All-New Ford Explorer Review: A Family SUV Comparison

The car above is the all-new Ford Explorer, a full-size family SUV that has been around since 1991 and has become somewhat of a cash cow for the American brand. With new sheet metal and glass, new engine options, new transmission, and plenty more upgrades, let’s see if this all-new model has what it takes to be better than the aging Honda Pilot, the tech-savvy Kia Telluride, and the outdated Nissan Pathfinder.

Exterior

Now I know what some of you may be thinking, “Is this really the all-new model?” and I understand because it does not look all that different from the car it replaces. It is almost like Ford has found a design that worked and just decided to stick with it.

The all-new Explorer is available in 10 exterior colors, including a shade called Rapid Red. Since this is the Limited model—Ford’s way of saying “full-option”—it features a big chrome mesh grille, LED headlamps and taillamps, 20-inch aluminum wheels, and many more cool features that we’ll discuss when we get inside. But first, let's talk about boot space.

Being a family SUV, practicality is vital. The new Explorer comes with a foot-activated tailgate, which is always helpful when your hands are full of groceries. Boot space measures 515 liters behind the third row, but by folding the third row flat electrically using buttons on the side, there’s an impressive 1,356 liters available. Additionally, there is underfloor storage divided into three compartments, useful for keeping valuables out of sight or storing items like a towing rope and jumper cables.

Interior

The dashboard in the all-new Explorer has been heavily reworked and is now far more modern. The dual wall dashboard, along with acoustic glass on the windscreen, makes this the quietest Explorer to date.

In terms of space, the new Explorer offers significantly more room in all three rows compared to the older model, thanks to its 165mm increased wheelbase. The second row provides ample legroom and headroom for tall adults, with sunshades on the sides, a panoramic roof overhead, and independent AC controls for those seated in the back.

Features

Ford is known for offering better value for money, and the all-new Explorer is no exception. With families in mind, it comes with 9 power outlets for charging devices like mobile phones and cameras, while 12 Bang & Olufsen speakers enhance the road trip experience. Additional features include ambient lighting, built-in navigation, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.

On the safety side, the all-new Explorer is equipped with Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 Assist+, a suite of systems designed to minimize collisions. Key features include:

• Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology
• Lane centering
• Blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert
• Driver attention monitor

However, there is one drawback: the 8-inch infotainment screen. Other markets receive a larger screen, almost like a tablet, but unfortunately, this has not been planned for the UAE yet. Additionally, the screen's upright position makes it uncomfortable for the driver to use.

Drive

Ford has made significant improvements in the driving experience with the all-new Explorer. Gone is the big V6 that powered the older model; this full-size seven-seater SUV is now powered by a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine that delivers 300 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque.

Does it feel heavy and lethargic? No. Does it feel like it needs more power? No. It feels pleasant to drive, thanks to the 10-speed automatic transmission and soft suspension that provides comfort over speed bumps and uneven roads.

Although this new model is more rugged than its predecessor—offering more towing capacity and seven different drive modes, including a deep sand mode—it’s not recommended for extreme off-road use. It’s suitable for taking on your favorite beach or gravel shortcuts, but factors like low ground clearance, low-profile tires, and a lack of low gearing and locking differentials limit its capabilities.

Verdict

It is big, packed with features, and drives well. At first glance, the all-new Ford Explorer has a lot going for it. However, it is let down by some quality issues. For instance, the panel gaps between the headlights and hood are uneven, the door panels feel flimsy, and the plastic trim around the steering wheel is not properly assembled. These are just a few issues I discovered during my short time with the car. So, is it worth its 199,000 Dirham price tag? I will let you decide…