What category is the Ford Explorer in?
The Ford Explorer is a mid-size SUV, specifically a three-row crossover vehicle.
In current generations, Ford positions the Explorer as a mid-size, unibody SUV with three rows of seating, designed for families and everyday versatility. It sits in the midsize segment, larger than compact crossovers but smaller than full-size SUVs like the Expedition.
Defining its category
The following details help explain how the Explorer is categorized in the market and by agencies.
- Body style: unibody construction (crossover) rather than traditional body-on-frame SUV.
- Seating: up to 7 passengers with a third row on most trims; some configurations offer 5-seat layouts.
- Segment: EPA classifies it as Mid-Size SUV; commonly described as a three-row SUV.
- Platform: built on Ford's CD6 platform in recent generations, shared with the Lincoln Aviator.
These attributes place the Explorer squarely in the mid-size, three-row crossover SUV class, distinct from compact crossovers and full-size, body-on-frame SUVs.
Market positioning and comparisons
For context, these models are commonly grouped in the same category as the Explorer:
- Toyota Highlander
- Honda Pilot
- Chevrolet Traverse
- Nissan Pathfinder
- Kia Telluride
- Hyundai Palisade
Together, these models form the mainstream mid-size, three-row SUV segment that the Explorer competes in.
Differences from full-size SUVs
While sharing three-row seating and family-friendly features with larger models, the Explorer remains smaller in length and passenger capacity than full-size SUVs like the Ford Expedition, making it easier to maneuver and often more fuel-efficient for many buyers.
Summary
The Ford Explorer is best described as a mid-size, three-row, unibody crossover SUV. Its category is defined by size, seating configuration, construction type, and platform, placing it between compact crossovers and full-size SUVs. In the market, it competes with models such as the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Chevrolet Traverse, and Hyundai Palisade.
Is a Ford Explorer considered a midsize or large SUV?
mid-size SUV
The Ford Explorer, a mid-size SUV, offers a perfect blend of features, design, and performance.
What category is the Ford Explorer?
The Ford Explorer is a mid-size crossover SUV that slots between the larger Expedition and smaller Escape. Historically, it began as a compact SUV with a body-on-frame chassis and transitioned to its current mid-size crossover unibody construction with the 2011 model year.
You can watch this video to see a review of the Ford Explorer, including its design and features: 56sW.T.F Car ReviewsYouTube · Dec 3, 2024
- Modern class: Today, it is classified as a mid-size crossover SUV, designed to offer seating for up to seven passengers and a balance of performance, technology, and practicality.
- Chassis: Since 2011, the Explorer has used a unibody construction, which is common in crossovers, and is now a rear-wheel-drive-based platform.
- Historical class: From 1991 to 2003, it was also offered as a compact SUV with a 3-door/Sport body style, and from 1991 to 2010 it used a body-on-frame chassis before the redesign.
What segment is the Ford Explorer in?
The Ford Explorer is a midsize SUV that has been Ford's flagship model in the segment since its inception in 1991. The Ford Explorer is set to return for 2026, and Ford reports that there are many new additions on the horizon for this year.
What class of SUV is a Ford Explorer?
The Ford Explorer is a mid-size, three-row crossover SUV that uses a unibody construction, giving it a car-like driving experience. It offers a blend of family-friendly space, performance, and technology, with available rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.
- Classification: It is classified as a mid-size crossover SUV, not a traditional body-on-frame SUV, which results in a smoother ride and better fuel efficiency.
- Seating: It is a three-row SUV that can typically seat up to seven passengers.
- Drivetrain: The base model is rear-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available on most models.
- Technology: Modern versions feature large touchscreens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of driver-assistance features.
- Performance: It comes with various engine options, from a fuel-efficient turbo four-cylinder to more powerful turbo V6 engines, and can be equipped with performance features like in the ST trim.
