Is Ford Explorer unibody?
Yes—the modern Ford Explorer is a unibody crossover, but earlier Explorer generations used a traditional body-on-frame chassis.
The Explorer’s construction history reflects a shift in the SUV market: from rugged, frame-based designs focused on towing and off-road capability to car-based crossovers that emphasize ride comfort, interior space, and everyday practicality. Ford moved to unibody construction with the 2011 redesign and has kept that approach in subsequent generations, while continuing to offer all-wheel-drive and off-road-oriented options within a unibody framework.
Historical construction overview
For the first two decades of its existence, the Explorer was built on a body-on-frame chassis, sharing its platform with trucks and traditional SUVs. This setup provided strong durability for towing and off-road work but often resulted in a stiffer ride and lower fuel efficiency. In 2011, Ford transitioned the Explorer to unibody construction, adopting a monocoque design that integrates the body and frame into a single structure and typically features independent suspension for improved ride quality and handling. Since then, the Explorer has remained a unibody crossover, with ongoing updates to safety, technology, and efficiency.
Early Explorer era (1991–2010): body-on-frame
Generations during this period used a separate frame with the body mounted to it, delivering robust towing capacity and proven durability in rugged conditions, at the expense of ride comfort and fuel economy.
Modern Explorer era (2011–present): unibody
The contemporary Explorer uses unibody construction, prioritizing a smoother ride, better handling, and interior versatility, while still offering all-wheel drive and capable performance for everyday use and light off-road conditions.
Across model years, the unibody architecture remains the foundation of the Explorer, with refinements in materials, suspension, and drivetrains to boost efficiency and safety.
Current status and buyer implications
For today’s buyers, the unibody Explorer delivers a comfortable ride, ample interior space, and modern technology, making it a strong family SUV. It is not a dedicated off-road vehicle in the same vein as body-on-frame predecessors or purpose-built off-road trucks, but it remains capable in a variety of weather and light-terrain conditions thanks to all-wheel-drive systems and available rugged-trim packages.
Summary
The Ford Explorer is unibody in its current form, reflecting a broader industry move toward car-based crossovers. While earlier generations (1990s–2010) used a body-on-frame design, Ford transitioned to unibody with the 2011 redesign and has maintained that architecture through today’s models. This shift brings improved ride quality, efficiency, and interior space, with all-wheel-drive options helping maintain practical capability.
What frame is the Ford Explorer built on?
The Ford Explorer is built on a unibody platform as of 2011, but it was originally built on a body-on-frame chassis, similar to a truck. This means newer models are constructed more like a car, offering a smoother ride, while older models were built with a separate body and frame for greater durability, say Wikipedia, Corwin Ford of Tri-Cities, and Motortrend.
Body-on-frame (1991–2010)
- Construction: The body was mounted on a separate, strong ladder frame.
- Characteristics: This design is common in trucks and was known for its durability and off-road capabilities.
Unibody (2011–present)
- Construction: The body and frame are a single, unified piece, similar to a car.
- Characteristics: This construction results in a lighter and more rigid vehicle, leading to a more comfortable, car-like ride and better fuel efficiency.
Can you fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood in a Ford Explorer?
Yes, you can fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood in a modern Ford Explorer by folding down the second and third-row seats. It will fit with the rear hatch open, running from the front passenger area up to the back of the vehicle.
This video shows how to transport a sheet of plywood in a Ford Explorer: 1mFixing With PassionYouTube · Nov 21, 2017
- How to fit it: Fold down both the second and third-row seats to create a long, flat surface.
- Positioning: The sheet will run from the front of the cabin, over the folded seats, to the open rear hatch.
- Securing it: While it may fit with the hatch closed, it's safer to keep the hatch open to avoid scratching the headliner or damaging the sheet, especially if it's a thicker piece.
- Caution: Be careful not to damage the interior, especially the headliner, when loading and transporting the sheet.
- Older models: Some older models may not have the right dimensions or a flat enough cargo area, so always check the specific dimensions of your vehicle.
- Alternative: If your vehicle has a wider cargo area, such as a Ford Expedition MAX, you can even close the liftgate with a 4x8 sheet inside.
What year Explorer to stay away from?
You should stay away from the 2002–2006 Ford Explorer models due to frequent and expensive transmission problems, engine issues, and suspension wear. Other years to avoid include the 2016 and 2020 models, which have reported issues with electrical systems, faulty parts, and transmission problems.
Model years to avoid
- 2002–2006: The third generation is widely considered the least reliable due to significant transmission failures, engine problems (like timing chain issues), and premature suspension wear. The 2002 model year has the highest number of overall complaints, primarily for its transmission.
- 2016: This model year has been criticized for issues like faulty fuel tanks and suspension components, as well as poor rearward visibility and lack of interior storage.
- 2020: As the first year of the current design, the 2020 model is noted for a high number of recalls, particularly involving transmission problems that can cause stalling and power loss.
Other years with potential issues
- 2011–2019: This generation has drawn complaints about electrical system problems.
- Early 2021 models: Some 2021 models built in late 2020 and early 2021 had issues, though later models made in late 2021 are generally considered more reliable.
Is the 2025 Ford Explorer unibody or frame?
Like most SUVs today, the 2025 Explorer is no longer based on a truck but has its own unibody chassis, like a car.
