The 2011 Ford Explorer
Ford has finally launched the 2011 Ford Explorer, which seems to have turned in to a soft roading crossover.
Because it’s unlikely we will get the 2011 Ford Explorer on this side of the Pond, we haven’t covered its interminable tease in any real detail. Yes, we reported on the 2011 Explorer getting Ford’s new Curve Control, an electronanny designed to cure understeer, but we didn’t report every silly photo Ford released.
But not being thorough on reporting a really boring and drawn out tease is one thing, but we can’t ignore the launch of a new version of a vehicle that until quite recently was selling almost 500k a year. So here we have it – the 2011 Ford Explorer. It was always an SUV. Now it seems to be a Crossover.
Gone is the ladder chassis and in comes a Ford Explorer based on a car unibody design. Gone is the big V8 to be replaced by a 290bhp 3.5 litre V6 and Ford’s 2.0 litre Ecoboost with 237bhp. There ain’t no substitute for cubic inches. Not any more.
Gone also – for most models – is AWD to be replaced by front wheel drive. You can opt for AWD at a price and if you do you get Ford’s version of Land Rover’s Terrain Response to handle the rough stuff. You also, to our eyes, get a design very influenced by the products from Land Rover.
Interior quality and toys have taken a big turn for the better, with even the base model getting LCD Screen, Cruise and Electric Windows. The XLT and Limited trim levels offer more, and the interior treatment seems much more European.
This isn’t a replacement for the Ford Explorer in any real sense. It appears to be a new Crossover using the name. Whether that is good or bad only time will tell. Ford has a sure touch at the moment and obviously believes buyers now want a soft roading crossover instead of a beefy SUV. Let’s hope they’re right.
With a European influenced interior, strong design cues from Land Rover and Euro-sized engines (made in Spain) this seems more suited to Europe than the the US. Judge for yourself in the video below and in the 2011 Ford Explorer Press Release.
Perhaps the 2011 Ford Explorer is going to cross the Pond and be a Ford ‘World Car’?
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