第五代探险者是在2011年发布的，因此下一代车型已经到了测试阶段。从最近谍照记者拍到的照片看，新一代车型外观设计更像是渐进式改款而非全面改款，看到照片后，很多人甚至会说，这就是现行版车型。不过，并非如此，这辆重度伪装的车辆采用了不同的前脸和新的引擎盖，保险杠和改款前大灯。车尾也有所改变，特别是尾灯部分，透过伪装可以看到行李箱盖上采用了红色装饰条。虽然外观设计看起来变化不那么大，但其他部分变化很大。实际上，2019款摒弃了老旧的D4平台而是采用了新开发的D6平台。新平台应用了更多铝制材料，重量大幅降低，有助于提升燃油经济性和操控性。至于动力系统，新车不再搭载费油的3.5升V6引擎，而是最新的EcoBoost引擎。目前还不清楚该车是否会与2018款野马共享十速自动变速器，如果采用也是可以理解的。新车的某些车型仍将标配前轮驱动，而更高端版本则提供全轮驱动。D6平台还可容纳后轮驱动，但这并不意味着新车将提供后轮驱动。新一代探险者将作为2019款车型上市，这意味着该车将于明年发布，或许在明年初的北美车展上，福特将发布这款车。
2019 Ford Explorer caught hiding evolutionary design
The fifth-gen Explorer has been around since 2011, so it’s no wonder the next-gen model is currently in an advanced testing phase. The design appears to be evolutionary rather than revolutionary, and many will be tempted to say the test vehicle is actually the current model. However, that’s not the case as the camouflaged vehicle spotted in Dearborn, Michigan has a different front fascia with a new hood, bumper, and reworked headlights. The rear end is also changed, especially if you check out the taillights and how they’re connected through a red bar mounted on the trunk lid.
While the design won’t change that much, everything else will. Indeed, the 2019 Ford Explorer will ditch the aging D4 underpinnings and switch to the newly developed D6 platform. A more extensive use of aluminum should bring a healthy weight loss for the big SUV, which will pay dividends in terms of fuel efficiency and handling.
As far as engines are concerned, chances are Ford will drop the thirsty naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 and will sell the next Explorer with the latest crop of EcoBoost mills. It remains to be seen whether the 2018 Mustang’s new 10-speed automatic transmission will be offered, but it would make sense for the Explorer to get it as well. A front-wheel-drive layout is expected to be standard on the lesser models, with more expensive versions set to be offered with an AWD layout. The D6 platform can accommodate a RWD setup, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the new Explorer will be available in this configuration.
The new Ford Explorer should be ready for the 2019 model year, meaning that it will be introduced at some point in 2018. The Blue Oval company might decide to bring it to the Detroit Auto Show in about a year from now.