A familiar badge returns in an unfamiliar form.
Ford has resurrected the Explorer name for Europe, but anyone expecting a hulking, seven-seat American SUV will need to reset their mental image.
The new Explorer is an all-electric, mid-sized family car built on Volkswagen’s MEB platform – the same underpinnings used for the ID.4 and ID.5. It’s a curious collaboration, one that promises Ford character with Volkswagen hardware. Whether it fully succeeds is another matter.
A European take on an American name
On first impression, the Explorer looks the part. It has chunky styling, upright proportions and a confident stance that lends it presence without going full-blown American XXL. This is a more manageable, more European Explorer, aimed squarely at family buyers who want something modern, electric and relatively practical, but who don’t want to spend high-end luxury money.
Practical cabin, mixed materials
Inside, Ford has gone for a clean, upright cabin dominated by a large, tilting portrait touchscreen. There’s decent space overall and plenty of storage, including a deep centre console dubbed the “MegaConsole”. The driving position is comfortable and visibility good, though some cabin plastics feel a bit hard for a car priced where the Explorer sits. It doesn’t look cheap, but it also doesn’t deliver the plush ambience of some Asian rivals now setting new benchmarks for interior design and tech.
Competent rather than captivating
On the road, the Explorer is competent rather than thrilling. Steering is light and predictable, and ride quality is broadly comfortable, although sharper bumps do make themselves felt. Ford has traditionally engineered its cars to feel nimble and engaging, but with the Explorer sharing VW foundations, that spark doesn’t always shine through.
Depending on the version, the Explorer offers either a single-motor rear-wheel-drive setup or a more powerful dual-motor all-wheel-drive option. Performance is brisk enough, especially in the AWD variant, but this remains a family-minded EV rather than a sporty one.
Range, charging and everyday use
Range depends on the battery fitted. Ford quotes up to 374 miles from the rear-wheel-drive Long Range version, or around 233 miles for the Standard Range, which is decent but not game-changing. Charging speeds are competitive, and the Explorer can make good use of rapid chargers when you find them.
Where the Explorer does score points is ease of use. The infotainment software is intuitive after a short acclimatisation, the screen is genuinely helpful rather than distracting, and Ford’s decision to retain physical controls for key functions is welcome. Cabin space is generous, and while the boot isn’t class leading, it’s big enough for family life.
Well equipped, but not a bargain
Ford pitches the Explorer as an electric SUV that blends American attitude with European practicality. Even entry-level Select trim is well stocked, bringing 19-inch alloys, heated windscreen, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, heated seats and steering wheel, a 14.6 inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration, and a full suite of driver assistance systems.
However, you pay quite a bit overall. The Explorer isn’t chasing the bargain end of the EV market, and that puts it up against rivals offering fresher technology, longer ranges or more premium interiors.
An awkward middle ground
Prices start from around £35,285 for the Standard Range rear-wheel-drive version. The Long Range model sits closer to £41,885, while dual-motor variants push towards the £50k mark. These figures are competitive for a mid-sized electric SUV, but hardly cheap.
If you’re already a Ford fan, or want an electric SUV that’s straightforward, practical and inoffensive, the Explorer will make sense. If you’re chasing excitement, luxury or standout value, it may struggle to stay top of your shortlist.