going away. The same vari-lok diff will be available in the rear at launch, with it's independent rear suspension. The front vari-lok will return sometime after launch.

From the looks of it I will like this design MUCH more than any other explorer. This explorer is going to make more sense than the current one in terms of what buyers really need. Need and want are two different things though. Explorers buyers may want or ebven think they need an SUV that looks and or drives like a truck because of the previous generation cars. This is NOT the case because they dont need a real truck they need a SUV/Crossover (or whatever you want to call it) which the explorer now seems to capture. I Hope Forld sells tons of these because the design appears to be nicer than anything offered from Japan and because I would like to see an american car company sucseed. After looking at the spy shots it really makes sense what Ford is doing with the design and functionality of the explorer and I just hope buyers pay attention to what they really need instead of thinking they need something they dont.

This design looks solid. I think Ford may be hedging their bets with the Explorer and Flex. Despite strong reviews of the Flex, it's just not selling very well, IMO because of the polarizing styling (which I like). If the Explorer can offer similar capabilities with a more mainstream look and well known nameplate, it's bound to sell a lot better than the Flex. My bet is the Flex is gone within a couple years after the release of the new Explorer, assuming the Explorer has a good third row seat.

Nice to see Ford reusing some of their old Freestyle tooling on the rear of the new Explorer . . .

Well,another SUV goes on the Atkins diet - Who's kidding who? The SUV continues to be the tacky,bleached perm, fat chick of station wagons. Always drunkenly tottering about in gaudy cha-cha shoes (Gedd owa my way! I gah fin' my byefren,Ted!TED?TEEDDD!!-that is the sound of the soul of an SUV.) Time after time she trips,loses balance,and winds up on her back,after squishing something.Usually on the freeway,and always at rush hour.

The back of the car looks like a Jeep Cherokee. Why can't Ford just transfer its European models here? Ford America needs to refrain from copycatting.

I've always found it interesting how whenever a new model comes out, a certain portion of people always think it's a total rip off of some past or existing car. While there are certainly examples of this, I think it often has more to do with how people's brains work than any actual rip off or similarity, at least beyond the similarities you'd expect from cars in the same class. So far in this thread alone we've got this new Explorer looking "exactly" like about 8 different vehicles. I also enjoy the unholy marriage analogies, ie, "They just took the front end off an Aztek and put it on a Beetle! Uuuuuugly" Often I can't even remotely see the similarities people are talking about beyond the fact that both cars have 4 wheels and two headlamps in front. Anyway, it's an interesting phenomenon.

I'm wondering if maybe Ford put enough room for a 3 person 3rd row in the new Explorer. It would certainly put one more bullet in Expedition sales, but it would make it a better competitor to the GM Lambda gang.

Wow, I agree exactly with what jm1212 says:

"Personally though, I think it looks like an Equinox...a combo of both generations"

Can't believe how similar to the Equinox (new and old) this looks like!

Looks good to me. I want to pull a 5000 lb boat. This will do it... and haul lots of people and stuff at the same time... and get decent fuel mileage to boot. Who cares about off road?!?! For that I've got a great beat up old Jeep!

Unless the intent was to replace the Flex, they should've built this new Explorer on the Mustang's platform, not the Taurus'...

Anyway, I found it to at least be instantly recognizable as an Explorer, thanks to the floating/blacked-out B, solid C, and floating D pillars, despite the first floating A pillar that I can recall for the model...

Ford as killed off all of its rear wheel drive except the mustang and trucks. They tried to replace the mustang with the probe. so I expect to see a front wheel drive mustang by 2020 and would not be shocked to see them try a front wheel drive truck.
ford has nothing to offer for guys like me.