Our test Explorer was powered by a Platinum-exclusive 365 horsepower version of the 3L turbo V6. The engine is incredibly strong, flexible and mechanically smooth, but perhaps not as sonically “remote” as intended buyers would like. Fuel economy of 14.9L/100 km during our time with the car reflect its lively acceleration, hefty weight and brick-like aerodynamics. Mediocre fuel economy likely won’t be a purchase objection for buyers who can contemplate the purchase of a vehicle this expensive.
The Explorer’s 10-speed-speed automatic transmission gets its job done without fuss.
The Explorer’s four-wheel independent suspension delivers a firmly compliant ride that isolates occupants from any and all road shock.
The Explorer combines a comfortable ride with stable handling that pampers occupants and delivers a feeling of stability to the driver.
Though not the last word in road feel, the Explorer’s steering is nicely weighted, precise and tracks well on the highway.
Braking is secure, but pedal effort is quite high and some drivers would prefer more initial bite once braking is commenced.
Other than an engine some might label “enthusiastic” and others might determine to be bit intrusive when accelerating briskly, the Explorer, with well suppressed wind and road noise is a quiet vehicle and a superb highway cruiser
The rear-wheel drive biased architecture of the new Explorer really delivers a different, and engaging driving experience.
The Explorer’s powerful air-conditioning and cooled front seats kept occupants cool during intensely hot weather experienced during our time with the vehicle.
The Bang & Olufsen audio equipment delivered very good sound quality but perhaps the firm is not as sharp as it was when they were the standard for sound quality in the 60s and 70s.
The massive, vertically-oriented infotainment screen displays legible graphics and employs Ford’s very good SYNC3 operating system.

Ford jettisoned the unibody front-wheel drive based platform of the The Explorer features a unibody structure that employs a rear-wheel drive biased drivetrain.
Exterior styling is clean and resembles that of the Ford Edge that was facelifted for 2019.
The base engine is a 300 horsepower 2.3L turbo four. Optional engines include a hybrid that combines the efforts of a 3.3L-V6 with an electric motor for a total system horsepower of 318. The 400 horsepower 3L-V6 turbo powers the ST trim, while the Platinum model uses a 365 horsepower version of this engine. Power reaches all wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 active safety system is standard.

The 2.3L turbo four is standard on the XLT, Limited, ST-Line and Timberline trims. The XLT is nicely equipped. The Limited adds leather seating, ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable steering wheel, a Bang & Olufsen audio system and navigation, and is great value. The ST-Line, which looks like the ST but retains the 2.3L turbo four but loses much of the equipment of the Limited trim, is very poor value. The Timberline trim seems pointless and is overpriced. The hybrid powertrain is a $5000 option on the Limited trim, which is a lot more expensive than what Ford charged for it last year. The ST houses a 400 horspower V6 turbo under the hood but is overpriced. The Platinum, with a 365 horsepower version of the turbo V6, is overpriced. All versions but the XLT are fitted with Co-Pilot Assist+, which includes an adaptive cruise control system with stop and go.

Completely new model, not rated. Initial reports that early models were plagued with a number of issues, including electrical problems. It might be best to wait until Ford sorts the car out. Three-year/60,000 kilometre basic warranty with five years/100,000 kilometres on the powertrain.