Next-gen Ford Explorer & Ford Escape teased, not coming to India
Following Ford's press conference in March that teased the Bronco, mini Bronco, Explorer ST and Shelby Mustang GT500, the American car manufacturer has released the presentation online revealing teasers of the next generation Ford Explorer and Ford Escape.
The teaser of Ford's next-gen mid-size Explorer seems to be the same one that was revealed at the 2018 Beijing Auto Show. From what we can tell, it's not a radical departure from the model it replaces. Some of the new details include a smooth and sloping front fascia with gentle curves, short rear overhang and a gently raked windscreen that bisects a sloping roof. It also features bold roof rails and sharply raked B-pillars similar to the current version. The next-gen Explorer seems to be slightly bigger in dimensions, although it's tough to confirm from a mere teaser of its side profile.
One of the presentation slides pits the teased explorer in the lineup of Ford's future hybrids and plug-in hybrid lineup. At the moment, no concrete details exist on the fuel-saving hybrid powertrains developed for the Explorer. Regular petrol-powered models could also be offered with engines like a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, a 3.3-liter V6, and a Ford Performance twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine for the Explorer ST (Explorer Sport replacement). It will be based on the CD6 platform that also underpins the new Lincoln Aviator SUV.
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As for the smaller Ford Escape (Ford Kuga), the teaser reveals a slightly more curvaceous exterior with an upward sweeping shoulder line similar to that of the new Ford Focus, a more upright front end with a strong nose, and an upright tailgate with a sharply raked windscreen. Spy shots of the next-gen Escape's interior reveal design elements we've seen in the latest crop of Fords, such as a freestanding SYNC 3 touchscreen system, new 3-spoke steering wheel, and HVAC vents positioned under the touchscreen. Engine options should include a range of four-cylinder EcoBoost petrol and EcoBlue diesel engine options, as well as a plug-in hybrid variant.