Is an Explorer on a truck frame?
The Ford Explorer has been a popular SUV choice for decades, offering a blend of comfort, utility, and performance. However, one question that often arises among car enthusiasts and potential buyers is whether the Explorer is built on a truck frame. Understanding the vehicle's construction can help you make an informed decision about its capabilities and suitability for your needs.
The Evolution of the Ford Explorer's Frame
When the Ford Explorer was first introduced in 1990, it was indeed built on a truck frame. Specifically, it shared its underpinnings with the Ford Ranger pickup truck. This body-on-frame construction made the early Explorers rugged and capable of handling off-road conditions and towing tasks. However, as consumer preferences shifted towards more car-like handling and comfort, Ford made significant changes to the Explorer's design.
Modern Ford Explorer: A Unibody Construction
Starting with the 2011 model year, the Ford Explorer transitioned to a unibody construction. This means that the body and frame are integrated into a single structure, similar to how most passenger cars are built. The unibody design offers several advantages:
- Improved Ride Comfort: The unibody construction provides a smoother and quieter ride compared to the traditional body-on-frame design.
- Better Handling: With a lower center of gravity, unibody vehicles tend to handle better on paved roads.
- Increased Fuel Efficiency: Unibody designs are generally lighter, which can contribute to better fuel economy.
While the unibody construction enhances on-road performance and comfort, it does come with some trade-offs. For instance, the Explorer's towing capacity and off-road ruggedness are not as robust as they were in its body-on-frame days. However, for most modern SUV buyers, these compromises are outweighed by the benefits.
Conclusion: A Modern SUV for Modern Needs
To answer the question directly: No, the current Ford Explorer is not built on a truck frame. It features a unibody construction that prioritizes comfort, handling, and efficiency. If you're looking for a vehicle with truck-like ruggedness, you might want to consider other options, such as the Ford Expedition, which still uses a body-on-frame design. However, if you value a refined driving experience and versatile utility, the Explorer remains an excellent choice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ford Explorer based on?
Volkswagen Group MEB platform
The Ford Explorer is a battery electric compact crossover SUV (C-segment) produced by Ford through its European operations. Produced in the Cologne Body & Assembly in Germany and marketed mainly in Europe, the vehicle is based on the Volkswagen Group MEB platform, and uses Volkswagen supplied batteries.
Which SUV is body-on-frame?
Toyota currently manufactures the most body-on-frame SUVs with the 4Runner, Sequoia, Land Cruiser, Lexus GX, and Lexus LX, followed by Nissan with the Patrol, Armada, and Infiniti QX56/80. Austin A40 Sports, ca 1951.
Is the Ford Expedition the same frame as the f150?
The last time the Expedition went through a redesign was in 2018, moving to a lighter aluminum frame based off the F-150 frame. Recently in 2022 the updates also modeled the Ford F-150, giving the Expedition a sportier grille while also making the interior roomier and adding dashboards similar to those of the F-150.
Is a Ford Explorer on a truck frame?
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.
What classifies an SUV as 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.
What platform is the Ford Explorer built on?
Chassis. The second-generation Ford Explorer is based upon the Ford U1 platform shared with its predecessor, adopting the UN105/UN150 model codes.
What is an Explorer considered?
someone who travels to places where no one has ever been in order to find out what is there: Magellan was a famous 16th-century explorer.
Is the Mercedes GLS body-on-frame?
The GLS is considered the flagship of the marque's SUV lineup, although the body-on-frame G-Class (originally intended for military off-roading but also offered in luxurious trims) is more expensive and has been in production longer. The GLS shares the same unibody architecture with the GLE.
Are expeditions built on truck frames?
Yes, the Ford Expedition for sale is built of a truck frame.
Is an Explorer considered a truck?
Regarding safety and technology, the Ford Explorer SUV Truck is loaded with advanced features to keep you and your passengers protected and connected.
