Does the current entry-level version of the Ford Explorer offer the right mix of range, performance and value?

Ford Explorer Select RWD review

December 13, 2024 Matt Allan

Does the current entry-level version of the Ford Explorer offer the right mix of range, performance and value?

Ford didn’t initially rush into the EV sphere. The Mustang Mach-E has been around for a few years but it took until 2024 for the Blue Oval to get serious about electrification.

The year started with the launch of the E-Transit and wrapped up with the reveal of the Puma Gen-E, and in between we’ve had the E-Transit Custom, the Capri and the Explorer.

I’ve already driven the Ford Explorer in range-topping all-wheel-drive Premium specification in Slovenia. Now I’ve had the chance to test the entry-level Select RWD trim on UK roads to see which is the better option and how it ranks against rivals such as the Peugeot E-3008, Renault Scenic and Volkswagen ID.4.

Design, interior and technology

Design-wise there’s not much difference between the Select and Premium. The Select trim gets 19-inch alloy wheels instead of the Premium’s 20-inchers and if you’re a headlight nerd you’ll spot the Premium has adaptive Matrix LEDs while the Select has simpler auto-dipping LEDs.

In any specification the Explorer has a distinctly blocky and American-tinged design that helps it stand out from the crowd. It may well split opinion but at least it’s not trying to just look like an electric Kuga.

Inside, the Select has a slightly different seat design, upholstered in part fabric/part faux leather. It’s a relatively minor difference but the seats and all ‘leather’ finish of the Premium are more appealing.

As I noted before, Ford has done a good job of making the Explorer look and feel distinctly different from the VW ID.4 with which it shares its platform. In fact, the only places the Ford falls down are the unavoidable VW bits such as the stupid window switches and flimsy mirror adjuster.

Elsewhere there’s a simple, slightly block design that echoes the exterior lines. The portrait touchscreen is bright and sharp and runs Ford’s responsive and well thought out Sync 4 OS. There aren’t enough physical controls for important functions but the touchscreen does make good use of shortcuts and big easy-to-press icons. The screen also slides up to suit different driver’s preferences and conceals a lockable storage space for phones and other small objects.

There’s plenty of space for bigger items in the 17-litre ‘megaconsole’ in the centre of the car. This can be configured in various ways and Ford says it’s going to make the dimensions publicly available so people can 3D print their own inserts.

On the passenger front, there’s also decent space for four, although five might feel squeezed. The Explorer is definitely as roomy in the rear as the Enyaq or ID.4, although headroom is a little restrictive for taller passengers. Boot space, however, is pretty mediocre for the class at 490 litres.

Ford Explorer Select RWD battery, motor and performance

Next year Ford is adding a ‘standard’ range version of the Explorer with a 52kWh battery and 168bhp motor. That will inevitably be cheaper but I suspect this extended range powertrain will prove to be the Explorer’s sweet spot.

With 282bhp it’s still more powerful than most rivals and the single motor version can manage an impressive 374 miles on a charge – 45 miles more than the all-wheel-drive version. That’s with the Select’s 19-inch wheels, the 20-inch ones and the extra weight of the Premium rob even the RWD drive car of 20 miles of range.

The RWD car definitely feels lighter and more nimble than the AWD one but a few hours exploring the New Forest confirmed that its ride leaves room for improvement. The UK’s crumbling roads expose a constant jostling through the cabin and the firmer ride isn’t as comfortable as rivals such as the Peugeot E-3008 or Kia EV6. Noise isolation also isn’t as good as its French or Korean rivals, although it’s decent enough.

Predictably, the firmer ride pays off in a sharper driving experience. The Explorer has a bit more directness and substance to the handling than a lot of alternative cars. Whether you want that or the smoother ride is a matter of personal preference.

Ford Explorer Select RWD price and specification

As well as the 20-mile range boost that the Select car gets, it also brings most of the equipment you’ll actually want and need. While it doesn’t get the panoramic roof, Matrix lights or B&O sound system it does still get plenty of creature comforts for the £45,895 list price

These include heated massage seats and a heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control and a reversing camera, as well as adaptive cruise control, keyless entry and all-round parking sensors. In fact, the only item I would miss from the Premium spec is the powered tailgate.

Ford Explorer Select RWD verdict

Is the Select RWD the best option in the Explorer range? Probably. None of the Premium kit is essential and by opting for the smaller wheels you get an extra 20 miles of range and a marginally better ride. The AWD is definitely more potent but the extended range single-motor version has plenty of power as well as the best possible range.

Is the Explorer the best option in its class? Probably not. There are plenty of other equally competent choices, and the Renault Scenic offers better range, similar equipment and space, plus a more refined drive, all for less money.