Ford Explorer review
Electric SUV has striking, chunky looks and appeal that’s more than skin deep
Is the Ford Explorer a good car?
After the Ford Mustang Mach-E and before the Ford Capri, there came the Ford Explorer. And of these three models that use names from Ford’s back catalogue, the Explorer is probably the one that will cause the least amount of controversy with Ford fans. There’s no real history of Explorer in the UK – the US SUV was more famous for being in Jurassic Park than in regional Ford dealerships – and since the new all-electric model is another SUV, it’s just a variation on an existing theme.
Under the skin of the Explorer is the MEB platform created by the Volkswagen Group and used by Ford to fast-track its expansion into the world of EVs. Overall we’d say that the Explorer is one of the better models to use the MEB underpinnings – we’d certainly choose one over a Volkswagen ID.4 or Volkswagen ID.5.
Trying to stand out in this busy electric compact SUV market is no easy task, but the Ford Explorer manages it. The smooth front and rear ends, squared-off lines and small windows combine to give it a purposeful look.
The range is simple at the moment, with Select and Premium trims on offer, and only minimal differences in specification between them. There are three battery options: the Standard Range has a 52kWh pack, while the Extended Range features a 77kWh unit, while the four-wheel-drive version comes with a 79kWh battery.
| Key specs | |
| Fuel type | Electric |
| Body style | SUV |
| Powertrain | 52kWh Standard Range rear-wheel drive 77kWh Extended Range rear-wheel drive 79kWh Extended Range four-wheel drive |
| Safety | Five stars (Euro NCAP, 2024) |
| Warranty | 3yrs/60,000 miles (manufacturer), 8yrs/100,000 miles (Battery and electric motor) |
How much does the Ford Explorer cost?
There’s a starting price of just under £40,000 for the entry-level Ford Explorer. This Standard Range model in Select trim comes with a 52kWh battery and an official range of 233 miles. Premium trim is also available with the 52kWh pack for £4,000 extra, but this has a shorter range of only 221 miles.
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The 77kWh Extended Range model is around £6,000 extra and has 374 miles of range in Select trim. Upgrading to Premium spec is £4,000 again and this version comes with a range of 354 miles, thanks to the extra weight of the additional kit on board and larger wheels.
Four-wheel drive is available on the top-spec model for a list price of around £54,000. This comes with a 79kWh battery and a twin-motor set-up, while the official range is 329 miles. These prices put the Explorer at the upper end of the compact electric SUV spectrum, although even Select trim has a decent amount of kit.
Standard equipment includes 19-inch alloy wheels, LED lights front and rear, heated front seats, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat and the movable 14.6-inch portrait touchscreen. The step up to Premium trim adds larger 20-inch alloys, matrix-LED headlights, a powered tailgate with hands-free operation, a panoramic glass roof and a B&O sound system, although we don’t think you’ll feel short-changed if you stick with the lower-spec model.
Electric motors, performance & drive
The Ford Explorer uses the same MEB platform as a range of VW Group models, but Ford has focused on the car’s suspension and electronics to ensure it delivers the kind of handling the company is famous for. On the whole Ford has been successful, because the Explorer is a relatively enjoyable car to drive. The direct steering is well weighted but lacks feedback, while a decent turning circle helps with manoeuvrability. There’s good visibility, too, helped in part by the C-pillars, which have a graphic on the outside, but are clear when viewed from the inside. Read more about the Ford Explorer's electric motors, performance and drive here…
Range, charging & running costs
With a maximum range of 374 miles on offer from the 77kWh battery, the Ford Explorer is an electric SUV that has the ability to banish range anxiety completely. That maximum is better than any model within the VW Group that uses the same MEB platform can achieve, and is one of the best figures of any EV currently on sale. The higher-spec Premium car knocks around 20 miles off of that, because of its larger wheels and the weight of the panoramic glass roof. Read more about the Ford Explorer's range, charging and running costs…
Interior, design & technology
If you’ve been behind the wheel of any current electric VW, then the Explorer’s column-mounted drive selector, driver’s display and remote keyfob will look familiar, but overall the Ford has a unique layout. It’s dominated by the large 14.6-inch portrait touchscreen, which incorporates the climate controls permanently at the bottom of the display. Storage inside is impressive, with a deep central bin and hidden storage behind the main display. Read more about the Ford Explorer's interior, design and technology…
Boot space, comfort & practicality
A long wheelbase and wide track create a generous amount of space for passengers on board, although the back seats are a little short and could do with more under-thigh support for longer trips. Higher-spec Premium cars have a panoramic roof, but there’s no sun blind, so headroom isn’t impacted. Boot space is merely average for the class, with less space under the floor than in some rivals. Read more about the Ford Explorer's boot space, comfort and practicality…
Reliability & safety
The Explorer’s VW-sourced running gear has been extensively tested and developed, while Ford has put its own stamp on the running gear, so there shouldn’t be issues with reliability. Ford offers five years of servicing to retail customers to help reduce costs even further, which goes some way to countering the Explorer’s slightly high list prices. There’s a five-star Euro NCAP rating for the car, too. Read more about the Ford Explorer's reliability and safety…
Ford Explorer alternatives
The most obvious rivals for the Ford Explorer are the platform-sharing Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5, plus the Skoda Enyaq. There’s also the Ford Capri, which has a different shape that offers a bit more space, but costs a couple of thousand pounds more. Elsewhere, the Renault Scenic E-Tech offers good value, while other options in a similar price band include the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, all-electric MINI Countryman and Toyota bZ4X.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ford offers a three-year/60,000-mile warranty on the Explorer, whichever comes first. This is about as basic as you get on any car, but because it’s an EV, the electric powertrain components get an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty, guaranteeing the battery will still have at least 70 per cent of its original capacity during that period.
Which Is Best
