Next-gen Ford Explorer 2020 to be built in China

The new Ford Explorer 2020 will be launched in 2019 as the 2020 model.

At this year's Beijing Motor Show, Ford has announced that it will launch another new sizable SUV - the next-gen Ford Explorer. Especially, the new Explorer will be built in China.

The Blue Oval also released a teaser photo showing the next-gen Explorer sheltered under a blue wrapping. Through the silhouette of the forthcoming Explorer, we can get some ideas about what the SUV will look like, even it is still not entirely clear.

The Blue Oval also released a teaser photo showing the next-gen Explorer sheltered under a blue wrapping

>>> You might like to read: Ford Explorer 2018 Philippines review

The front fascia seems to get a smoother look while the hood looks shorter than the on-going model with a less slopping face. Look up at the top, the roof rail is now paired with a more stylish roofline. Besides, the wheel looks more rounded and bigger than the current-gen model’s.

Life Car TV - 2020 Ford Explorer Teased Ahead Of Next Year's Launch

According to the latest car news, the all-new Ford Explorer 2020 is still expected to be driven on a completely new platform and also equipped with a performance-directed ST version.

>>> Read more:

Know more about Ford Explorer 2024

Ford Explorer 2024

Currently in its sixth generation, the Ford Explorer 2024 is a five-door midsize crossover SUV. It was introduced globally in 2019, and then Ford Philippines launched it for the local market in December 2021 for the 2024 model year. In the local market, the Explorer's sole variant is the Limited 2.3 EcoBoost 4WD AT, which comes with a Php 3,498,000 price tag.

Under the hood of the Ford Explorer is a 2.3-liter inline-4 turbocharged gasoline engine that's capable of making up to 300hp and 420Nm of torque. The said engine is then linked to a 10-speed automatic gearbox which sends power to all four wheels.

Size-wise, the all-new Explorer is 5,049mm long, 2,268mm wide, and 1,783mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 3,025mm and a ground clearance of 208mm.

In the Philippines, the Ford Explorer rivals the likes of the Mazda CX-9, Hyundai Santa Fe, and the Kia Sorento.

>>> New and used Ford Explorer 2024 for sale in the Philippines

Ford Explorer Launch

Ford globally introduced the Ford Explorer in the 1990s as the brand’s very first four-door full-size sports utility vehicle. Since then, it maintained its place as one of the best-selling Ford models in its parent country – the United States of America.

The current Explorer is the sixth-generation model, which was introduced globally back in 2019 at the North American International Auto Show.

In 2021, Ford Philippines brought in the all-new Explorer for the 2024 model year. For the local market, the said model only has one variant: the Limited 2.3 EcoBoost 4WD AT.

Ford Explorer Exterior

The exterior features of the Explorer 2024 include LED headlamps, LED taillights, LED front fog lamps, a twin-panel moonroof, a rear spoiler, roof rails, body-color door handles with chrome inserts, silver-painted faux skid plates, as well as a silver-colored mesh grille decorated with chrome bars.

Ford Explorer Interior

Inside, the new Explorer Philippines comes standard with three rows. The second row gets an armrest, the third row has a 50:50 split folding function, and the front row seats have ventilation. The said seats are then clad in Leather with micro-perforations for breathability, as well as accent stitching.

Furthermore, the Explorer's interior is also equipped with a triple-zone automatic climate control system, ambient lighting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, power-folding and power-adjustable side mirrors, a push-to-start button, 10 cupholders, rain-sensing wipers, a hands-free foot-activated tailgate, a 12-volt accessory outlet, and plenty of tie-down points and hooks for the trunk.

Technology & Safety Features

To entertain its occupants, the 2024 Ford Explorer is kitted out with an SYNC3 eight-inch touchscreen headunit. This unit also has plenty of connectivity options including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB ports, and Bluetooth. The said screen is then connected to a 12-piece Band and Olufsen sound system.

For the driver, the Explorer also provides a 6.5-inch LCD screen. It also gets a wireless smartphone charger.

Safety-wise, the Explorer gets seven airbags, stability control, anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, hill-start assist, hill descent control, the SecuriCode keyless entry keypad, a post-crash alert system, LATCH child-seat anchors, a car alarm, tire pressure monitoring, among others.

Also assisting the driver of the all-new 2024 Ford Explorer is the latest version of the Ford Co-Pilot 360 Assist. This includes technologies like reverse braking assist, autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian detection, pre-collision warning, evasive steering assist, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, lane centering, automatic high-beams, auto on/off for the LED headlamps, front and rear sensors, among others.

Lastly, the Explorer also comes with a 360-degree view camera.

Platform & Chassis

Ford Explorer 2024 is a five-door crossover that can comfortably accommodate seven occupants. It comes with a length of 5,049mm. It is also 2,268mm wide, and 1,783mm in height. Its wheelbase length then measures 3,025mm long, and it has a ground clearance of 208mm.

Suspension-wise, the all-new Explorer uses a Macpherson strut for the front and an independent integral link suspension for the rear. Braking is then handled by disc brakes for all wheels. It also uses an electronic parking brake with an auto-hold function.

Of note, the all-new Explorer, like its predecessor, is a unibody crossover SUV with a transverse-mounted engine.

Engine & Drivetrain

For the Philippine market, Ford offers the 2024 Explorer with one engine option: a turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-4 gasoline mill capable of making up to 300 horsepower and 420Nm of torque. The said engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic gearbox, which then sends power to all four wheels.

The new Explorer's 4WD system comes with a terrain management system with specific modes. This includes a mode for towing, trail, slippery terrain, deep sand, Eco, Normal, and Sport.

Ford Philippines offers the 2024 Ford Explorer in eight color options. There are Agate Black, Carbonized Gray, Iconic Silver, Star White, Oxford White, Rapid Red, Stone Gray, and Atlas Blue.

In comparison to its competitors, the all-new 2024 Ford Explorer offers the most in terms of engine output. Then again, foreign reviews have said that its engine is not that thrifty when it comes to fuel. As said though, this Ford crossover SUV is more than capable of running circles around its competitors. Well, at least on paper. Apart from that, it also has enough features to compete even against the top-spec Mazda CX-9. Furthermore, it might also be the largest vehicle in its class. This means more in the way of cargo room and passenger room.