When was the Ford Explorer refreshed?
The latest major refresh for the Ford Explorer occurred with the 2024 model year.
Since its inception, the Explorer has undergone several refreshes—mid-cycle updates that adjust styling, technology, and powertrain options without a full generation redesign. This article outlines when these refreshes happened across the model’s history and what changed each time.
Major refresh milestones in Ford Explorer history
Below is a concise timeline of the most significant mid-cycle updates that altered the Explorer's look, feel, or powertrain across generations.
- 2006 refresh: Third generation (2002–2010) received a mid-cycle update featuring a revised front fascia, interior improvements, and refreshed powertrain options.
- 2016 refresh: Fourth generation (2011–2019) underwent a mid-cycle update with styling tweaks, updated technology, and improved efficiency.
- 2024 refresh: Fifth generation (2020–present) introduced a mid-cycle update with revised exterior styling, updated interior materials and controls, and expanded technology and trim levels.
These updates illustrate Ford’s approach to keeping the Explorer modern and competitive, balancing fresh design with practical improvements under the hood and inside the cabin.
What changed in the 2024 refresh
The 2024 mid-cycle refresh brought styling updates to the exterior—such as refreshed lighting and grille design—alongside interior upgrades, improved technology integration, and revised trims. The aim was to refresh the Explorer’s appearance and tech package while preserving its family-friendly, three-row practicality.
Context on Explorer generations
While the Explorer’s appearance and tech have evolved through multiple generations, Ford has typically used mid-cycle updates rather than full redesigns to extend a generation’s lifespan between larger overhauls. The most extensive redesigns occurred at generation boundaries (roughly 1991, 2002, 2011, and 2020), with mid-cycle refinements in between.
Summary
In short, the Ford Explorer has seen notable mid-cycle refreshes in 2006, 2016, and 2024, with each update refining styling, technology, and powertrain options while the vehicle remained a staple of Ford’s SUV lineup. The current fifth-generation Explorer continues to receive incremental updates to stay competitive in a crowded three-row SUV segment.
What is the difference between the 2025 and 2026 Ford Explorer?
The main difference is the addition of the new Tremor off-road trim for 2026, while the 2025 model served as the foundation for the updated design and technology that carries over to 2026. Key changes for 2026 include new colors, some feature adjustments like the removal of standard wireless charging on certain trims, and technology refinements such as software updates and the introduction of advanced driver-assistance features like BlueCruise on some trims.
This video explains the differences between the 2025 and 2026 Ford Explorer models, including the new Tremor trim: 1mCar ConfectionsYouTube · Oct 25, 2025
What's new for 2026
- Tremor Off-Road Trim: A new trim with a lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, a limited-slip rear differential, and skid plates.
- Technology Updates: Includes software updates for the infotainment system and new or enhanced driver-assistance features like BlueCruise on select models and improved lane centering.
- Minor Exterior and Interior Changes: Subtle updates to grille patterns, wheel designs, and new metallic paint options.
- Feature Adjustments: Some 2025 models included a standard wireless charging pad, but it was removed as standard on some 2026 trims.
- Trim Options: In the ST trim, a second-row bench seat is now an available option.
What carries over from 2025
- Exterior and Interior Design: The refreshed exterior and interior styling introduced for the 2025 model year continue for 2026.
- Engine Options: The 2.3-liter EcoBoost and other engine options remain the same, with minor enhancements for 2026.
- Infotainment System: The SYNC 4 infotainment system is standard on both models, but the 2026 version includes software updates.
- Availability of Captain's Chairs: The option for second-row captain's chairs is available on both models.
How has the 2025 Explorer's design changed?
What are the most significant changes in the 2025 Ford Explorer redesign? The 2025 Explorer receives a bolder grille, full‑LED lighting, richer cabin materials, and an all‑digital cockpit anchored by a 13.2‑inch touchscreen running the Ford Digital Experience with Google Built‑in.
Is the 2025 Explorer redesigned?
The year 2025 brings a new chapter in the adventure as the iconic Ford Explorer® emerges, boasting an array of updates that redefine excellence. With a refreshed interior, cutting-edge technology, and a daring exterior redesign, Ford's latest offering promises to elevate the driving experience to unprecedented heights.
When was the Ford Explorer redesigned?
The Ford Explorer has had several major body style changes: in 2002 (a significant redesign from the previous generation), in 2006 (another complete redesign with a new unibody construction), in 2011 (a switch to a car-based, front-wheel-drive platform), and in 2020 (a return to a rear-wheel-drive-based platform with a new design). A refresh with updated exterior styling, interior, and technology was also released for the 2025 model year.
Major body style change years
- 2002: The third generation was a complete redesign with a taller shape, longer wheelbase, and the introduction of an optional third-row seat.
- 2006: The fourth generation was a complete redesign featuring a more refined body and a switch to a unibody construction.
- 2011: This generation marked a major shift to a car-based, front-wheel-drive unibody platform, moving away from the previous truck-based, body-on-frame design.
- 2020: The sixth generation was a major redesign that returned to a rear-wheel-drive-based platform.
- 2025: A refresh was released for the 2025 model year, which included revised exterior and interior styling and updated technology.
