Ford Explorer
This is the Explorer; one of the expanding range of Ford EVs that’s, in this case, aiming for a more rugged, lifestyle-ey feel. If anyone’s feeling they’ve heard the name before, we have had Explorers in the UK during the late 90s and early 00s. That 2nd gen version was a US product that Ford tried to sell in the UK on the back of the SUV boom with limited success. Ironically this Explorer won’t see the light of day in the US.
Isn’t it just an ID.4?
Like Ford’s other recent foray into the EV market, the Capri, the Explorer is based on VW’s ID.4 platform, not that you’d tell by looking. It actually bears very little resemblance to the last Explorers to hit these shores; it’s more of a mid-size family crossover with SUV styling. On the face of it the Explorer has little in common with the Capri, either; it’s good to see a manufacturer still giving each product its own identity rather than simply scaling the same shape and look up or down to suit.
Three specs, AWD or RWD, extended range
The Explorer range mirrors the Capri range, both in terms of spec, drive and battery capacity. The entry model is Style, then there’s Select and Premium aptly sits atop the tree. The Style spec Explorer undercuts its Capri equivalent by a couple of grand at a shade over £35k, is RWD only and comes with a 52kWh battery that’s good for 243 miles. Select is also RWD only but its 77kWh battery increases the range to 374 miles and that’s just under £42k. Premium is available with either RWD in standard or extended range or AWD with the former managing 221 miles, the extended range RWD 354 miles and the latter, with its slightly larger 79kWh battery, 328 miles. They cost £40k, £46k & £50k respectively.
How far will it actually go?
One of the great things about the Explorer, much like the Capri and the ID.4 it’s based on is that the indicated range is actually accurate and realistic. Our test car is the AWD Premium and our week with it in January in the UK got bitterly cold in places. Leave the heating on economy and heat the person, not the space, as they say, via heated seats and steering wheel that come included on Premium spec and somewhere close to 280 miles range is achievable. The 79kWh battery in the AWD Explorer offers more than improved range; it’s a newer system that also allows for quicker charging so 10-80% takes a couple of minutes less.
What about the inside?
Inside the Explorer is all about the minimalism. The dashboard is essentially a giant touchscreen in the middle that tilts forwards or backwards as it does in the Capri, plus a smaller display screen for driver info. Atop all of this sits a fabric swathed soundbar from acclaimed audio specialists Bang & Olufsen (B&O), much like the one that sits beneath your TV at home. Buttons and switches are banished so everything outside of the touchscreen is controlled by haptic-feedback touch controls; no, they’re not our favourite thing in the world either.
In terms of sheer practicality, despite its boxier shape, the Explorer actually loses out on boot space to its Capri cousin with 470 litres vs 567 litres. It doesn’t have coupe styling, though, so the boot hatch is more square which means large, awkward items can be more easily. That said, the Explorer’s boot aperture isn’t the largest which does restrict things somewhat.
Ford doing what Ford do
To say the Explorer is just an ID.4 in a frock wouldn’t be doing it justice. Ford has done what they’ve built their reputation on in Europe and given the Explorer more keen performance with their own suspension setup. It is more firm that the ID.4 but Ford have managed to make sure this translates into better handling without harsh bangs and crashes over bumps. Whichever Explorer you drive there’s no piped in noise like the Mustang Mach E and actual feedback though the steering wheels or pedals is minimal.
How fast is the Explorer?
When it comes to performance, this AWD version is the fastest with a 0-62mph time of 5.3s. You do, of course, lose range when compared to the RWD versions, though, plus it’s £4k more expensive in Premium guise. For our money, the sweet spot would be the Style spec Explorer with its impressive range, tech and a 0-62mph time that only just loses out to the AWD version at 6.4s. Plus, without the electric motor for the front wheels the turning circle is smaller which makes parking and manoeuvring less of a chore.
Should I buy a Ford Explorer?
This size and price-point of EV is currently proving to be what the market is after, hence why there’s plenty of competition. Realistically useable range is one thing the buying public are very keen on and the Explorer does provide most of what it offers. Its styling isn’t totally wind-tunnel driven; another increasingly important factor in EV choice and its quasi-rugged looks will please the SUV crowd.
By Ben Harrington
The 2026 Ford Explorer is available now, priced from £35,285. For full details go to: www.ford.co.uk
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