Read Caroline’s Ford Explorer review for everything you need to know about buying Ford’s new electric SUV in Ireland.
The Ford Explorer is one of Ford’s most anticipated new models to launch in quite a while. While the brand has made its name upon much-loved models like the Focus, Puma and Kuga, for Ford it really is time to go electric. The Mustang Mach-E, Ford’s first electric car, is positioned at a more premium part of the market, which has made it tough for it to succeed.
But the new Explorer is a bit more mainstream by design, aimed squarely at a hot part of the market for mid-size SUVs. There are traditional rivals like the Kia Sportage, Nissan Qashqai and Hyundai Tucson, as well as electric ones like the Tesla Model Y, Renault Scenic, Peugeot E-3008, Skoda Enyaq and Volkswagen ID.4.
While the Kuga plug-in hybrid is a similar size and has just had a facelift, the Explorer is a full battery electric vehicle with a few different options for buyers and is now the thoroughly modern face of Ford.
Let’s take a closer look.
Design
The Explorer is built on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform that underpins the likes of the ID.4 and the Enyaq – but it looks nothing like those cars! The dimensions are neat and compact, it’s actually a little bit shorter overall. The front is very futuristic with smooth panelling where a traditional grille would sit, a gigantic Ford badge in the centre and E X P L O R E R spelt out across a black panel that connects the sharp LED lighting either side. The bonnet is also high and the Explorer’s bulky look has more than a hint of Americana about it. The Explorer might be built in Cologne but it hasn’t forgotten its American roots and this gives it some signature style in a segment that can be quite samey.
Frozen White is the standard colour but there are a few new ones for the Ford palette like Blue My Mind and Arctic Blue. There’s a nice floating roof detail towards the rear of the car. At the back, it’s a bit plainer but does come with LED taillights and the model name spelt out again.
There are two trims for Ireland, Select and Premium. Select models come with 19-inch alloys and rear privacy glass, while the Premium adds LED matrix headlights and 20-inch alloys. Though they do impact the range by about 30 kilometres.
Ford Explorer Interior
Inside, the Explorer definitely feels more Ford than Volkswagen. Though some of the switchgear is familiar like the gear selector behind the steering wheel. The fit and finish is good with an attractive two-tone interior and seats with integrated headrest. But altogether it’s not as plush inside as a Peugeot 3008 for instance. There’s also a stylish sound bar as standard with seven speakers. Premium models add an upgraded B&O stereo with ten speakers.
The centrepiece is a large portrait-style touchscreen for things like vehicle settings, media, navigation and more. Even the climate settings are controlled via the screen. If you want to change the drive mode, it’s through the screen. Some of these features would be better accessed from a button on the centre console or steering wheel. The steering wheel itself is an odd ‘squircle’ shape and inherits the Volkswagen Group’s awkward haptic buttons. But they are at least backlit in Ford’s signature blue. There’s a slim digital driver display and a handy head-up display is available too.
Another awkward inheritance from VW is the controls for the windows. There are just two buttons and one to switch between the front and rear.
The Select model is a well-equipped entry into the range with wireless smartphone charging, keyless entry/start and a rear view camera all included as standard. There’s also power adjustment for the driver’s seat with memory function, heated steering wheel and heated front seats with a massage function. There’s loads of safety kit like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping and lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition and cross traffic alert.
Preconditioning of the battery and cabin is included as standard and easy to access from the touchscreen. But a heat pump must be added as a cost option.
Practicality
There is loads of storage in the new ‘Mega Console’ between the two front seats and even a secret compartment behind the touchscreen to hide valuables.
It feels spacious in the back seat with plenty of legroom thanks to a flat floor the width of the cabin. There are also a few amenities like an armrest with cupholders and pockets in the back of the front seats. Premium models come with a panoramic glass roof to let more light in. There’s Isofix on the two outer seats. However the rear doors don’t open exceptionally wide for a family car.
As mentioned the Explorer is not as long as the ID.4 and Enyaq so it doesn’t have the same enormous boot. At 470 litres, it’s still a good size and the rear seats can split fold 60:40. There’s also a false floor, which can be used to create a separate space to store the charging cables. Premium models get a powered tailgate as standard. But it can also be added to the Select as part of a pack.
Driving the new Explorer
There will be two lithium-ion battery options for the Explorer: 52kWh with range up to 384 kilometres and 77kWh with a range up to 602 kilometres. At launch just the 77kWh is available and offered in a single motor, rear wheel drive layout with 286hp and 545Nm of torque. Those are healthy performance figures and while the initial accelerator feel is quite muted, 0-100 is just 6.4 seconds when you really put the foot down.
Though built on Volkswagen’s MEB platform, Ford say they have tweaked the steering and suspension. It still feels quite floaty on the road compared to the tied down, athletic feel of a Kuga. Nor is it as sharp or engaging to drive as the Mustang Mach-E. But as a middle of the road electric SUV, it’s absolutely fine.
The Explorer does inherit the good qualities of the MEB platform. It is smooth and quiet to drive, and is comfortable over Irish roads. It also scores well for efficiency, though the 602 kilometre figure is ambitious. Over a few days driving my average consumption was 16.6 litres per 100 kilometres.
All wheel drive versions will be available at a later date.
Charging
AC charging is up to 11kW as standard. DC fast charging is up to 135kW for the 77kWh RWD as tested for a 10-80% charge in 28 minutes.
Ford Explorer Pricing
At launch the Explorer comes with a 77kWh lithium-ion battery with range up to 602 kilometres and starts at about €43,591 for the Select, which does look like good value, and from €48,005 for the Premium.
Verdict
Ford is hitting its stride now again with new models expected shortly like the Capri and an electric Puma.
2024 also saw the popular Puma and Kuga get a facelift.
The Explorer is one of the brand’s most important new cars in years and as an overall package, it is competitive against its rivals. With good range and efficiency, there’s no doubts that it’s not a good electric car. But it’s a pity it doesn’t drive with a little more of the Ford magic that made the brand’s models like the Fiesta, Focus and Kuga so successful for so many years.
Still the new Explorer gives Ford buyers a new electric option that’s stylish, spacious and comfortable – and that’s exactly what Ford needs right now.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
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