What the 2024 Ford Explorer really needs to continue its legacy (2023)

Today even withmedium and compact trucks are back, the automotive landscape continues to be dominated by larger vehicles. Full-size four-door trucks continue to dominate, and even SUVs have followed suit in ever-increasing sizes. Perhaps this is reflected no more than in the abundance of mid-size three-row SUVs on the market today, of which the venerableFord Explorerbelongs, a vehicle that is to Ford what the F-150 is to pickup trucks. Now in the sixth generationOG Explorer was released in 1990and ruled the mid-size SUV segment at the time. But fast forward to today andThe F-150 is a best selling vehicle periodwhile Explorer struggles against many of the best options and often loses. These include the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade and Jeep Grand Cherokee L.

The point is that the Ford Explorer is not a bad vehicle because it is quite powerful with a large number of available options. The vehicle also looks good, especially in the Timberline version with off-road transmission. It's a comfortable vehicle that will do the job it was created for. So what happens? Bottom line is, for all the nice things you can say,The Ford Explorer is simply not exceptional, judging by the averagebetween pairs where all flowheated consumer market.

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A new explorer for a new year

There's still no official release date for the 2024 Ford Explorer, but the current generation just launched in 2020. With a vehicle that's been around for over 30 years, existing in a huge market, it's not like it's going to disappear any time soon. Still, after the 2020 redesign, a mid-cycle upgrade for 2024 isn't out of the question.Expected price is expected to start at $38,000, and of course, scaling up from entry-level to Platinum models. There are a total of 8 finishes to choose from along withthree powertrain options. All engines are matched to a 10-speed automatic transmission and offer RWD or AWD.

Currently, engine options include a hybrid along with EcoBoost. The base engine is a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid kit is a 3.3-liter V-6 engine and electric motor that produces 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque. Last but not least, the EcoBoost 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 delivers 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.We can expect all three engines to get a slight increase in power,for 2024, but don't expect the vehicle to get any cheaper. WhatThe average price of a new car exceeds $48,000, Asthe car market remains a drain. Still, the EcoBoost equipped with the Class III Trailer Towing Package will tow up to 5,600 pounds.

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Is more luxury the answer?

Three quarters ahead of the Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring

Being a mid-size three-row SUV, meaning it can be a passenger and cargo vehicle that's also a 4x4, is part of what makes the Explorer desirable. It's also worth noting that it may need more enthusiasm. Many automakers have their own luxury brands, and Ford is no different because that's what Lincoln is. The equivalent of the Ford Premium Explorer is the Lincoln Aviator.automotive trendcompared the two vehicles at the shared explorer launchand the results can be surprising. As a conventional model, the Explorer actually had more cargo space between the first and second rows, while the third row was virtually the same. However, the Explorer also had a slight advantage in third-row legroom.

Features and technology are where the Aviator starts to stand out, although the Explorer holds its own. Explorer has cool options like tri-zone air conditioning, electric gate and Wi-Fi for up to 10 devices. There's a dual-pane glass sunroof, a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. Of course, the Aviator ups the ante, with a standard 10.1-inch screen instead of an upgraded 8.0-inch. Seats are adjustable in 30 directions with the possibility of massage, combined with a 28-speaker sound system! The first and second rows are heated and ventilated, as well as a HUD windshield and soft-closing doors.

Lincoln-Aviator X McConaughey reklamekampagneimagem

In general,a very underrated aviatorstill winning here. While top-end power comes from the same EcoBoost engine, the Aviator is slightly faster as the plug-in hybrid tops out at 494 horsepower at the maximum available. Dear. Therefore, depending on your needs, desires and budget, in fact any SUV is a suitable option.

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Write a page or two of Chinese books

Ford is a global brand with many production facilities in North America, but most are in China. There, the automaker produces specific vehicles for this market. This includes another version of the Ford Explorer. In this sense, Ford has just revealedexclusive in China called Ford Edge L. This vehicle not only blows up a nearly dead American Ford Edge,but that's enough to perhaps supplant the american explorerquite. Given the new look of the new design with a grand, high-tech new interior that trumps what the Explorer has to offer, it begs the question why the Ford Edge L isn't being shipped across the ocean to the US market.

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Scout raptor? OK!

Side-by-side action shots of a Ford Ranger Raptor pickup truck and a Ford Bronco Raptor

Consider spitting, straw grabbing, wishful thinking, or other speculation, butimagine o Ford Explorer Raptor! Given the popularity of Ford's original F-150 Raptor, now in its third generation, it's certainly possible. Especially considering this nowFord has already developed and released Raptor variants of the new Bronco and Ranger Raptor. Building on the popularity of the Raptor sub-brand, the Explorer Raptor variant could be all you need to not just keep up, but outperform the competition.

Still, there are some hurdles, one of which is that the Ford Explorer is not a body-on-frame design, but a one-off body. This frame is traditionally poor in heavy off-road equipment, making the Expedition a better candidate for such a build due to its earlier design. Expedition, on the other hand, is hugefull-size three-row SUV,making it oversized and likely a serious off-road toy. Not only that, but entry-level XL trims already start at $57,620, well above the Explorer's starting price. In fact, it's about the same as the top-of-the-line Platinum Explorer, which starts at $59,495.

Photo of 2024 Ford Explorer Kulun Peak Edition (Chinese model shown)

Meanwhile, the Platinum Expedition costs over $84,000, which is close to the price of the Bronco Raptor. This would likely push the Expedition Raptorby six figures, where it would be hard to see anyone choosing one over the "Predator" powered F-150 Raptor R. Other pitfalls are that the Raptors are aimed at a very specific audience, and while they are very exciting, the features and associated costs often exceed the needs of the average consumer. This usually means that most buyers will choose other options for the same vehicle, such as the standard F-150, Broncos and Rangers trims, rather than the sexy Raptor types. People may also prefer more options associated with these trims, as Raptors come standard with all options but are limited to, for example, certain powertrains and body types.

Given that the Explorer exists in the mid-size SUV market, buyers may be looking for options other than the extreme off-road vehicle like the Raptor variants. Therefore, the cost combined with the goals of Raptor enthusiasts may not result in an increase in Explorer sales, making such a variant likely unlikely. The vehicle would require a major overhaul and a completely new body configuration, which may be just what he needs.

In short, for Ford to win back customers in the fiercely competitive midsize three-row SUV segment, it needs to undergo a pretty significant mid-cycle makeover. Will the huge screens we saw on the Chinese model carry over to the US? Not since the spy photoswill explore 2024Suggest a more conventional setup.Explorer also did not score well in reliability studies.and Blue Oval should address these issues in the next model.