MOTORING REVIEW: Ford’s Explorer EV for adventurous families

FORD'S new Explorer is a mid-size, five-seater compact crossover SUV engineered and assembled in Ford’s centre in Cologne and combining European engineering with strong American styling. 

The model is closely related to the Volkswagen ID.4 as both are built on the Volkswagen Group MEB platform and share some components including VW supplied batteries by agreements between both brands. It faces stiff competition from other C-segment electrics like the Skoda Enyaq, Renault Scenic, VW ID.4 and Tesla Model Y. 

A high car, it is easy to get in and out of and everyone gets a good view out. The interior is well-designed, spacious and practical with some premium materials that seem to be hard-wearing which should suit families with young children. 

Luxurious front seats come with integrated head rests; the driver’s seat is 12-way adjustable, has a massage function and two memory settings. 

A talking point is the spaceship-like soundbar across the dash which is part of the B&O sound system. The main feature, though, is the huge 14.6-inch portrait touchscreen that takes up most of the centre console and which operates the excellent Ford SYNC fully connected infotainment system that integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and comes with a built-in EV trip planner and satellite navigation.

You can adjust the angle of the screen by up to 30 degrees which helps avoid any glare. This screen lifts up and out to reveal a hidden area behind where you can store small items out of sight before you exit the car. 

Below are controls for radio, media, front seat heaters, the air conditioning, and dual zone climate control. I used the remote audio control on the steering wheel instead of the VW-style finger slider for volume as it was easier to work and found some of the steering wheel controls to be touch sensitive so mind how you go. 

A 5.0-inch digital instrument cluster offers all the driving data you will need in day-to-day driving but I preferred to see my current speed on the really good Head Up Display. Your directions also show up on the HUP when you use the car’s own navigation system. 

A 'MegaConsole' 17-litre storage bin between the front seats can hold large items like a laptop or handbag. There are two USB-C ports and two wireless phone chargers to help you stay connected. 

The rear provides good head and leg room and the flat floor allows good foot space. Luggage space of 450 litres with all seats in use can expand to 1,400 litres with the rear seats folded flat; there’s no spare and no front ‘frunk’ under the bonnet.

Two grades are Select and Premium. Select offers a 52kWh Standard Range version with a combined electric range of 375kms and energy consumption of 16.4 kWh/100kms, and also the more powerful 77kWh Extended Range version with a combined energy consumption of 14.5 kWh/100km and claimed electric range of 602kms which is great for long journeys. Although WLTP rated, the range will be much less in real world driving. The higher powered battery (286hp) with a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive layout was the launch version here. Premium is offered in the RWD 52kWh Standard Range battery with energy consumption of 17.3 kWh/100kms and an electric range of 356 kms. All batteries can fast charge in well under 30 minutes. Torque is 545Nm, acceleration from 0-100km/h is 8.7 secs; top speed is 160km/h and road tax €120.

Apart from features already mentioned, the entry level spec includes 19-inch alloy wheels, and keyless entry; Premium adds 20-inch alloys, Matrix LED headlights, the B&O sound system, a panoramic glass roof, power tailgate.

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A suite of ADAS systems also includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Adaptive Matrix LED headlights, Cross Traffic Alert and Exit Warning, while the Driver Assistance Technology pack has 12 ultrasonic sensors, five cameras and three radar sensors. 

Explorer offers a smooth, comfortable ride even almost gliding over bumps on not-so-good Irish roads, and a quiet drive. Being an EV, you get instant acceleration. Handling was easy even in urban areas and parking a doddle with the 360deg camera - you can split the central screen to show views of all around your car. Front and rear parking sensors also help. Good blind spot monitors on side mirrors are another bonus. Drive modes are: Eco, Sport, Normal and Individual. I found the well weighted steering wheel suited me fine but some journalists have found it a bit too light for their liking. 

Explorer has been awarded a full five stars in Euro NCAP safety tests. 

Ford is currently in 11th position in the SIMI Irish sales charts with Puma their top selling passenger car followed by Focus and Kuga. Explorer is performing quite well with 226 units sold this year to date.

This is a good option for families who want a practical, comfortable electric car that offers a good driving experience, a decent range and that is energy efficient. Besides all that, the youngsters will love to boast they going ‘Exploring … ‘ Active families have the option of a sleeping tent that sits on top of the vehicle. 

Prices are from €42,119 for the 52kWh entry-level; €48,005 for the 77kWh Premium grade.