The Ford Explorer sport-utility vehicle was introduced in 1990 and quickly became a fixture on American roads. This midsize SUV helped popularize the SUV in general, and it inspired numerous competitors, most of which would go on to replace passenger cars as the family vehicles of choice.
Over the years, the Explorer has evolved significantly, from a truck-based two-or-four-door to a three-row SUV and even a car-based hybrid.
2020 - Present Ford Explorer (6th Generation)
After one generation on a front-wheel-drive platform, like the 2019 Ford Explorer, the 2020 Ford Explorer ushered in standard rear-wheel-drive again. But it wasn’t a truck, as it remained car-based, and three rows of seats were standard. Its styling even resembled the outgoing body style, though slightly longer and lower.
Base models received a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbo-four with 300 horsepower shared with the Ford Ranger, while an optional 3.5-liter turbo V6 made 365 horsepower. The Explorer ST performance model made 400 horsepower with the same 3.5-liter engine.
A 10-speed automatic transmission was standard on all models.
Also available was the Explorer Hybrid, with a 3.3-liter V6 and electric motor that made 318 horsepower. Though rear-wheel drive was standard AWD was optional across trim levels.
Fuel economy was upgraded from the previous generations, with up to 27 MPG city and 29 MPG highway on the most efficient models.
New features included a WiFi hotspot and vertically-oriented touchscreen with Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system. Other elements like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist were made standard on all models. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist.
For the 2021 model year, Ford shuffled standard and optional features available on several trims. XLT trims added heated seats as standard, and optionally a heated steering wheel.
Also available on XLT trim was a Sport Appearance Package with grey-painted, 20-inch alloy wheels with matching grille and trim pieces, as well as a dual-exhaust and unique interior color.
Limited, ST, and Platinum configurations added a power-adjustable front seat.
A stripped-down ST model called Enthusiast-ST offered the performance of the ST model at a lower price point. Another new trim, the Timberline trim came with a semblance of off-road performance with a lifted suspension and all-terrain tires. The top-tier Platinum trim, previously AWD only, was available in rear-wheel drive.
Starting in 2022, an ST-line trim became available with the styling of the ST model and the efficiency of the turbocharged four-cylinder engine. ST models were now available with RWD rather than AWD only. Timberline, Platinum, and King Ranch trims were now offered with a rear bench seat rather than rear captain’s chairs.
King Ranch and Platinum models also received the 400-HP powertrain from the Explorer ST.
For the 2023 model year the Explorer received no significant updates. A new paint color, Red Jewel Metallic, was offered.
2011 - 2019 Ford Explorer (5th Generation)
The Explorer returned with a completely new design. Loosely based on the Taurus sedan, the fifth-generation Explorer was a car-based, unibody design and front-wheel-drive for the first time, although an all-wheel-drive system remained available.
The crossover design was significantly sleeker than before, although it grew longer and wider. Six or seven seats were available.
A 3.5-liter V6 with 290 horsepower was the initial engine, but a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 240 horsepower soon became available, another first for the Explorer.
The upgraded Explorer Sport introduced a 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 with 365 horsepower and standard all-wheel-drive, along with blacked-out trim and large wheels.
New features offered on this generation of Explorer included heated and cooled seats, touch-sensitive controls, adaptive cruise control, active park assist, and HID headlamps. Rear seat belts with built-in airbags were also available.
For 2016, the Explorer gained a more powerful 2.3-liter turbocharged four and a new Platinum variant with a turbo V6.
2006 - 2010 Ford Explorer (4th Generation)
The fourth-generation Explorer was significantly updated for 2006. The front end appearance was significantly altered with a deep new grille, but much of the appearance remained the same. Length, however, was up four inches.
Inside, the interior was altered with revised trim and new options such as navigation and Ford’s SYNC connectivity system. Power running boards were another new feature, along with power-folding rear seats and side curtain airbags, which were eventually made standard.
The 4.0-liter V6 and five-speed automatic returned, but a new 4.6-liter V8 with 292 horsepower and a six-speed automatic was introduced. This would be the last Explorer with an optional V8.
2002 - 2005 Ford Explorer (3rd Generation)
The third-generation was a complete redesign for 2002 and marked a significant change from the preceding models. The body grew significantly, with a taller and longer shape and tougher appearance. This was to accommodate a wider track and new independent rear suspension to make a third-row seat optional for the first time.
The Explorer Sport returned, based on the previous model, and only through 2003.
V6 and V8 engines returned, along with rear or four-wheel-drive and a permanent all-wheel-drive system. A five-speed manual was briefly offered, but most versions received a five-speed automatic.
Along with an updated interior, the revised suspension not only allowed for an optional third-row seat to increase capacity to seven passengers but significantly added to overall cargo space.
1995-2001 (Second Generation)
The Explorer was revised for 1995. It was still based on the previous model but had notably rounder styling that was again similar to the company’s car lines.
The 4.0-liter V6 returned but now featured either 160 horsepower or 210 horsepower, depending on the version. It also used a new five-speed automatic. Another addition was a 5.0-liter V8 engine with 205 horsepower and an all-wheel-drive system.
A two-door Sport model continued, as did four-door models in XL, XLT, Eddie Bauer, and Limited variants. All models gained dual airbags for the first time, along with a new dashboard and new seats. Later in its run, side airbags were made available, as well as a load-leveling rear suspension and rear parking sensors.
Starting in 1996, the Ford Explorer became notorious for rollover accidents, due to faulty Firestone tires.
In 1997, the Ford Explorer was joined in the marketplace by the higher-end Mercury Mountaineer.
1991 - 1994 Ford Explorer (1st Generation)
The Explorer debuted in 1990 for 1991, replacing the two-door Bronco II. It offered a car-like interior over a pickup truck platform. While it was closely related to the Ranger pickup truck, the Explorer had different exterior styling that was more reminiscent of one of Ford’s cars, and it was significantly larger than the old Bronco II.
Available as the two-door Explorer Sport or the four-door model, each model received a 4.0-liter, 155 horsepower V6 engine and either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. Rear-wheel-drive was standard, but push-button four-wheel-drive was an option.
Initial models were a base XL model, the XLT with more chrome and equipment, and an Eddie Bauer model with two-tone paint. Later, a Limited trim would arrive with features such as automatic headlights, auto-dimming mirror, and a trip computer.
