Are Ford Explorers considered trucks?
No, Ford Explorers are not considered trucks. The Ford Explorer is a mid-size SUV, not a truck. While it shares some similarities with trucks, such as a body-on-frame construction and available four-wheel drive, the Explorer is classified as an SUV by automotive industry standards.
Explaining the Ford Explorer's Classification
The Ford Explorer is part of the SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) category, which is distinct from the truck category. SUVs are designed to provide the cargo and passenger capacity of a truck, but with a more comfortable and car-like ride quality. In contrast, trucks are typically built for more rugged, work-oriented tasks such as hauling heavy loads or towing trailers.
The key differences that distinguish the Ford Explorer as an SUV rather than a truck include:
- Unibody construction, rather than the body-on-frame design typical of trucks
- Seating for up to 7 passengers, compared to the 2-3 person capacity of most trucks
- Greater emphasis on passenger comfort and on-road driving dynamics, rather than pure utility and off-road capability
While the Explorer does share some truck-like features, such as available four-wheel drive and a powerful engine lineup, these are common among many modern SUVs as well. The overall design, purpose, and classification of the Ford Explorer places it firmly in the SUV category, not the truck category.
What are Ford trucks called?
There are three main Ford pickup trucks the F-150, F-250, and the F-350.
Is it OK to call an SUV a truck?
In fact, SUVs are classified as trucks as opposed to cars. You can think of them as pickup trucks with a covered cargo area that's built out for passengers. SUVs are also built with a body-on-frame construction, so they're the better choice for off-roading. A great example of an SUV in the GMC lineup is the Yukon.
What classifies a car as a truck?
The regulations define a "commercial motor vehicle" as any self-propelled or towed vehicle used on a public highway in interstate commerce to transport passengers or property when the vehicle: (1) has a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more; (2) is designed to transport more than 15 passengers, including ...
Is a Ford Explorer classified as a truck?
2011-2019 Explorer
In a major change, Ford moved the Explorer from a truck-based, rear-wheel-drive body-on-frame platform to a car-based, unitized front-wheel-drive platform. Though still marketed as an SUV, it was now more accurately a crossover. The largest engine was a V-6, while turbocharged four-cylinders …
Is an Explorer built on a truck frame?
Compared to previous models, these Explorers switched to a unibody frame. Whereas previous Explorers used a truck-based chassis, this new unibody design makes for better handling and a smoother, more car-like drive.
Are minivans built on truck chassis?
Compared with a full-size van, most minivans are based on a passenger car platform and have a lower body. Early models such as the Ford Aerostar and Chevrolet Astro utilized a compact pickup truck platform.
Is a Ford Expedition a car or a truck?
The Ford Expedition is a full-size sport-utility vehicle based on Ford's popular full-size pickup truck platform.
Is an Explorer a car or truck?
2011-2019 Explorer
In a major change, Ford moved the Explorer from a truck-based, rear-wheel-drive body-on-frame platform to a car-based, unitized front-wheel-drive platform. Though still marketed as an SUV, it was now more accurately a crossover. The largest engine was a V-6, while turbocharged four-cylinders.
Are SUVs considered trucks?
Per Cars.com, in the United States and several other countries, the SUV has been classified as a light truck rather than a car. This gives the SUV a more relaxed fuel efficiency standard. In terms of how the SUV looks and feels, it resembles a combination of truck, minivan, and the average American family car.
What are the Ford Explorer trucks called?
Sport Trac
The Sport Trac, produced until 2010, was based on the Ford Explorer SUV but featured a pickup truck bed, making it a versatile option for both passenger and cargo space. The Sport Trac saw significant evolution over its production run.
