Generational shifts in the car world are always a big deal. Whether the brand has built a new platform, or heavily modified its current underpinnings, there’s always a lot to talk about. In the case of the new, sixth-generation Ford Explorer, there’s even more to discuss than usual. Upon first glance, the new Explorer doesn’t look radically different but Ford was intentionally conservative with the exterior design of the new Explorer.

During the testing period of this new Ford Explorer, this midsize, three-row family crossover offers up lots of amenities customers should expect from this vehicle and its category. However, there are more than a few worrying details with the new Ford Explorer that make it particularly difficult to recommend.

The Explorer has some ownership benefits but can they be enough to gloss-over its significant issues?

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Starting off with the platform, the new Ford Explorer introduced for 2020 shares a structure with the equally new Lincoln Aviator. It’s a RWD-based architecture with optional AWD and longitudinally-mounted engines. This is the exact opposite to the fifth-generation model. There’s updated and improved engine options, a totally refreshed interior, a new hybrid powertrain option and a ST performance model. All of the new Explorer’s feature the 10-speed automatic transmission jointly-developed between Ford and GM. The model provided for this review is the XLT model, which for 2021, received a new interior colour and XLT Sport Appearance Pack (for $2000, this accentuates portions of the vehicle to have grey painted plastics like the grille and badging with the new 20inch rims), both featured in this press vehicle. As tested, the MSRP is $55,099CAD. Other options adding cost to the test vehicle include the upgraded towing ($600), Co-Pilot360 Assist+ ($1000) Rapid Red paint ($450), Equipment Group 202A ($1500) and the desirable panoramic sunroof ($1750). The price of this vehicle will be discussed at length later in this article.

From Behind the Wheel

Via Max Landi

The entry level trim with a 2.3L turbo-four that produces 300 horsepower and 310lb/ft of torque with a startling towing rating of 5300lbs (fuel efficiency for this model is city/highway/combined 11.7/8.6/10.3 L/100km respectively). The 2.3L may be the base engine but there’s nothing off-putting about this engine. It’s quick to rev, fairly refined and never feels strained. The same can’t be said about the calibration of the 10-speed transmission in this vehicle. During the week of testing, the automatic felt clunky. There were multiple instances where long drives didn’t smooth out the rough spots. In addition to this, the software programming of the transmission is aggressively set to maximize fuel efficiency. The gear are often bogged down in too high of gear when cruising at any consistent speed. Although the transmission will snap down a couple gears when extra speed is in need, it switches gears brashly as mentioned previously. The remaining aspects of driving the Explorer are commendable. Steering is weighted nicely and the structure feels taut without an unpleasant rigidity. It does appear as though Ford’s engineers did focus on the driver’s enjoyment and they were, for the most part, successful.

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Interior Quality

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The interior space for the Explorer is stand out in class. Second and third row seating is capable of housing six-foot passengers. With the amount of knee, headroom, and foot space in the third row, the Explorer really could accommodate most members of the population with almost no complaints. Another portion of interior comfort often overlooked for the third row occupants is ingress and egress. Ford addresses this with a wide plastic step to aim for when ducking out and in of the third row. Adding ono the fact the second down are mounted a little more inboard than its competitors, the Ford Explorer has the best third row in class.

The Drawbacks

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This is where the positives of the Explorer come to a close. As mentioned previously, the retailing price of this model is $55,099 with a couple of options added onto the base XLT. This is the most troubling fact of the new Explorer: almost all of its main rivals max out at their top level trim for less money. Case in point, the new Toyota Highlander Limited, Kia Telluride SX Limited and Hyundai Palisade Ultimate Calligraphy are all listed for less. Ford should be panicking at this point in time as the new Explorer is a horrible value proposition against its newest and most desirable rivals. The interior of the Explorer is bland and uninspiring. Leatherettes are the most exotic material used in this XLT trim. There’s no doubt all of the interfaces and tech is easy to use but there’s nothing worth admiring in the cabin. It has to be said that this particular model wasn’t built very well. At least three pieces of interior didn’t fit quite right.

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The Unfortunate Conclusion

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The Ford Explorer in its sixth-generation is a misstep. There could be hope that this particular model was more flawed than most but saying that, the new Explorer lacks too many benefits that can be found with the aforementioned competition. The base engine is a superstar and the interior is the most spacious in this class are the best things we can say about the new Explorer. It really is a shame that for an all-new platform and design, there is a lot to discuss with the new Explorer, but not enough of it is positive.

This vehicle was lent out though Ford Canada's press fleet.

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