Ford this week announced a powerful update Explorer in China.
The updated mid-size SUV features new styling front and rear and a revamped interior with a horizontal 27-inch touchscreen that serves as the infotainment center.
The updated front end features new headlights and a larger grille with a more rounded shape inspired by a lion’s nose. At the rear, there are new C-shaped taillights that extend past the tailgate and are separated by a black stripe with the Ford logo in the center.
Responsible for the updated design is Ford’s China Design Center, which uses a design language specific to the Chinese market.
2023 Ford Explorer (Chinese specifications)
It is unlikely that the updates will filter to the Explorers sold in the rest of the world, as the pre-updated Explorers sold in China had a different design than the Explorers sold elsewhere. other.
The Explorer has been sold in China since 2012 and is produced locally in partnership with Chinese automaker Changan. China is Explorer’s second largest market after North America.
The SUV is offered there with a choice of a 2.3-liter inline-four or a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6. The only transmission is a 10-speed automatic, and most levels come standard with all-wheel drive with rear-wheel drive standard on the base level.
In the United States, the Explorer was last redesigned for the 2020 model year and will likely receive an update sometime around 2024, when Ford is expected to Introducing an electric Explorer based on a separate dedicated EV platform. An electric Lincoln Aviator is also planned.
