Is the Ford Explorer full frame or unibody?
The Ford Explorer is one of the most popular SUVs on the market, known for its versatility, comfort, and performance. If you're curious about its construction, understanding whether it uses a full-frame or unibody design is essential for evaluating its capabilities and suitability for your needs.
Understanding Full-Frame vs. Unibody Construction
Before diving into the specifics of the Ford Explorer, let’s clarify the difference between full-frame and unibody construction:
- Full-Frame: In this design, the vehicle's body is mounted on a separate, rigid frame. This construction is common in trucks and some larger SUVs, offering better durability and towing capacity.
- Unibody: In a unibody design, the body and frame are integrated into a single structure. This approach is lighter and provides better handling and fuel efficiency, making it common in cars and crossover SUVs.
The Ford Explorer's Construction
The Ford Explorer has undergone significant changes in its design over the years. Originally introduced in 1990 as a body-on-frame SUV, the Explorer transitioned to a unibody construction starting with the 2011 model year. This shift marked a move toward improved ride quality, handling, and fuel efficiency, aligning with the needs of modern SUV buyers.
As of the current model year, the Ford Explorer continues to use a unibody construction. This design choice allows it to offer a smoother driving experience and better on-road performance while still maintaining respectable towing capabilities for a midsize SUV.
Why Ford Chose Unibody for the Explorer
The decision to adopt a unibody design for the Explorer was driven by several factors:
- Improved Comfort: Unibody construction reduces weight and enhances suspension tuning, resulting in a more comfortable ride.
- Better Fuel Efficiency: The lighter unibody design contributes to improved fuel economy compared to heavier body-on-frame SUVs.
- Enhanced Safety: Unibody vehicles often perform better in crash tests due to their integrated structure.
- Modern Consumer Preferences: Most SUV buyers prioritize on-road performance and comfort over off-road ruggedness, making unibody construction a better fit for the Explorer's target audience.
Conclusion
The Ford Explorer is a unibody SUV, a design that reflects its focus on providing a comfortable, efficient, and family-friendly driving experience. While it may not have the heavy-duty towing and off-road capabilities of a full-frame SUV, its unibody construction makes it an excellent choice for everyday use and light adventure. If you’re considering a Ford Explorer, rest assured that its design is well-suited to the needs of most modern drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ford Explorer built on Ranger frame?
Available in two- and four-door setups, the Explorer was built on the same chassis as the Ford Ranger, making it agile and relatively easy to drive while still capable of performing the daunting tasks that Ford trucks have always been known for.
What is the most reliable year of Ford Explorer?
Best Ford Explorer Model Years
We recommend buying a used Ford Explorer beginning with the fourth generation, or model years of 2006 to 2010. In particular, we'd single out the 2009 and 2010 editions as among the more reliable earlier model years.
What is better, Ford Expedition or Explorer?
If you're trying to decide between the Ford Explorer vs. Expedition, both SUVs have pros and cons. If you need more room and a high tow capacity, the Expedition is probably the better choice. However, you'll need to consider that it delivers less gas mileage and is harder to maneuver.
What year Explorer to stay away from?
What Are the Least Reliable Ford Explorer Years? No generation in the history of the Ford Explorer was plagued with more problems than the third generation, specifically the 2002-2006 models.
What years were unibody Fords?
Ford's unibody trucks were only available from 1961-1963, and only on Ford's F-Series “styleside” pickups. The idea was to make the cab and the bed one long continuous piece. Even though they're referred to colloquially as unibody trucks, it's a bit of a misnomer.
Do Ford Explorers have a full 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.
Is the Ford Explorer a unibody or frame?
Crossover SUV: The Ford Explorer is classified as a midsize crossover SUV. Unlike traditional SUVs that use body-on-frame construction, the Explorer is built on a unibody platform.
Is body-on-frame better than unibody?
Body on frame vehicles are heavier, which means they can be slower and don't offer the same fuel efficiency perks as unibody frame vehicles. Not as safe. Unfortunately, it's easier to integrate safety features into a unibody vehicle.
How do you tell if a car is a unibody?
The main difference is that a body on frame car has a chassis that is separate and then attached to the car's body. A unibody design has the car frame and chassis as one single unit.
What is the biggest problem with the Ford Explorer?
The most significant issue with the Ford Explorer 2023 has been the recall of approximately 230,000 vehicles due to a faulty rear axle bolt. This defect can cause the vehicle to lose power and potentially roll away, posing serious safety risks.
