2028 Ford Explorer Rlease date, Review, Specs – The Explorer has been part of Ford’s SUV lineup for more than 30 years, and it remains one of the most popular SUVs in America. The three-row SUV received a significant update for the 2028 model year, and for 2028, Ford is introducing something new to the lineup – the off-road-ready Tremor. With a unique, rugged appearance and the capability to back it up, the new Tremor lets new Explorer customers find adventure off the beaten path. 2028 Ford Explorer Rlease date
2028 Ford Explorer Redesign and Update Plan
Exterior & Interior
As you’d wish, the Timberline reaches mean with all-wheel industry, and critically, Ford engineers augment the model’s hardware with a Torsen limited-slip rear differential to enhance traction when the going gets rough. This auto features 8.7 inches of ground clearance, achieved through a subtle 0.8-inch lift size ride, in part due to additional aggressive 18-inch Bridgestone Dueler all-terrain tires (P265/65) and a 0.5-inch suspension lift. The redesigned front and rear bumpers are also beneficial, providing slightly improved off-road geometry with an bearing slant of 23.5 phases, a breakover slant of 18.9 degrees, and a departure slant of 23.7 degrees. That being said, none of these values stand out as notably noteworthy.
Take a closer look inside, and you’ll see an attractive, model-exclusive Deep Cypress interior featuring faux leather seats accented with heathered material inserts and orange seam. A stone-mesh-look appliqué on the energy and satin silver trim spread further differentiation, and a set of rubber floor liners support keep the Great Outdoors from sullying your new rig’s Pretty Nice Indoors.
2028 Ford Explorer Specs
Engine & Performance
Oddly, Ford is hedging its bets on Timberline by qualifying the model for a single engine: the Explorer’s 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder, which has been adjusted to produce 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. That may appear like a smallish engine for a extensive three-row SUV, and indeed, the powerplant is not especially sonorous when pushed. That said, the required automatic transmission shifts smoothly, and all 10 of its ratios support the little engine feel spirited off the stripe while still delivering adequate freeway passing power.
Despite that small-displacement powerplant, Ford equipped all Timberlines with a formal Class III tow hitch, rated at a very respectable 5,300 pounds — more than enough for a small travel trailer or a couple of ATVs. That tow rating actually beats several V6-powered competitions, including the Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, Subaru Ascent, and Toyota Highlander, all of which have a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds. Having stated that, if I prepared to tow usually or even load up all seven seats and the cargo storage regularly, I’d strongly consider splurging on one of the Explorer’s premium trims (e.g., King Ranch or Platinum) to score Ford’s 3.0-liter EcoBoost and its additional 100 hp and 105 pound-feet of torque. Those examples may boast 300 additional pounds of towing power, but the extra power would be worth it. 2028 Ford Explorer Rlease date
2028 Ford Explorer Fuel Economy
With its gnarlier rubber and modestly taller shape, it should come as no surprise that the Explorer Timberline’s fuel economy takes a slight hit. EPA estimates call for 19 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the route, and 21 mpg mixed — if the model in question is equipped with stop-start technology. Due to the global semiconductor shortage, some Timberlines are also being produced without the fuel-saving technology—these measures net just lower figures: 19 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, 20 mpg combined. With or without the chip, those figures remain unimpressive. The 3.6-liter V6-powered Jeep Grand Cherokee L 4×4 performs comparable mileage — 18/25/21 — while offering substantially better off-road capability and towing capacity (6,200 pounds).
2028 Ford Explorer Release Date & Price
The doesn’t make Timberline an inadequate worth, though. At a starting price of $47,260, including $1,245 for delivery, this Ford is reasonably priced for a modern three-row SUV with this level of range. Then also, neither does this midsize SUV arrived across as a screaming deal. 2028 Ford Explorer Rlease date