Is the new Explorer an unibody?
The latest Ford Explorer is a unibody SUV built on Ford’s CD6 platform, not a traditional body-on-frame design. It uses independent rear suspension and all-wheel-drive options to blend car-like ride quality with practical capability.
Construction and platform
The Explorer’s current generation rests on a unibody structure rather than a separate frame. This approach, coupled with an independent suspension setup, is designed to deliver a smoother, quieter ride and better on-road handling while still offering seating for families and a capable towing range. The Explorer shares its CD6 platform with the Lincoln Aviator, reflecting Ford’s pivot toward car-like SUVs built on a common, modular architecture.
Unibody vs. body-on-frame
In a unibody design, the body and frame are integrated into a single shell, reducing weight and improving ride comfort and efficiency. Traditional body-on-frame SUVs consist of a separate ladder-like frame that can offer rugged durability for heavy-duty towing or off-road work but typically sacrifice ride comfort. The Explorer’s unibody construction aligns with modern expectations for midsize SUVs that are used primarily for daily driving and family duties.
Historical context
Ford’s Explorer lineage includes earlier generations that pursued a more traditional, truck-based construction. The modern Explorer, however, transitioned to a unibody design during the mid-2010s redesign, and it has since remained on a unibody platform. The current model’s CD6 architecture places it alongside Ford’s other upscale, passenger-car–like SUVs and into a line that emphasizes comfort, efficiency, and versatile interior packaging.
What this means for buyers
For buyers, a unibody Explorer typically translates to a smoother ride, reduced road and wind noise, and better fuel efficiency compared with body-on-frame rivals in the full-size segment. It also supports flexible seating, contemporary technology, and a variety of powertrain options, including efficient turbocharged engines and hybrid variants. While capable, its towing and payload capacities are generally framed for everyday practicality rather than extreme heavy-duty use.
The following points summarize the core attributes of the Explorer’s unibody design and what they mean for daily use:
- Platform and construction: unibody on Ford’s CD6 architecture, shared with the Lincoln Aviator.
- Suspension: independent front and rear suspension for a smoother ride and improved handling.
- Drivetrain options: available all-wheel drive and a range of engines, including efficient turbocharged four-cylinders and hybrid variants.
- Safety and technology: modern driver-assist features and connectivity that accompany the unibody design.
Concluding paragraph: The unibody approach underpins the Explorer’s current design language, delivering everyday practicality and comfort while remaining capable for family adventures and moderate towing, all while aligning Ford’s midsize SUV with contemporary customer expectations.
Summary
The new Explorer is a unibody SUV built on Ford’s CD6 platform, a design choice that prioritizes ride quality, interior versatility, and modern technology. This approach marks a clear shift from older, body-on-frame configurations and positions the Explorer alongside other car-like, family-focused SUVs in Ford’s lineup.
How is the 2025 Explorer different from 2024?
The 2025 Ford Explorer has a refreshed front grille design and updated LED headlights that give it a modern, sleeker look. These updates are subtle but add a bit of extra curb appeal over the 2024 model.
Is the Ford Explorer unibody or body-on-frame?
No, modern Ford Explorers are not body-on-frame; they are unibody constructions, similar to a car. Ford transitioned the Explorer to a unibody design with the fifth generation, starting in the 2011 model year, to provide a smoother ride and better fuel efficiency. The last body-on-frame models were from the 2010 model year and earlier.
This video reviews the last generation of Ford Explorer that was built with a body-on-frame construction: 1mShooting CarsYouTube · Aug 31, 2024
- Body-on-frame: This traditional SUV design, used in the first generation of the Explorer (1991-2010), involves a separate body mounted on a strong frame. This construction is typically found in trucks and provides rugged durability for off-roading and towing.
- Unibody: This design, used in the current Explorer (2011-present), integrates the body and frame into a single structure. This is the same construction method used for most cars and crossovers, which results in a lighter, more rigid structure that improves ride comfort and 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.
When did the Ford Explorer become unibody?
In 2011, Ford introduced the fifth-generation Explorer, which significantly differed from previous models. It featured a unibody construction, making it lighter and more fuel-efficient.
