Two billion pounds! Relax, that’s not what the new Ford Explorer costs. It is how much Ford’s invested in its 100-year-old Cologne plant, where the new Explorer is built.
It’s very proud of its investment, pointing out that AI is utilised to churn out consistently brilliant cars. Like the factory that builds it, the Explorer name has also been brought up to date, sitting proudly on the nose of what’s an all-new, electric family SUV.
We say it’s all new but the Explorer is actually a VW ID.4 underneath. They share a similar wheelbase but the Explorer is 116mm shorter overall. Most of that’s lopped from the rear; it’s why the Explorer’s boot is 470 litres, which is 70-odd-litres down on the ID.4 and Renault Scenic. On the plus side, it has no load lip, a height-adjustable floor, 60/40-split rear seats, and a ski hatch. There’s a small amount of under-floor storage, too, although not enough for the charging cables and there’s no front boot, either.
Renault’s Scenic has more rear legroom, but the Explorer’s about as roomy as the ID.4 – it’ll fit four tall adults quite easily. There’s heaps of storage space as well. This includes the mighty ‘Megaconsole’ – a 17-litre storage space under the front centre armrest. If you don’t need cup holders, you can replace them with a useful tray, and if you have valuables there’s a secret hidey-hole: a lockable storage space behind the infotainment screen.
Screen issues
You can change the angle of the central 14.6in touchscreen, but however it’s positioned Ford’s Sync Move software will thwart you. Sure, the screen’s sharp and it responds promptly to inputs, but some of the icons are stupidly small. Also, the menus are haphazard and you can’t always find your way out of them with a simple ‘back’ button. It’s needlessly distracting and there are no physical controls (even the steering wheel buttons are haptic).
The rest of the driving position is fine and includes the supportive, electrically adjustable driver’s seat with massage function. And that’s included on both the available trims, which are Select and Premium. Options are limited, with a Driver Assistance Pack and heat pump among them.
Interior build quality largely matches the ID.4’s, but the Explorer looks smarter. There are harder plastics, like the top of the dashboard, but your eye isn’t drawn to them.
On the road
Dynamically, the Explorer hits the spot, too. It’s an effortless everyday car, with light but accurate steering that’s not as flighty as the Tesla Model Y’s. Ford’s tuned the passive suspension (there’s no adaptive option) to make the Explorer more agile than an ID.4 – it’s succeeded. It turns in eagerly and contains body lean well.
At slow speeds on patchy town roads there’s noticeable fidget to the ride. This eases the faster you go, but even on the motorway there is some background shimmy through the seat and steering wheel. The ride isn’t ruinous to the Explorer’s overall
long-distance credentials, it’s just not as comfortable as the Scenic or
the ID.4.
The entry-level Standard Range RWD (rear-wheel drive) is coming soon, which has a 55kWh battery, officially does 239 miles, with a P11D of £39,820.
The Extended Range RWD (P11D £45,820) is the one to go for and has a 77kWh battery for up to 374 miles. It’s worth knowing that you can bag a Scenic that will do 379 miles and for under £40k, but the Explorer’s much quicker – 0-62mph takes 6.4 seconds.
The 340hp all-wheel drive Extended Range AWD knocks over a second off that but costs £53,920. Meanwhile, its range, despite a bigger 79kWh battery, drops to 329 miles. It charges the quickest, though, at up to 185kW. Other versions peak at 135kW, but with smaller batteries, still charge from 10-80% in under 30 minutes.
Overall, then, the new Explorer is a decent and distinctive alternative to the ID.4, but is it better than the cheaper Scenic? No, not quite.
Positive: Quality build, good to drive, comfortable driving position, battery range
Negative: Some issues with infotainment, sometimes fidgety ride,
rivals have more rear room
Standard equipment: 19in wheels, 14.6in infotainment screen, wireless Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto, heated front seats, massage front seats, electrically operated driver’s seat with memory, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, seven-speaker stereo with sound bar, privacy glass, wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise, keyless entry, rear-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, power-folding door mirrors, traffic sign recognition, exit warning, lane keeping assist.
Engine: Electric: 286hp
Equipment grades: Select, Premium
Transmission: Single-speed auto
| Model | Ford Explorer Extended Range RWD 77kWh Select |
| P11D | £45,820 |
| Residual value | 44.3% |
| Depreciation | £25,470 |
| Fuel | TBC |
| Service, maintenance and repair | TBC |
| Cost per mile | TBC |
| Range | 374 miles |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (2%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £15/£30 |
| Luggage capacity | 470 litres |
| Battery size/power | 77kWh/286hp |
| Score | 7/10 |
