Say hello to…
…the Ford Explorer, the latest EV from the blue oval. In size terms, the Explorer is smaller than the Mustang Mach-E, but in a strange contradiction it’s also more expensive than the larger car.
The basic underpinnings are shared with VW’s ID4 and ID4, but the Ford is not only smaller than both of these cars, it also sits on difference suspension making the Explorer a markedly different car to drive than the VW.
The car is also available as rear-drive with a 77kW battery or all-wheel drive with a 79kW battery. The mid-size SUV will be available in two trims levels.
- Select
- Premium
Standard equipment on the Select trim includes 19-inch alloys, 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, powered driver’s seat with memory, heated front seats, wireless phone charging, heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise, front and rear parking sensors and reversing camera.
Premium adds 20-inch alloys, panoramic roof, uprated stereo, powered boot lid and matrix LED headlights.
Is The Ford Explorer Suitable For My Fleet
Because the Ford Explorer uses the same battery tech as the VW, the maximum charging speed on a DC connection is only 135kW, which is not great for those looking to travel longer distances and repeatedly rapid charge. The best in the sector now charge at well over 200kW making for far shorter stops.
The Ford also has a smaller boot than the VW ID4 with 100 litres less in the Explorer at 445.
Leasing A Ford Explorer
Intelligent Car Leasing is offering the Explorer for £568 a month on a 3+36 contract with 10,000 miles a year, which is a bit steep. Sister car the VW ID4 is being offered on the same basis for £307 a month.
Forecast maintenance costs come in at a very competitive £30 a month, according to Gensen Reports.
Driving A Ford Explorer
With so many mid-size electric SUVs on the market (and coming to the market) it’s becoming increasingly difficult for car makers to bring a USP. Some, such as the new entrant brands, have gone for a low price point. Others have gone for striking styling, premium materials or amazing technology.
Ford has spotted a gap in the market and gone for the most involving driving experience. The steering is ultra precise and sharp. Show the Ford Explorer a twisty B-road and the driver will be rewarded with a fun time, especially when combined with the car’s hefty 286hp motor and 0-60mph time of 6.4 seconds.
The suspension is also firm without being overly stiff and the body well-controlled.
However, the downside to this sharp steering is that in regular town or motorway driving it can result in more sudden movement when, for instance, you steer round potholes or other obstacles. Passengers are unlikely to enjoy these sharper inputs.
At the Ford Explorer’s £50,000 price point, the cabin is only average in terms of material quality. However, the large central screen is fast to respond and easy to get to grips with, making it easy to turn off the lane keeping and speed warning alerts. But unlike almost every other car available which reset when you turn off the ignition, the alerts in the Explorer reset if you simply select Park on the gearbox.
For those drivers looking for a fun SUV, there’s little to touch the Explorer, but in many other areas – particularly price – the Ford doesn’t excel.
FleetandLeasing.com Verdict On The Ford Explorer
Super-sharp steering and great B-road driving experience, but slightly average in too many other areas.
Ford Explorer
- Model: Explorer Extended Range RWD Premium
- Power: 286hp
- Torque: 545Nm
- Max speed: 112mph
- 0-62mph: 6.4s
- Official range: 354 miles
- Test range: 323 miles
- CO2 emissions: 0g/km
- BIK tax band 2024/25: 2%
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