Is the Ford Explorer unibody?
Yes. The current Ford Explorer is a unibody crossover, while earlier generations used a traditional body-on-frame chassis.
The Explorer’s construction has evolved over its 30-year history: it began as a truck-based SUV with a separate frame, then transitioned to a unibody design in the 2011 redesign to improve ride quality, efficiency, and on-road handling. This article traces that shift and what it means for buyers today.
Historical construction overview
To understand what "unibody" means for the Explorer, it helps to see how the SUV's frame and body were laid out across generations.
Key eras in Explorer construction
- 1990–2010: Body-on-frame chassis based on a truck platform, with a traditional ladder frame and, in many configurations, a live rear axle. This setup supported rugged use and towing typical of early Explorers.
- 2011–present: Unibody construction with independent suspension, shared with Ford's car-based crossovers. The Explorer moved to a car-like platform to improve ride, handling, efficiency, and crash performance.
In short, the switch in 2011 marked the Explorer’s transition from a true truck-based SUV to a modern unibody crossover, aligning it with most family-sized utility vehicles on the road today.
Why Ford moved to unibody
Ford's decision to switch to unibody was driven by several practical goals for the Explorer’s market segment. The main reasons included improved ride comfort, better fuel economy, enhanced handling, and stronger crash-worthiness thanks to integrated safety structures.
- Better on-road manners: Unibody construction provides a stiffer, more car-like feel and smoother rides on pavement.
- Efficiency and weight: A lighter, integrated structure helps improve fuel economy and overall performance.
- Safety and packaging: A unified shell allows more advanced crumple zones and smarter airbag networks, plus more interior space flexibility.
- Versatility for families: A unibody crossover aligns with the consumer demand for practical, roomy interiors and modern infotainment and driver-assistance features.
While unibody Explorers are well-suited to family hauling and daily driving, they typically don’t match the rugged, heavy off-road capability of body-on-frame SUVs used in extreme conditions. For many buyers, the modern Explorer offers ample capability for light off-roading, camping trips, and poor-weather driving, while delivering comfort and efficiency.
What this means for buyers today
For buyers considering a Ford Explorer today, the unibody design translates into a family-friendly crossover with strong safety features, a calm ride, and good cargo space. If off-roading is a priority, look for configurations with 4x4, terrain management, and appropriate ground clearance—though enthusiasts seeking hardcore off-road capability may compare with purpose-built body-on-frame rivals or the Ranger-based SUV options in Ford's lineup.
Bottom line: the Explorer is a unibody crossover now and has been since the 2011 redesign, with its early generations maintaining a body-on-frame setup that’s largely absent from the current lineup.
Summary
In summary, the Ford Explorer is a unibody crossover in its current generation, reflecting a longstanding industry trend toward unibody construction for mid-size SUVs. The model’s history shows a clear transition from a body-on-frame, truck-based platform to a car-like, unibody architecture that emphasizes comfort, efficiency, and safety for family-focused buyers.
Is the 2025 Ford Explorer unibody or frame?
unibody
For 2025, the Explorer continues its sixth generation of family hauling in comfort and ease since first debuting in 1991 and creating a whole new world of four-door, body-on-frame SUVs. Since 2011, the Explorer has been a unibody construction, which allows it to behave less like a truck and more like a car.
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.
