Is the New Ford Explorer Really a Ford? What It’s Like to Live With This EV
How Does the Ford Explorer’s VW Platform Affect Its Identity?
Let’s get right to the elephant in the room: the Ford Explorer you see in UK showrooms isn’t the big, gas-guzzling SUV Americans know. This one’s built on Volkswagen’s MEB electric platform—the same bones as the VW ID.4. That’s a big deal. It means Ford and VW are sharing more than just a handshake; they’re sharing hardware, software, and even key fobs.
But does that make the Explorer feel less like a Ford? Not necessarily. Ford’s engineers have worked hard to inject their own DNA into the car. The result is a vehicle that, while borrowing some German engineering, still manages to feel distinctly Ford in the ways that matter—especially in how it drives and how it makes you feel behind the wheel.
What’s It Like to Drive the Explorer in the Real World?
Forget epic EV road trips across deserts and mountains for a moment. Most of us want to know how the Explorer handles the daily grind: city traffic, country lanes, and the occasional motorway slog. After spending thousands of miles with the Explorer, it’s clear this isn’t just a badge-engineered VW.
The ride is well-judged—firm enough to feel secure, but not so stiff that you’ll dread potholes. Ford’s tweaks to the suspension give it a bit more agility than you might expect from a boxy SUV. It’s not a hot hatch, but there’s a touch of the old Ford magic in the way it corners, especially compared to some numb-feeling electric rivals.
The steering is light but precise, making it easy to thread through tight streets or navigate endless roundabouts. And thanks to its relatively compact footprint (it’s about the same length as a Ford Focus), parking is a breeze—even if the chunky styling makes it look much bigger in photos.
How Practical Is the Explorer for Families?
Looks can be deceiving. The Explorer’s upright, chunky design gives it real presence, but it’s actually more compact than you’d think. That’s good news for anyone who dreads squeezing a big SUV down narrow roads or into tight parking spots.
Inside, there’s plenty of space for passengers, both front and rear. The boot is a decent size—445 to 470 litres depending on spec—though if you’re coming from a cavernous estate car, you might notice the difference. Still, for most families, it’s more than enough for the weekly shop, school bags, and the odd flat-pack furniture run.
One clever touch: the rear seats are roomy, and the deep boot makes it easy to stack items. The only minor gripe? Like many EVs, the charging cable storage is under the boot floor, which can be a pain if you’ve already loaded up for a trip.
Does the Explorer Feel Like a Ford Inside?
Hop in, and you’ll spot some familiar VW parts—the key fob, indicator stalks, and even the window switches. But Ford’s made the cabin its own in the ways that count. The star of the show is the massive 14.6-inch portrait touchscreen, running Ford’s own Sync infotainment system. It’s crisp, responsive, and can be tilted to reveal a handy hidden storage cubby.
The rest of the interior is practical and comfortable, if not especially plush. Heated seats with Sensico trim (a convincing leather alternative), a panoramic roof, and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system make it feel upmarket enough for the price. There’s a strong focus on usability—big cupholders, wireless phone charging, and plenty of storage for odds and ends.
Are There Any Downsides to the VW Parts Sharing?
Honestly, most drivers won’t care—or even notice. The VW-sourced switchgear works well and feels solid. The only real annoyance is the window control panel, which uses a toggle to switch between front and rear windows. It’s a small thing, but it does take some getting used to.
More importantly, Ford has invested where it counts: the ride, handling, and infotainment. The Explorer feels sharper and more engaging than other MEB-based cars, and the Ford-specific software is a step up from VW’s sometimes-clunky interface.
How Does the Explorer’s Electric Powertrain Perform?
The Extended Range Premium RWD model pairs a single 282bhp motor with a 77kWh usable battery. Officially, you’re looking at a range of 354 miles, but in real-world conditions, expect more like 260–300 miles depending on weather and driving style. That’s competitive, if not class-leading.
Charging speeds top out at 135kW—decent, but some rivals are faster. If you want quicker charging, the dual-motor AWD version is the one to go for. Efficiency is solid: around 3.4 miles per kWh in mixed driving, and up to 4.2mpkWh if you’re gentle.
One thing to note: range drops noticeably in cold weather, even with the optional heat pump. That’s a common EV quirk, but it’s worth factoring in if you do lots of winter driving.
What About Running Costs and Value for Money?
Here’s where things get interesting. The Explorer isn’t cheap. The Extended Range Premium RWD starts at £49,975, and with a few options—like the Driver Assistance Pack, heat pump, and premium paint—it can climb to over £53,000. That’s more than a similarly equipped VW ID.4, which is bigger inside.
Running costs are low, as you’d expect from an EV: zero road tax, no tailpipe emissions, and electricity costing around 9p per mile. Servicing is minimal, and there were no faults reported over thousands of miles. Still, the higher purchase price might give some buyers pause, especially with more affordable electric SUVs on the horizon.
Is the Explorer’s Tech Up to Scratch?
The infotainment system is a highlight. The portrait screen is easy to use on the move, with key controls logically placed and quick access to navigation, media, and climate. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, though the wireless charger can struggle to keep up if you’re using CarPlay for long stretches.
Driver assistance features are comprehensive, especially with the optional pack: head-up display, 360-degree camera, lane change assist, and parking aids. The 360 camera, in particular, makes tight maneuvers stress-free.
How Does the Explorer Stack Up Against Rivals?
The Explorer’s main strengths are its distinctive looks, engaging drive, and user-friendly tech. It’s more fun to drive than most electric SUVs in its class, and the compact size makes it well-suited to UK roads. The main drawbacks are the relatively high price and the fact that some rivals offer more space or faster charging for similar money.
If you want a family EV that stands out from the crowd and still feels like a Ford where it counts, the Explorer is a strong contender. It’s not perfect, but it’s honest, practical, and just a bit more interesting than the usual suspects.
So, Is the Explorer a Real Ford—and Should You Buy One?
After thousands of miles, the verdict is clear: the Explorer may share its underpinnings with VW, but it’s very much a Ford in spirit. It’s practical, good to drive, and packed with thoughtful features. The price is on the high side, but if you value character and a dash of Ford’s old-school charm in your family EV, the Explorer delivers.
It’s not the car for everyone. But for those who want something a little different—something that feels familiar yet fresh—it’s well worth a look. And who knows? You might just find yourself warming to it, mile after mile.