2019 Ford Explorer Test Drive

The American SUV in the history of its existence has received five generations and many restyled versions. In January 2019, the sixth generation of the model was presented to the public.

Has the car improved compared to the previous generation or is it a step backwards? Let's see what pleased the manufacturer of fans of this model.

Auto design

The Ford Explorer of the latest generation has outwardly improved significantly. Although motorists still recognize familiar shapes in this car, it has a more aggressive appearance. The roof in it became sloping, and the rear pillars received a greater angle of inclination.

Smooth vyshtampovki appeared on the doors, which emphasize the massiveness of 18-inch wheels (optional - 20 or 21 inches). Even visually, the car became wider and higher than the previous version.

The radiator grille has noticeably increased, and the front optics, on the contrary, have become narrower. Daytime running lights - in general, the exact opposite of those that were installed on the bumper of the older brother. The manufacturer removed the C-shape and instead put a narrow strip with powerful LEDs.

The rear of the car received only minor brake lights and bumpers. The dimensions of the model also remained virtually unchanged.

	The indicator in mm .:
Length	5050
Width	2004
Height	1778
Wheelbase	3025
Clearance	200-208
Weight, kg.	1970
Trunk volume, l (folded / unfolded seats)	515/2486

How does a car go?

The new Ford Explorer 2019 is built on a new modular platform (CD6). The manufacturer abandoned the frame structure, and many elements in the monocoque body are made of aluminum. This had a positive effect on the dynamics of the novelty. Despite the decent weight, the SUV is capable of accelerating to 100 km / h in 8,5 seconds.

Models of the previous generation were front-wheel drive with a transverse engine. The updated modification returned to its "roots" and now the motor is installed along it, as in the first generations. The main drive is rear, but thanks to the clutch, the car can become four-wheel drive (if you select the appropriate driving mode).

The car was equipped with a system of adaptation to the road surface (Terrain Management). It has six main modes.

1. Asphalt. The transmission is switched to standard mode with transmission of torque to the rear wheels.
2. Wet asphalt. The transmission setting does not change, the ESP and ABS system go into active mode.
3. Mud. The sensitivity of the traction control system decreases, the throttle opens faster, the transmission does not shift to higher gears so quickly.
4. Sand. The maximum torque is supplied to the wheels, and the transmission keeps the gear down for as long as possible.
5. Snow. The throttle does not open so quickly, which ensures minimal wheel slippage.
6. Towing. It is used only if there is a trailer. This mode helps the engine optimize engine speed without overheating.

Thanks to changes in the design of the transmission and chassis, the car turned out to be something between a full-fledged SUV and a crossover.

Technical specifications

Under the hood of the new Ford Explorer, three types of engines are now installed:

1. turbocharged 4-cylinder with a volume of 2,3 liters, equipped with Ecoboost;
2. V-shaped for 6 cylinders and a volume of 3,0 liters. twin turbocharged;
3. hybrid based on the 3,3-liter V-6 engine.

The indicators obtained during the test drive news:

	2,3 EcoBoost	3,0 biturbo	3,3 hybrid
Volume, l	2,3	3,0	3,3
engine's type	4 cylinders in a row, turbine	V-6 twin turbo	V-6 + electric motor
Power, hp	300	370	405
Torque, Nm.	420	515	ND
Maximum speed, km / h.	190	210	ND
Acceleration 0-100 km / h., Sec.	8,5	7,7	ND

In addition to the standard settings of the road adaptation system, the manufacturer can set the sport mode (option).

All power units are equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Transmission - front standard McPherson, and rear - multi-link. The braking system on all wheels is equipped with ventilated discs.

The SUV is capable of towing a trailer with a cargo total weight of 2268 to 2540 kilograms.

Salon

The landing formula of the cabin is 2 + 3 + 2. The third row seats are positioned as full, but they will be comfortable in children and thin passengers of short stature.

The console has retained its functionality, although compared to the fifth generation modification it has fewer controls. Instead of the usual gear lever, a fashionable “washer” for switching driving modes is installed.

The dashboard and dashboard were completely redesigned and became more ergonomic. Instead of conventional mechanical sensors, a 12-inch screen is installed on the tidy. In the top-end multimedia package, it acquired a 10-inch touch screen monitor (an 8-inch analog is used in the database).

Fuel consumption

Thanks to the lightweight base and disabling all-wheel drive, the car was economical enough for SUV class models. In this regard, the EcoBoost system has proven useful. This development of engineers Ford Motors allows you to use the full potential of the power of motors with a small volume.

Since the car is still rare for the CIS roads, few have tested its power and dynamics. However, some indicative figures for consumption are already known:

	2,3 EcoBoost	3,0 biturbo
City	12,4	13,1
Track	8,7	9,4
Mixed mode	10,7	11,2

There is no data on the consumption of the hybrid modification, because at the moment this version is used only by American policemen, and has not been tested on our roads yet.

Cost of maintenance

The most expensive service unit in this car is EcoBoost. However, it has already established itself as a reliable system, so there is no need to constantly carry the car for repair and adjustment. Here, in which cases you should contact the service station in addition to the scheduled maintenance:

• increased engine oil consumption;
• changes in the color of the exhaust gases (white, black or gray smoke);
• uneven engine idling;
• increased gas mileage;
• the appearance of extraneous noise in the engine compartment;
• frequent overheating of the power unit.

Approximate repair cost in case of occurrence of the mentioned alarm signals (in dollars):

Adjustment of valves	30
Cylinder Compression Measurements	10
Diagnosis of noise in a running motor	20
Flushing injector	20
Routine Maintenance *	30
Wheel alignment	15
Running gear diagnostics	10
Comprehensive Maintenance **	50

* Routine maintenance includes replacing the engine oil with the oil filter, computer diagnostics, and replacing the air filter.

** The complex maintenance includes: computer diagnostics, check of the running gear, replacement of the gasoline filter + scheduled maintenance.

The maintenance schedule established by the manufacturer is limited to a mileage of 15 kilometers.

Ford Explorer 2019 prices

The updated 2019 Ford Explorer was not much more expensive than its older brother, although in terms of the use of new technologies it has become better. The basic configuration of the car will cost almost $ 33.

It will include a 2,3-liter eco-boost engine paired with a 10-speed automatic. This will not be an all-wheel drive modification (driving only rear wheels). For a four-wheel drive package you will have to pay separately. The machine will be equipped with lane retention and blind spot monitoring systems.

Here are some of the popular options:

	XLT	Platinum
Climate control in two zones	+	+
Wifi module	+	+
Parktronic with rear view camera	+	+
Parking assistant	-	+
Rain and light sensors	+	+
Lane Retention and Blind Spot Control	+	+
Upholstery	combo	skin
Keyless access to the salon	-	+
Electric seat adjustment / massage	- / -	+ / +
Opening the trunk “without hands”	-	+

In addition to these options, the standard package of options for the new Ford Explorer 2019 includes a radar emergency braking system when a pedestrian appears, adaptive cruise control and an automatic braking system when the car rolls back arbitrarily.

And the highlight of this model is the parking autopilot system. Thanks to the sensors, the car will park itself. The main thing is to ask him a parking place. The most charged version of the novelty will cost from $ 43.

Hack and predictor Aviator

The company has made the new model safer, so it can rightfully be called a stylish family car. Due to its ergonomics and quality, the new product competes with Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9, Chevrolet Travers and Subaru Ascent.

See also a review of the new Ford Explorer in the ST sports version that was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show:

2020 Ford Explorer ST - a fast family SUV