New Ford Explorer electric SUV delayed until mid 2024: everything we know so far

• Ford Explorer delayed until 2024
• New electric SUV based on the VW ID4
• More rugged-looking than that car
• Completely unique interior
• Up to 335 miles of range
• Could cost around £40,000

This is the Ford Explorer. Unlike the Explorer sold across the pond, this isn’t a huge seven-seater V6 SUV, it’s a more modest five-seat electric car which shares parts with the Volkswagen ID4.

This alternative to the Kia EV6 and Skoda Enyaq will be available with either rear or all-wheel-drive, and it will have up to 335 miles of range.

When will I be able to buy a new Ford Explorer?

The new Ford Explorer was initially meant to go on sale in the autumn this year, however it’s now been delayed so you’ll have to wait until the summer of 2024.

An exact price hasn’t been announced just yet, however expect it to fetch a similar figure to the Volkswagen ID4 which it shares a lot of parts. That means £40,000 is likely.

New Ford Explorer design

The new Ford Explorer may have a lot in common with the Volkswagen ID4 under the skin, however it looks nothing like that car on the outside. You certainly won’t get the two confused.

This is mainly thanks to the more angular headlights and the upright front end. You have a couple of vents on the lower bumper, however there are no fake grilles like you’ll find on the Audi Q4 e-tron.

The boxy theme continues down the side, and the black plastic cladding points to a more off-road theme to the ID4. The Explorer also gets some graphics in the C-pillar.

There’s a pretty big roof spoiler at the rear, along with some C-shaped tail lights connected by a gloss black trim strip. You also have some more black cladding around the lower bumper.

New Ford Explorer interior and infotainment

The interior is just as unique to Ford as the exterior, with just a couple of switches taken from the Volkswagen ID4. You’d never guess the two cars were the same underneath, just look at the two cabins side-by-side.

As with many new SUVs, the dashboard is dominated by a massive touchscreen. It’s 14.6-inches across, and it can slide up and down to angle it as you want it. There’s also some hidden storage behind the screen.

In front of this is a wireless charging pad for your phone, and the centre console storage cubby is big enough to fit a laptop. The driver sits in front of a unique square steering wheel and a digital driver’s display.

Standard equipment includes heated massage seats, a heated steering wheel and dual-zone climate control, as well as keyless entry and a power tailgate.

New Ford Explorer batteries and range

The new Ford Explorer will be available with either a 52kWh or a 77kWh battery, just like the Volkswagen ID4.

Rear-wheel-drive models with the larger battery will have 335 miles of claimed range, while the smaller-battery model should be able to manage around 220 miles on a charge.

Check out Mat’s in-depth review of the Volkswagen ID4 below…

The Explorer will be able to go from 10-80% in just 25 minutes from a DC fast charger.

New Ford Explorer motors and driving

The new Ford Explorer will be available with either a single motor powering the rear wheels, or dual-motors providing all-wheel-drive.

Entry-level cars with the smaller battery and rear-wheel-drive, while single-motor versions with the 77kWh pack get 285hp. That’s the same as the Volkswagen ID7 saloon. Dual-motor cars have 340hp, 40hp more than the Volkswagen ID5 GTX and the same as you’ll get in the forthcoming Cupra Tavascan.

The Ford Explorer will also be available with a range of driver assistance technology, including lane change assist which can perform a lane change automatically with the touch of the indicator.

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