Is a Ford Explorer built on a truck chassis?
Yes, the Ford Explorer is built on a truck chassis. The Ford Explorer is a mid-size SUV that has been in production since 1990 and is known for its rugged design and off-road capabilities, which are largely attributed to its truck-based platform.
Truck-Based Platform of the Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is built on a body-on-frame chassis, which is a traditional truck-based design. This means that the vehicle's body is mounted on a separate frame, similar to how a pickup truck is constructed. This type of platform provides the Explorer with increased towing capacity, off-road capability, and overall durability compared to a unibody design, which is more common in car-based SUVs.
The Explorer's truck-based platform is derived from the Ford Ranger pickup truck, which was the basis for the first-generation Explorer that debuted in 1990. Over the years, the Explorer has evolved, but it has maintained its truck-like underpinnings, even as the design has become more refined and car-like.
Benefits of a Truck Chassis
The truck-based platform of the Ford Explorer offers several advantages:
- Towing Capacity: The Explorer's truck-based chassis allows it to tow heavier loads, making it a popular choice for those who need to tow trailers, boats, or other large items.
- Off-Road Capability: The body-on-frame design and available four-wheel-drive systems give the Explorer enhanced off-road capabilities, allowing it to tackle challenging terrain with ease.
- Durability: The robust truck-based platform provides the Explorer with increased structural integrity and a higher level of durability compared to unibody SUVs.
While the Explorer's truck-based platform offers these benefits, it also comes with some trade-offs, such as a harsher ride quality and lower fuel efficiency compared to car-based SUVs.
