A real world take on the Ford Explorer from design to drive feel and why this huge SUV impresses in some moments but slips in a few unexpected ones.
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AI summarized this news · Reviewed by Gear Choice
As far as I’m concerned, the Ford Explorer is one of those SUVs I first noticed back in 2016, sitting in a dealership’s back lot in the US. Back then, Ford still had a solid fanbase in India, and honestly I kept thinking if this SUV ever came to our market, the Fortuner would’ve had sleepless nights. But it never came. And now, after driving the latest Explorer, my feelings well, they’re a bit mixed.
Exterior Love at first sight? Yes but not fully.
To be straight with you, the Explorer still throws its weight around on the road like a confident truck. But the design has gotten a bit “safe.” Ford probably assumed a big grille and sharp edges would impress everyone but to me, it feels like some personality has faded out. The raw attitude of the older generation shows up, but only in flashes.
I remember once asking a highway patrol officer in the US they were using an Explorer “Is this thing fast?” He said, dead straight: “Just heavy, gives you the illusion of speed.” That was the day I understood that size isn’t everything.
Interior Good, but very ‘Ford-style’ cautious
The moment you sit inside, there’s no denying it’s roomy. For families, especially the ones eyeing the Ford Explorer as a big comfort SUV, space is its biggest strength. But the infotainment system classic Ford behavior. Sometimes smooth, sometimes laggy. Ford claims it’s refreshed software, but honestly I’ve never fully trusted Ford’s Sync systems.
File Photo : Spacious cabin with a clean layout.
Let me share a small memory back in 2019, a Ford owner came to me almost frustrated to the core because his navigation kept freezing. I told him, “Boss, buy a phone mount. Your peace will return.” While driving the new Explorer, that same line echoed in my head again.
Engine & Drive Powerful, but the feel isn’t consistent
Ford says the new Explorer gives you stronger grunt. Yes, it does, but the turbo sometimes kicks in like someone giving you a sudden push out of nowhere. On highways, the SUV flies effortlessly. But in the city? Its sheer size forces you to stay in that careful zone every time you make a tight turn. As for the mileage Ford keeps talking about forget it. From my experience, it always ends up 3–4 kmpl lower in real-world driving. The same story repeats with the Explorer.
Features A long list doesn’t always mean perfection
Ford has stacked it with autonomous safety tech, adaptive cruise, lane assist, all that jazz. But just a heads-up don’t blindly trust these systems. I tested lane keep on the highway held the center twice perfectly, and the third time the SUV drifted a bit. Works, yes. Confidence-inspiring, not all the way.
File Photo : Explorer tackling rough terrain.
Brand Trust From India’s perspective, the story changes
Ever since Ford shut manufacturing in India, Indian buyers have one standard question whenever they see something like an Explorer “What about parts?” Honestly, I think the same. Globally, Explorer is a strong name. But in India, Ford’s trust factor took a beating.
So, who is the Ford Explorer actually meant for?
If you want a large SUV that’s comfortable, powerful, and has serious presence on the road, the Explorer fits the role nicely. But if you're the kind of emotional buyer who wants personality that quick spark the Explorer might feel a bit too corporate.
My honest takeaway: it’s a good, well-balanced SUV, but that wow moment Ford used to deliver it’s slightly toned down here.
Final Opinion One line?
The Explorer has strength, no doubt. But that old-school Ford madness, that wild charm it’s slightly missing. A good SUV for sure, but not a memorable one.
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Has the Ford Explorer been launched in the Indian market?
No, the Ford Explorer was never officially launched in the Indian market, despite the author's initial thoughts that it could have competed with the Fortuner.
What is the author's opinion on the Ford Explorer's exterior design?
The author feels the Explorer still has a confident road presence, but its design has become "safe" with a big grille and sharp edges, leading to a loss of some personality compared to older generations.
How is the interior space and infotainment system of the Ford Explorer described?
The interior is noted for being very roomy, making it ideal for families. However, the infotainment system (Ford's Sync) is described as inconsistent, sometimes smooth and sometimes laggy.
What is the driving experience like with the Ford Explorer's engine?
The engine provides strong power, but the turbo can engage suddenly. While it performs effortlessly on highways, its large size makes city driving and tight turns challenging.
How reliable are the autonomous safety features in the Ford Explorer, according to the author?
The Explorer is equipped with various autonomous safety features, but the author advises against blind trust, citing an instance where the lane keep assist drifted, indicating they are not entirely confidence-inspiring.
