2024 Ford Explorer | PH Review
Come next year, you won't be able to buy a brand-new Ford Focus. Can the new all-electric Explorer fill its shoes?
It still feels a little strange to have companies as huge and as historied as Ford and Volkswagen collaborating. They don’t share with each other, they compete with each other. But in a fast-changing world, two heads are more often that not better than one; the alliance agreement signed in the summer of 2020 meant both could get in-demand vehicles to market sooner. The aim back then was for eight million commercial vehicles to be sold in the lifecycle - the Ranger forming the basis of a much improved VW Amarok - and 600,000 EVs underpinned by VW MEB toolkit.
The theory is good; the trouble for Ford, and unlike making an Amarok from a Ranger, is that the range of VW ID EVs has met with mixed reception (to put it kindly). Saving time with common architecture isn’t much help if it’s not an electric car people want to buy. And you don’t have to look far in an Explorer, Ford’s take on the VW ID.4, to see some of those less desirable attributes. Granted, flimsy plastic buttons and selectors aren’t really EV-specific issues, but they still don’t set the right tone in a £50k car. Even some of the bits introduced by Ford don’t feel great, including a cheap volume slider and less-than-sturdy dash top. It’s far from the most accommodating EV out there, either, with slightly pinched rear room and boot (plus no frunk).
That being said, there’s plenty about the Explorer that might appeal in a crowded EV SUV segment. While plenty is shared with the VW, Ford gets to do its own chassis tuning. And, just like the old Feel the Difference days, it seems like there’s a bit of Blue Oval nous in this little crossover. This doesn’t reset expectations, or achieve the unthinkable, but in the subtleties that seldom feel like priorities the Explorer impresses. Ford’s take on the passive damping and the steering, plus fitting wider wheels and tyres, has created a smarter driving SUV than the ID.4, keener and more agile without totally abandoning ride comfort - even on optional 21s.
Indeed, such is the eagerness of the front end and the purchase of the Continental tyres that you’re soon driving the Explorer with more abandon than is probably necessary, the feel much more of a hatch than SUV. It’s responsive, not deflected by bumps and far grippier than might be expected. You’ll want Sport mode really, otherwise the smart, square-ish steering twirls like a dodgem, though it’s evident that some thought and care has been put into how the Explorer’s chassis behaves. That feeling was never quite there in the VW.
Moreover, as the 286hp, rear-drive variant (there is a dual-motor version, and, presumably, in time, something like the VW GTX will follow), this Explorer is one of those EVs that doesn’t feel silly quick the whole time. And that’s a good thing. It’s nice to focus on carrying speed and preserving momentum, because the chassis is sorted, rather than just matting the throttle at every straight. The range and efficiency remain decent, too, with 354 official miles said to be possible from the 77kWh battery on the big wheels. It should be noted, however, that multiplying the battery rating by the efficiency score - 4.23 miles per kilowatt hour - leaves a rating of 325 miles. So don’t place too much faith in that big three fifty figure.
On our brisk test drive, the Explorer was showing 3.3mi/kWh for the majority, only dropping to 3.1 towards the end with a more spirited stretch. It’ll always be past 200 miles and 3 mi/kWh, basically (the motorway claimed is 281), with a bit extra possible - and perhaps a sweeter balance of ride and handling - on the 20-inch wheels. Just the occasional thump at low speed makes the big rims feel OTT.
Despite some of the crummier VW elements to the interior, Ford has introduced some worthwhile improvements as well. The 14.6-inch Sync touchscreen seems good, logically laid out and quick to respond. Having cursed the dim-witted, nonsensical screens seen elsewhere on this platform, it’s a welcome change. Phone pairing is really fast, the main menu icons are large enough and the swipe works convincingly enough. A few more buttons wouldn’t go amiss, chiefly for drive mode and ADAS, though the Explorer’s still ranks as one of the better all-screen efforts. And in another galaxy (pun intended, sorry) to the bad old Ford Sync days.
There are a couple more gripes that keep the Explorer from a class-topping score. The brake pedal is spongy, undermining confidence in the taut chassis (or encouraging faster entry speeds, you could say); the same single setting of regen as in the VWs isn’t quite enough for one pedal drive. The A-pillar can hinder visibility a little at low speeds. And somehow those blasted buttons have made it onto the wheel of this car as well, so it’s a good job the screen is decent.
None of those qualms, however, are enough to dent a positive first impression of the Explorer. It looks smart, crisper and more interesting than an ID.4, drives with some genuine verve, delivers decent efficiency and - on a brief run at 70mph - seems refined enough as well. Put simply, this SUV-sized take on the MEB architecture is nicer to be in than anything yet from VW, Skoda, Audi or so on. Job probably jobbed for Ford, even allowing for problems that do persist. The Explorer perhaps looks a little expensive for the size and experience on offer, this Premium model at £50,000 before a single option, though there is already some money off cars in the classifieds. If there’s a deal that works out for you, there’s plenty to recommend it - bring on the ST.
SPECIFICATION | FORD EXPLORER RWD EXTENDED RANGE PREMIUM
Engine: Single electric motor, 77kWh usable battery
Transmission: Direct drive single speed gearbox, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 286
Torque (lb ft): 402
0-62mph: 6.4 seconds
Top speed: 112mph
Weight: 2,102kg (DIN)
CO2: 0g/km (driving)
MPG: 4.23 miles/kWh (354 miles WLTP, 135kW charging)
Price: £49,975 (price as standard price as tested £54,125, comprising heat pump for £1,050, Driver Assistance Pack for £1,300, 21-inch wheels for £1,000, Rapid Red paint for £800)
Do they have plans at this level?
Do they have plans at this level?
I suspect they might mirror VW's ID2 small hatch when that comes out too - could be a quick and easy option whilst they sort out a small EV of their own in the future.
I'd rather blow that on public transport and taxis personally.
I certainly couldn't in the early 2000's
It's been said many times - no one is paying the RRP.
People who think new (EV) car buyers are getting stung with high deprecation, should realise that is not the case !
anoying sensitive buttons on steering wheel.. tablet is huge and VERY distracting.. but deal breaker for me was the glare in the winderscreen from the dash.. its just too shiney and there is a cut line in the dash that houses the heads up display which reflects badly in the the sreen it is so annoying as in my eyeline.. drives you madd totaly unforgivable ..who signs these cars off.??. just put a mat dash on it !!! 1500 miles was showing 3.7 m/kw i achived 3.3 on about 120 miles.. not worth 50k
Still the skinflints will like it because it’ll save them pennies! PH, SS matters.
It’s £300/mth on Motability.
Hopefully salary sacrifice and Motability customers will be enough for Ford, as no-one else will be getting one anytime soon.
My dad used to have a 4.0 V6 Explorer years ago as well, and that wasn't up to much either in fairness.
Still the skinflints will like it because it’ll save them pennies! PH, SS matters.
There are not tax payer subsidies for EV's - people just pay LESS tax for them.
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