Ford

Explorer

The Ford Explorer is a fully electrified compact five-door SUV that is big on style and performance with an exceptionally good driving range between charges. There’s a choice of trims, battery sizes and also the option of rear- or all-wheel drive.

Test Drive

Ford Explorer – First Drive (2025)

The USA seems to dominate our airwaves these days, with constant coverage of election campaigns and Elon Musk’s foray into UK politics.

So, it’s no surprise that Ford has introduced an EV bearing the name of a classic American gas-guzzler. However, unlike its thirsty American cousin, the UK version of the Ford Explorer is a compact SUV that’s fully electrified.

Competing in a rapidly expanding segment, the Explorer shares its platform with the VW ID.4 and starts at £45,875. Customers can choose between two trims called Select and Premium, with the latter offering the option of all-wheel drive. Rear-wheel drive versions come with a 77kWh battery, which increases to 79kWh for the AWD variant. A more affordable Explorer with a smaller 52kWh battery will be available later this year, starting from £39,875.

For our test drive, we opted for the high-spec Explorer Premium with rear-wheel drive, priced at £49,975. A number of optional extras such as Arctic Blue paint, a Driver Assistance Pack (which adds features like lane change assist, a head-up display and a 360-degree camera), plus a heat pump for more efficient cabin pre-heating, saw the final cost rise to £51,125.

Our Explorer featured the 77kWh Extended Range battery, producing 286PS and 545Nm of torque. It accelerated from 0 to 62mph in just 6.4 seconds with a top speed of 112mph, and a combined range of 354 miles between charges which will alleviate any range anxiety fears.

The five-door vehicle feels responsive and lively, easily merging onto fast-moving motorways. However, the range drops more quickly at higher speeds. Out on more twisty country roads, it holds its own with impressive grip and balance, though the large 20-inch wheels do make it feel a little unsettled on rougher surfaces.

There is a B mode on the gear selector stalk that increases the strength of the regenerative braking, helping to recoup energy when you lift off the accelerator. In addition, drive modes called Eco, Normal, Sport and Individual alter the car’s behaviour and dynamics to suit different driving styles.

The suspension provides impressive comfort, smoothing out uneven surfaces, and the cabin remains quiet and well-insulated despite a little wind noise becoming more noticeable at higher speeds.

The Explorer is also quite a head-turner with modern, distinctive looks that help it stand out from the crowd. The front end is clean and sleek, with sweeping light clusters and anti-glare Matrix LED headlights that include automatic high beam assist. Other exterior features include LED rear lights, a panoramic sunroof, rear privacy glass, front door scuff plates, and 20-inch alloy wheels.

Moving inside, it’s impossible not to be impressed by the modern, high-end cabin with quality fixtures and fittings throughout. The leather-free quilted seats are not only comfortable, but they also offer power adjustments and a massage function for added pampering on long drives. And the front seats, along with the steering wheel, can be heated to fend off the winter chill.

The main focal point is the 14.6-inch upright infotainment screen, which can be tilted to reduce glare on sunny days. It also conceals storage compartments when the car is powered down. Standard features include full smartphone connectivity, cloud-based navigation, a 10-speaker B&O sound system, plus front and rear parking sensors.

Behind the steering wheel, a 5.3-inch digital display shows key driving data, while a head-up display provides essential stats without distracting the driver. The cabin is user-friendly with well-placed controls and a driver-focused layout.

On the practicality front, the Explorer also scores highly with a deceptively roomy cabin and clever use of available space. Up front, a couple of six footers can stretch out, while the rear seats provide ample room for two adults or three youngsters with the completely flat floor making the middle seat experience more bearable.

The boot is accessed via a powered tailgate and can hold 465 litres of kit, a capacity that increases to 1,455 litres when the 60:40 split-folding rear seats are dropped down. There is no additional frunk space beneath the bonnet, but there are plenty of practical storage options throughout the cabin, including a glovebox, front and rear cup holders, a charging pad, seat back pockets and door bins.

There’s also a generous 17-litre MegaConsole storage compartment under the armrest, large enough to fit a laptop or several oversized water bottles. But one downside is the awkward positioning of the front USB-C ports, which can make charging cables tricky to plug in. Thankfully, the pair of rear ports are more conveniently located near the central air vents.

For charging, the Explorer’s 77kWh battery can be boosted from 10 to 80 per cent in just 28 minutes using a 135kW fast charger, although home charging will be more cost-effective if possible.

All in all, breaking into the crowded electric compact SUV market is no small feat, but the Ford Explorer manages to stand out with its stylish design, long driving range, and well-equipped interior. It’s a car that delivers a solid performance without making too much fuss, and that’s something we applaud.