Is the Ford Explorer full-size?
The Ford Explorer is a midsize SUV, not a full-size SUV. While it is a large and spacious vehicle, it does not fall into the full-size SUV category. The Explorer is classified as a midsize crossover utility vehicle (CUV) based on its dimensions and seating capacity.
What Defines a Full-Size SUV?
Full-size SUVs are the largest sport utility vehicles on the market. They are typically built on truck-based platforms and offer seating for up to 8 or 9 passengers. Some key characteristics of full-size SUVs include:
- Length typically over 200 inches
- Width over 80 inches
- Height over 75 inches
- Seating capacity of 7-9 passengers
- Truck-based chassis and body-on-frame construction
- Powerful V8 engines
- Towing capacity of 7,500 lbs or more
Examples of full-size SUVs include the Chevrolet Suburban, Ford Expedition, GMC Yukon, and Nissan Armada.
Where Does the Ford Explorer Fit In?
The Ford Explorer is classified as a midsize crossover SUV, not a full-size SUV. Some key differences between the Explorer and full-size SUVs:
- Length around 198 inches, shorter than full-size SUVs
- Width around 79 inches, narrower than full-size SUVs
- Height around 70 inches, lower than full-size SUVs
- Seating capacity of up to 7 passengers, less than full-size SUVs
- Unibody construction, not truck-based
- Available with 4-cylinder and V6 engines, not V8
- Towing capacity up to 5,600 lbs, less than full-size SUVs
So in summary, the Ford Explorer is a midsize SUV that offers more space and capability than a typical crossover, but it does not meet the size and power requirements to be considered a full-size SUV.
