Ford Explorer

Model Overview

The Ford Explorer is a mid-to-large luxury SUV from Ford. Since the first-generation model debuted in 1990, it has evolved across six generations, standing as one of the global pioneers in the mid-to-large SUV segment. The sixth-generation Explorer was launched in 2019 and subsequently introduced to the Chinese market via local production by Changan Ford in 2020. As of February 2026, the official website in China lists 7 Explorer variants on sale, with prices ranging from RM309,800 to RM389,800. In June 2025, the Explorer line-up was upgraded to feature standard AWD across all variants, completing a comprehensive product range across 5-, 6-, and 7-seater configurations. Positioned as the "King of the Road", the SUV is engineered for all-round versatility, balancing urban commutes with outdoor getaways, with chief rivals including segment competitors like the Volkswagen Teramont and Toyota Highlander.

Design Language

The 2026 Explorer retains the bold, muscular styling synonymous with American SUVs. Up front, it sports a frameless front grille featuring horizontal slats with chrome accents that seamlessly merge into the headlamp clusters on both sides; selected variants feature a continuous "Star Ring" light bar, further accentuating the fascia's visual cohesion and modern tech vibe. The headlights have been upgraded to matrix "Sword Rain" dynamic LED units. In profile, it keeps its American muscle stance—with a sloping roofline, exposed C-pillars, and standalone rear quarter glass serving as iconic Explorer design cues. At the rear, it gets new full-width LED tail lights alongside dual exhaust finishers. The ST sports variant adds 21-inch Magnetite matte black alloys and quad chrome exhaust tips, while the Tremor off-road variant gains dedicated off-road body kits and a high-mount air intake design. In terms of dimensions, the 2026 model measures 5,064 × 2,004 × 1,790 mm (L × W × H) with a 3,025 mm wheelbase. Inside, the cabin features a clean, symmetrical dashboard layout, housing a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster alongside a massive 27-inch 4K infotainment display. The 2026 refresh replaces the centre console storage compartment with a 50W wireless fast charger. Cabin trim options include Purple Sand Brown upholstery, Windsor embossed full-grain leather, and Dinamica eco-friendly microfibre suede.

Powertrain and Performance

The 2026 Explorer is powered by a 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbocharged petrol engine across the range, producing 213 kW (approx. 290 PS) and 445 Nm of peak torque. Power is sent through a 10-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. All variants come standard with an intelligent AWD system and Ford's Terrain Management System (TMS), offering 5 selectable drive modes: Sport, Eco, Normal, Slippery, and Off-road. It completes the 0–100 km/h sprint in 7.3 to 7.8 seconds. Fuel tank capacity is rated at 81 litres, with WLTC combined fuel consumption figures between 8.86 and 10.6 L/100 km. Notably, the Explorer is engineered to run on regular RON 92 petrol. Furthermore, international-market 2026 Explorer models offer a 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 engine pushing 385 hp, though local introduction remains unconfirmed.

Chassis and Handling

The chassis is the Explorer's standout engineering highlight. It remains one of the few mid-to-large SUVs in the RM350,000 bracket built on a longitudinal, rear-wheel-drive platform. Sharing its platform architecture with premium-brand SUVs, it achieves an optimal 50:50 front-to-rear axle weight distribution. Suspension-wise, the front utilizes a double-ball-joint spring-strut aluminium alloy setup, while the rear features an integral multi-link aluminium alloy suspension. Both front and rear lower wishbones/control arms are constructed from aluminium alloy, effectively reducing unsprung weight for sharper handling response and improved ride quality. It boasts a turning radius of just 5.9 metres—impressive for a 5-metre-long full-sized SUV. The Kunlun Peak Edition further adds a Torsen mechanical limited-slip differential (LSD) and a cold-quenched martensitic steel underbody shield to boost its off-road capability.

Cabin and Features

On the tech front, the entire Explorer range is upgraded with the FNV3.0 fully networked electronic architecture, powered by a standard Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor (backed by 16GB RAM and 256GB onboard storage) and 5G connectivity. The infotainment system runs on the SYNC+ 3.0 system, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay, continuous natural voice commands (with a 98% semantic recognition accuracy rate), OTA software updates, and a suite of third-party apps. Higher-spec trims also feature a 17-inch head-up display (HUD). In terms of creature comforts, high-spec variants offer heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, a 10-speaker B&O premium audio system, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and 5-layer acoustic laminated windscreen glass. The 2026 model adds second-row seat ventilation. Practicality-wise, the Explorer offers nearly 6 square metres of "KING SIZE" smart cabin space; folding the second- and third-row seats flat expands cargo capacity to 2,487 litres, complemented by up to 15 dedicated storage compartments in the boot.

Safety and Driver Assistance

In terms of safety, the Explorer's body shell features a heavy application of ultra-high-strength steel—with 38.6% rated above 1,300 MPa and 50.8% rated above 600 MPa. The A-, B-, C-, and D-pillars utilize up to 1,700 MPa cold-quenched martensitic steel (aircraft-carrier-grade material). The rigid body structure can withstand up to 11.5 tonnes of crushing force, with the roof capable of supporting 5 times the vehicle's kerb weight. For active safety, the SUV comes fitted with the Ford Co-Pilot360™ Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), supported by 8 ultrasonic sensors, 5 millimetre-wave radars, and 6 exterior cameras. The system enables full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Lane Centring from 0 to 180 km/h. High-spec variants are equipped with the BlueCruise active driving assist system, offering hands-free Level 2+ (L2+) semi-autonomous driving on mapped highways and major expressways, complete with full-speed adaptive cruising, lane keep assist, and turn-signal-activated auto lane changes. The 2026 model upgrades the system to BlueCruise 1.5 with refined auto lane change capabilities. A new 540° transparent chassis view has also been added for the 2026 model year.

Market Performance and Outlook

In China, the Explorer finds itself in an "acclaimed by critics, overlooked by buyers" predicament. Sales data shows only 351 units were delivered in February 2026, marking a sharp 62.74% year-on-year decline; April sales stood at 658 units, placing it 34th in the mid-to-large SUV segment. Within Changan Ford's portfolio, the Explorer's volume trails behind the Mondeo and Edge. Industry analysts point to several factors: the current platform has been in service for six years with only minor annual facelifts and no full generation change; new energy vehicle (NEV) SUVs have gained a distinct edge in smart cabin tech and autonomous driving; showroom discounts for the Explorer remain slim, pushing high-spec variant pricing into premium European SUV territory; and inherent drawbacks like high urban fuel consumption, a firmer suspension tune, and tight third-row space still linger. Nonetheless, the Explorer continues to earn praise for its mechanical fundamentals—having previously bagged 1st place in the Large SUV segment in the 2022 J.D. Power China Initial Quality Study (IQS). Its standout selling points remain the engaging drive offered by its longitudinal RWD architecture, the potent 2.3T + 10-speed AT powertrain combo, and the generous cabin space afforded by its 5-metre-plus length and 3,025 mm wheelbase. Embodying the classic American SUV ethos, the Explorer is looking to the 2026 facelift to help hold its ground in an increasingly cutthroat market.