Ford's 'Flagship' Explorer Renovated After 5 Years... Starting at 63 Million KRW

ST Line and Platinum 2 Trim Options Released
Refined Exterior and Expanded Front Row Space

Ford Korea has released a facelifted model of its flagship sports utility vehicle (SUV), the 'Explorer,' for the first time in five years. The front exterior has been redesigned, and the interior's front-row space has been expanded to improve visibility. Given that the Explorer accounts for more than half of Ford Korea's domestic sales and is considered its 'star model,' attention is focused on whether it will demonstrate competitiveness in the large SUV market at the end of the year.

On the 12th, Ford Korea held a launch event at Sebitseom in Seoul to unveil the 'The New Ford Explorer' and officially announced its domestic release. This facelifted model reinterprets the 6th generation Explorer, which was launched in 2019, with significantly improved product appeal. The Explorer, first introduced in 1990 as Ford's first 4-door SUV, has maintained steady popularity through successive generations.

Regarding the exterior, the front grille pattern has become somewhat bolder, and the distinction with the LED headlamps is clearer. The bumper design has also changed, lowering the overall front-end center of gravity. The 'ST-Line' grade vehicle, equipped with the 'Street Package,' features 21-inch alloy wheels, performance brakes, and red brake calipers. The 'Platinum' grade vehicle comes with 20-inch wheels. Exterior colors are available in ▲Agate Black ▲Star White ▲Rapid Red ▲Carbon Gray ▲Vapor Blue (exclusive to ST-Line) ▲Iconic Silver (exclusive to Platinum).

The interior layout has also been updated. The dashboard is positioned more forward than before to enhance openness, and the front-row space has been expanded. The instrument cluster is equipped with a 12.3-inch LCD display, and the center console display has been enlarged to 13.2 inches. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are supported. Additionally, it features a twin-panel panoramic moonroof and ambient lighting functions.

The new Explorer is equipped with a 2300cc EcoBoost engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission. It delivers a maximum output of 403 horsepower and a peak torque of 43 kgf·m. Along with the all-wheel-drive platform, it supports a Terrain Management System (TMS) with six driving modes. Depending on driving conditions and road surfaces, drivers can select from ▲Normal ▲Eco ▲Sport ▲Slippery ▲Towing/Hauling ▲Off-road modes.

Furthermore, Ford's driving assistance system, Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0, has been introduced. It includes Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centering Assist, Lane Keeping System, and a 360-degree camera. Prices are set at 62.9 million KRW for the ST-Line and 69 million KRW for the Platinum (including VAT, with a 5% individual consumption tax applied).

The success of the new Explorer is expected to be directly linked to Ford Korea's overall performance, as it accounts for more than half of the company's total sales. Previously, in 2018, Explorer sales nearly reached 7,000 units annually but have since declined, dropping to 1,274 units accumulated from January to October this year. It is expected to compete in the large SUV market against the fully redesigned Hyundai Palisade model launching at the end of next month and the fully redesigned Chevrolet Traverse model releasing next year.

Son Seon-hee, Executive Vice President and Head of Marketing & Communications at Ford Korea, stated, "The Explorer has been synonymous with imported large SUVs in the Korean market for over 25 years, earning the love of many customers and contributing to the growth of the domestic large SUV market. We hope that more customers will enjoy new and diverse everyday adventures with The New Ford Explorer."

Ford's large sport utility vehicle (SUV) Explorer model year update is displayed on the 12th at Sebitseom, Seoul. Photo by Ford Korea

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.