After launching its first 100% electric vehicle, the Mustang Mach-E SUV in 2020, Ford is now introducing another 100% electric SUV to compete in Europe against the likes of the Tesla Model Y, Peugeot e-3008, and more. The new Ford Explorer has crossed the Atlantic, retaining only its name. Gone are the V6 engine and American SUV size. Designed in Europe and for Europe, the Explorer is now 100% electric, with dimensions similar to the Renault Scénic E-tech electric. Discover our review of the “made in Europe” American SUV on the roads of Finistère, at the end of the world, or almost!
Globally, Ford Motor Company has slowed down on 100% electric vehicles, but the American automotive giant is counting on its new Explorer to conquer Europe, where the sale of new combustion and hybrid cars will be banned from 2035. The 100% electric Ford Explorer is joined today by the new 100% electric Ford Capri. Next year, the smaller Ford Puma Gen-E 100% electric compact SUV will hit the European market. Let’s start our review of the 100% electric Ford Explorer by presenting the design of this new car.
To appeal to European customers, Ford decided to base the Explorer on the Volkswagen MEB platform, also using the battery, electric drivetrain, and electronics from the ID.4. Therefore, the Explorer and ID.4 share many components. Ford has invested over €2 billion ($2.1 billion) to modernize its Cologne plant, established in 1930. Named the “Ford Cologne Electric Vehicle Center,” this historic production site is dedicated to assembling the Explorer and Capri. Thus, the Ford Explorer is 100% electric and almost 100% European, though its interior and exterior design retain a “made in USA” flair.
To begin our review of the Ford Explorer, let’s take a tour of this compact 100% electric SUV with a length of 4.468 meters, a width of 1.872 meters, and a height of 1.604 meters, with a “giant” wheelbase of 2.767 meters. The Ford Explorer is available in two trim levels (“Explorer” – “Pack Premium”) and four powertrain/battery options: 170 hp/52 kWh – 204 hp/79 kWh – 286 hp/77 kWh – 340 hp/79 kWh (all-wheel drive). Note that our test model is the Ford Explorer “Explorer” trim and “Extended Range” 286 hp version with a 77 kWh battery, in “Arctic Blue” body color.
At the front, the Ford Explorer impresses with its solid grille and wide, flat hood. Its headlights and boomerang-shaped light signature enhance this front end, giving it an almost Range Rover-like appearance.
From the side, the roof appears to float, thanks to the standard black pillars that visually lighten the massive look of the new 100% electric Ford Explorer, with the rear echoing the American version of the SUV. Three wheel sizes are available: 19 inches for the “Explorer” trim (test model), 20 inches for the “Pack Premium” trim, and optional 21-inch wheels.
From the rear, the Ford Explorer also reminds us of the American version, with its taillights and “square” aspect. Its small rear window and the narrowing of the rear fenders further refine the overall look. Ford has successfully dressed this common base, borrowed from Volkswagen, to give it a unique identity.
The black and cream two-tone interior of our 100% electric Ford Explorer test model is quite upscale and well-finished, despite the presence of many hard plastics. An original touch is the soundbar placed directly on the dashboard, keeping the whole setup coherent and functional. The cabin is comfortable and spacious, thanks to numerous storage options, including the large central console offering 17 liters of storage under the armrest—enough to easily fit a handbag or laptop.
The rear seats comfortably accommodate two adults. The middle seat is better suited for children due to its firm and upright cushion, which can be transformed into an armrest/ski hatch.
On the road, the 100% electric Ford Explorer met our expectations. Thanks to its chassis borrowed from Volkswagen, it offers good handling for an electric car. The front end is efficient, the steering is precise, and it even allows for a certain driving dynamism, despite its weight exceeding 2 tons.
The Ford Explorer, in the “Extended Range” version (286 hp 77 kWh), boasts a range of 374 miles, among the best in its category. During our test on secondary roads, with air conditioning on and without paying particular attention to consumption, we achieved a consumption of 16.7 kWh/100 km (10.4 miles per kWh), or about 285 miles of range. Regarding charging, the all-wheel-drive version supports a charging power of 185 kW. It takes 26 minutes to go from 10% to 80% battery. The rest of the range, limited to 135 kW, takes 2 more minutes.
To conclude this review, the Ford Explorer “version 2.0” has many strengths to attract the European market: a Volkswagen chassis, its own look, an interesting level of standard equipment, and a rather pleasant driving experience. The question now is whether all this will be enough, as the competition is tough, and the electric car market is not taking off? In Europe, Ford has unfortunately decided to launch a restructuring plan to respond to the unsatisfactory sales level. Finally, our Ford Explorer test model starts at €46,900 ($49,800), excluding the 2025 ecological bonus.
Text, photos, and review by: Mathieu Langlais
