The new Ford Explorer it is one of the best selling SUVs in the US. A model that was once available in Europe in the past — the second and third generation were marketed by the “old continent” — and now, after an interval of around 15 years, is back, and is also, for the first time, available in Portugal.
In this new generation, Ford decided to broaden the Explorer's horizons. In order to compete in the European market, the blue oval brand has filled the new generation of the Ford Explorer with technology, equipment, electrified engines and a new platform.
Do you have what it takes to win in Europe?
In this video behind the wheel of the Ford Explorer, we searched, over more than 500 km behind the wheel of this «mega SUV», the answer to this question.Despite the distinctly American design, the Ford Explorer convinced in several respects. The 3.0 EcoBoost engine that appears in this model associated with an electric motor offers a total combined power of 457 hp. If we make full use of the capacity of the batteries, in addition to blazing accelerations — the Explorer manages to reach 0-100 km/h in just six seconds — it can also offer surprising consumptions.
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In dynamic terms, we didn't expect such assertive behavior either. Born in the USA, we didn't expect the Ford Explorer to handle the twisted national roads so well. On the comfort side, there are no complaints. The livability is generous and when it comes to suspension setup, Ford never disappoints — even when it comes to a beefy SUV like this.
the other side of the coin
With a competitive price, a surprising level of equipment and a powerful engine, what does the Ford Explorer lack to win in Europe? Nothing is missing. But it is necessary to give up some qualities.
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The attention to detail inside the Explorer is not up to par with European competition. Not that it's disappointing, but there just isn't the same attention to detail that we've found in other models. On the other hand, the endowment of equipment tries to compensate for this aspect.
One thing is right. Anyone who wants a different model, full of space and technology, supported by an engine that seems to make the two and a half tons of weight disappear, should consider the Ford Explorer PHEV, here in the ST-Line version — for now, the only one available in ours parents.