Ford Explorer - Top reasons to buy

The Ford Explorer has long been popular among SUV-enthusiasts. With its signature boxy shape, premium design, and powerful driving experience, the Explorer has lived up to its 20-year reputation. Despite its notoriety, Ford wasn’t quick to make successive versions of the Explorer with the last upgrade back in 2016.

The 2016 Explorer featured premium design and engine changes and was what gave the model praise for its contemporary comeback.

This 2019, Ford Philippines finally gave the Explorer a quiet facelift. Despite being three years in the making, the new Ford Explorer did not receive any major changes in terms of both appearance and engineering. In fact, the size and dimensions are virtually the same as its predecessor.

Minimal changes were given to the front fascia, with a new grille replacement and a different shape design for the fog lamps. It still carries the familiar 2.3L Ecoboost FWD engine. However, Ford has also added something new under-the-hood, especially for the Explorer.

At first look, it might be difficult to discern what makes the new 2019 Ford Explorer a good buy. Easily comparable to its 2016 predecessor, the barely noticeable upgrades might leave you stumped. However, Ford has proved countless times that there’s more than what meets the eye. This is why we listed down the top reasons to take home the 2019 Ford Explorer for you.

Subtle yet stylish design upgrades

Ford is committed to giving its models a premium look and feel every time they roll out a new version. With the Ford Explorer, it’s no different. Despite only receiving minimal changes, it succeeds in giving the 2019 version, its own distinct premium look.

The front fascia was swapped out with simpler design cues, achieving a sleeker appearance. The original honeycomb grille is now gone and replaced with a plainer one. The overall grille now also features slats, which are a new addition to the Explorer.

The usual C-shaped fog lamps also got booted out, with L-shaped fog lamps now adorning the Explorer. A new black trim now also separates the bumper and the front fascia.

New engine offering

The 2019 Ford Explorer is still powered by the same 2.3L Ecoboost FWD engine found in the 2016 version. However, the automaker has now added a new engine offering for those seeking a more powerful driving experience on the Explorer.

The new 3.5L V6 Ecoboost engine can generate 370 hp at 5,500 rpm and 475 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm. This packs more of a punch compared to the 2.3L Ecoboost which can produce 274 hp at 5,500 rpm and 408 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm.

	Ford Explorer 2.3L Limited EcoBoost	Ford Explorer 3.5L Sport V6 EcoBoost
Engine	2.3L I-4 Ecoboost	3.5L V6 Ecoboost
Power	274 hp @ 5,500 rpm	370 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque	408 Nm @ 3,000 rpm	475 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
Transmission	6-speed SelectShift Automatic
Drive Line Configuration	Front-Wheel Drive	All Wheel Drive

The additional engine offering comes in all-wheel drive, however, both can be mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Premium tech upgrades

To give a more premium and modern feel, the automaker included new tech upgrades in the Ford Explorer specs sheet. Inside, a new SYNC 3 infotainment system can be found, which is equipped with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Explorer also has a push-button start system, a rearview camera, and a front 180-degree camera.

To top it off, Ford gave the seats a leather trim with heating and cooling features.

Advanced safety features

Aside from the standard safety features found on the vehicle, Ford included has a new suite of up-to-date safety features for the 2019 model. Some of the new features include the following:

• SecuriCode keyless entry keypad 
• SecuriLock passive/active anti-theft system (PATS)
• Advance Trac with roll stability control (RSC) 
• S.O.S post-crash alert system 
• Perimeter alarm

Ford has also included additional airbags for both the driver and front passenger sides. An extra knee airbag and side curtain airbags were also added for extra safety. The automaker also included new child safety features - lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH) - for those with child passengers.

Ford Explorer standard safety features are :

• Hill launch assist (HLA) 
• Front park assist 
• Blindspot information system (NLIS) 
• A reverse sensing system
• Cross-traffic alert system

Ford Explorer Price-list

Ford Explorer 2.3L Limited EcoBoost	Php 2,798,000
Ford Explorer 3.5L Sport V6 EcoBoost	Php 3,178,000

The Ford Explorer price for 2.3L Limited EcoBoost didn’t deviate from its original 2016 pricing, retaining its P2.8 million price tag. The newer 3.5L Sport V6 EcoBoost has a heavier price tag, priced at P3.2 million.

Fans of the Ford Explorer will be happy to still find the same features that first many fall in love with the vehicle. The new upgrades given by Ford ensure that the Explorer is more equipped for modern road travel and situations.

Let us know what you think about the new 2019 Ford Explorer. Are you taking one home? Share with us on our social media.

Also read: Ford Explorer: Full details