Ford Explorer going back to rear wheel drive platform

Here's the Ford Explorer ST with 400HP.

Link

I think Ford is wise in offering for the 2020 Explore a Hybrid model. A hybrid IC/ EV is a good compromise, IMO.

Explorer Hybrid has 318 hp...long range

Groover wrote:

Lessmore wrote:
I like it, looks like the previous Explorer and to my eye, that's good. Always thought the Explorer was the nicest looking mid size SUV. I do like the fact that it's going to be rear wheel drive. I prefer RWD to FWD.

But I have one question. As both Ford and GM are going gung ho on replacing their internal combustion engines within the next 10 years..is this the swan song for the IC Explorer ?

Ford certainly plans to test the waters but until someone puts in a charging network like or better than Tesla's I don't see it going very far. And I haven't seen anyone volunteer to put in that network other than Tesla. Ford may have to stick with hybrids or PHEVs like the Lincoln Aviator coming out soon.

I watched Motor Trend Sunday and they showed a map of the alternative fuels corridors in the US, not only EV but LPG and CNG. I-135 was the only one in Kansas. I don't see how it could be profitable or feasible for remote areas.

Opinion on my part but I would think the niche for EV'S would be for commuter cars that had established routes. Large cities could cut down on emission as well.

I have been know to drive 900 miles in one day and don't see a EV being practical for myself, especially if you add the additional load of a RV.

Groover wrote:

Lessmore wrote:
I like it, looks like the previous Explorer and to my eye, that's good. Always thought the Explorer was the nicest looking mid size SUV. I do like the fact that it's going to be rear wheel drive. I prefer RWD to FWD.

But I have one question. As both Ford and GM are going gung ho on replacing their internal combustion engines within the next 10 years..is this the swan song for the IC Explorer ?

Ford certainly plans to test the waters but until someone puts in a charging network like or better than Tesla's I don't see it going very far. And I haven't seen anyone volunteer to put in that network other than Tesla. Ford may have to stick with hybrids or PHEVs like the Lincoln Aviator coming out soon.

I agree completely with you.

FishOnOne wrote:

Lessmore wrote:
I like it, looks like the previous Explorer and to my eye, that's good. Always thought the Explorer was the nicest looking mid size SUV. I do like the fact that it's going to be rear wheel drive. I prefer RWD to FWD.

But I have one question. As both Ford and GM are going gung ho on replacing their internal combustion engines within the next 10 years..is this the swan song for the IC Explorer ?

IC engines are going to be around for a long time.

I hope you're right and I much prefer an IC.

I can't see how an all EV will work in the Canadian prairies, Montana, Wyoming, the Dakotas, given the extreme cold winters, long distances between towns and from what I can see a lack of electric charging infrastructure systems in these relatively sparsely populated areas. I live in this region and like it and the IC works very well up here.

I think the new Ford Explorer coming out with it;s turbo V6, RWD and 4WD would make a fine vehicle in this region.

colliehauler wrote:

dodge guy wrote:

colliehauler wrote:

Fordlover wrote:
Tow rating will go from 3,500 on current model to >5,000 so much better in my book.

Still incredibly shy of the 7,000 rating my 2002 Explorer has.

I believe the tow rating for the V-6 365hp is 5600# for the New Explorer .

My ‘’13 Explorer Limited with the factory tow pkg has a 5k lb tow rating.

And yes they are still shy of the 7500 lb rating my ‘01 V-8 Limited has.

Personally I would be uncomfortable towing more then 4k# with old or new style with a short wheelbase. I could see towing a small fishing boat or around a 16' RV under 4k loaded.

I used to tow a 27ft Award TT with a 95 4dr 4.0L Explorer. It was never an issue here in the flat Midwest power wise. The 5.0 wouldve been better off. It was very stable with a single friction bar. I can only imagine how good it would’ve been with the Reese Dual Cam.

Lessmore wrote:
I like it, looks like the previous Explorer and to my eye, that's good. Always thought the Explorer was the nicest looking mid size SUV. I do like the fact that it's going to be rear wheel drive. I prefer RWD to FWD.

But I have one question. As both Ford and GM are going gung ho on replacing their internal combustion engines within the next 10 years..is this the swan song for the IC Explorer ?

Ford certainly plans to test the waters but until someone puts in a charging network like or better than Tesla's I don't see it going very far. And I haven't seen anyone volunteer to put in that network other than Tesla. Ford may have to stick with hybrids or PHEVs like the Lincoln Aviator coming out soon.

Lessmore wrote:
I like it, looks like the previous Explorer and to my eye, that's good. Always thought the Explorer was the nicest looking mid size SUV. I do like the fact that it's going to be rear wheel drive. I prefer RWD to FWD.

But I have one question. As both Ford and GM are going gung ho on replacing their internal combustion engines within the next 10 years..is this the swan song for the IC Explorer ?

IC engines are going to be around for a long time.

dodge guy wrote:

colliehauler wrote:

Fordlover wrote:
Tow rating will go from 3,500 on current model to >5,000 so much better in my book.

Still incredibly shy of the 7,000 rating my 2002 Explorer has.

I believe the tow rating for the V-6 365hp is 5600# for the New Explorer .

My ‘’13 Explorer Limited with the factory tow pkg has a 5k lb tow rating.

And yes they are still shy of the 7500 lb rating my ‘01 V-8 Limited has.

Personally I would be uncomfortable towing more then 4k# with old or new style with a short wheelbase. I could see towing a small fishing boat or around a 16' RV under 4k loaded.

colliehauler wrote:

Fordlover wrote:
Tow rating will go from 3,500 on current model to >5,000 so much better in my book.

Still incredibly shy of the 7,000 rating my 2002 Explorer has.

I believe the tow rating for the V-6 365hp is 5600# for the New Explorer .

My ‘’13 Explorer Limited with the factory tow pkg has a 5k lb tow rating.

And yes they are still shy of the 7500 lb rating my ‘01 V-8 Limited has.