August 3rd 2022
Ford has revealed the 2023 Explorer for the Chinese market, calling it an amalgamation of Chinese and American elegance. While it is touted as an all-new model, it is actually not. The Explorer has only received a heavy dose of upgradation.
Exterior
Speaking of the upgrades, the first thing we notice on the front is a wider than before grille and lots of chrome along with completely restyled LED headlights. Looking at the side profile, we can find 21-inch alloy wheels featuring a turbine fan pattern.
The changes at the back are substantial as well, where the wider taillights mimic the ones we have seen in the Equator, available for the Chinese markets. We can also find the “Explorer” wording on the tailgate instead of the Ford emblem, which moves slightly below between the taillights. It combines with a chrome rod that’s thinner and broader than the ongoing Explorer.
Interior
As we step inside, we feel an all-new interior thanks to the huge 27-inch touchscreen, which occupies most of the dashboard. The same screen is also accessible on the Ford Evos for China. The big screen has eliminated the need for buttons, and almost all the functions can be controlled through it. The central air vent moved lower because of the big screen, which even expands to reach the passenger side of the dash.
Would we be able to see the same design changes inside and out for other markets? According to Ford Authority, we won’t. All these upgrades are for the Chinese Explorer. It means the 2023 Explorer for the US and UAE will not get these updates.
For the Chinese customers, Ford will start taking orders from August 11, while the development will start in November.
Ford is also working on the all-electric Explorer, but we learned its launch had been moved from mid-2023 to fall 2024. The launch of the luxurious Lincoln Aviator EV has also been delayed. Both these EVs will be underpinned on a new dedicated electric vehicle platform.
It is still not clear where these EVs will be made. However, motor1 says it will probably not be Chicago or Cuautitlan.
Source and Images: Motor1