In the last few months, Ford Motor Company was all about the return of Ford Ranger and the impending arrival of new Bronco. During all that commotion people forget that that Detroit-based company has 2019 Ford Explorer in store for us. The new generation of this SUV is undergoing various tests for the last year or so. If you remember, first spy photos of upcoming 2019 Explorer were published back in late 2016. The work is apparently still in progress because this SUV is not yet ready for production.
According to sources close to the Blue Oval, some significant upgrades will occur on new Explorer. The sixth generation of this model will most likely switch to a rear-wheel-drive platform. The platform that is going to be used is based on Ford’s CD6 architecture. The body of 2019 Explorer is expected to be made almost entirely out of steel at the Chicago Assembly Plant. The same sources are also saying that Explorer’s Lincoln counterpart will also share this platform, steel body, and its production should begin in Windy City facility.
Under The Hood of 2019 Explorer
The news reports are also claiming that Ford is going to use four different powerplants for 2019 Ford Explorer. The first option will be a 2.3-lite four-cylinder unit which is available on the ongoing model. On 2018 MY Explorer it offers 280 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The new options will be a 3.3-liter V-6 used on 2018 Ford F-150 which will replace the outgoing 3.5-liter V-6 which pumps out 290hp and 255 lb-ft. The output for the new engine is not yet known. On Ford’s premium pickup it offers 290hp and 265 lb-ft.
The two units that have left to be named are a hybrid one, and a performance ST version. The ST trim will most likely replace Sport in the same manner that Ford Edge ST replaced Edge Sport. The strength behind the ST trim is going to be in a 3.0-liter V-6 which will slot instead of the current biturbo 3.5-liter V-6. The expected output is in the region of 400hp and 400 lb-ft. These numbers are similar to what this unit produces on Lincoln Continental. While specific numbers are still unknown, what is clear is that it will create more than 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft that current Explorer Sport offers.
When it comes to transmission, the only option for every engine will be ten-speed automatic.
2019 Ford Explorer Price and release date
There were some rumors that 2019 Ford Explorer was going to be shown at the recently finished Chicago Auto Show. Those claims were untrue because there was no word on it nor the vehicle was presented. The introduction will probably happen in the late months of 2018, or maybe, but less likely at the next year’s Chicago Auto Show. The sales are expected to start in the early months of the following year. This SUV will be labeled and sold as 2019 MY.
With the changes under the hood, and an addition of new ST version the price of upcoming Explorer will be altered compared to what we have today. The current base version of this SUV starts at $32,000 for FWD model with a standard V-6 unit. The XTL iteration offers more for only $35,000 and is a much better option. More equipment and more power will come with AWD Sport and Platinum trims which are priced at $46,000 and $54,000 respectively.
Competitors
Fierce competitors to upcoming Explorer SUV are going to be Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Santa Fe, Dodge Durango, and Chevrolet Traverse.
