agree. It has been the case for years for the Navi, it looses in tech and other features that the competition have had for years now. There isn't even much coherence in the lineup, the Aviator has for example soft close door and air suspension, but the Navi doesn't. I still cannot understand the reason behind not having air suspension in the Navi while all the competitors have it. And from the reviews, it seems the interior materials aren't as good as before

IMO it’s picking pepper from fly shit-the 2020+ Escape and the 2022 Bronco Sport interiors aren’t all that different-the vast majority of the “hard points” and details are virtually identical to one another. The dashes are slightly different and I’d say the BS materials aren’t as nice as the Escape. The BS does have some nicer touches to it (like the texture pattern in the floor mats matching the cargo area mats and far better location of the start button) then the Escape.    It seems like automotive reporters have a madlibs they use when writing about Ford interiors.    I’ll venture to guess that the Maverick, Escape and Bronco Sport use the same plastics for their interiors with minor color and slight texture differences. 

2026 Ford Explorer Replaces Vista Roof With Fixed Glass Option   Apparently they're ditching the openable sunroof with just a fixed glass panel.  Less complex/things to break I guess, But I like opening it up.

As of 2025 model year, Ford still offered hybrid with 3.3L V6 for law enforcement, according to Ford Authority.  Will be interesting to see how much longer that option continues.  It would seem 3.3L V6 has very low volume unless being exported or used for other applications I’m not aware of.   https://fordauthority.com/2025/05/2025-ford-police-interceptor-features-its-own-8-inch-display/      

After removing second row window shades and power telescoping steering wheel on late 2025 models.  Good way to make the top trim less attractive.

If only could put a hybrid 2.3/2.5L in the Explorer. 🙃

I'm sure that's a large part of it.

In fairness to Ranger PHEV, 3 of the 5 guys in video said they preferred Ranger best, with other 2 voting for BYD Shark.  The third vehicle got no votes.   The main issue with reported lack of power was when climbing last steep grade in soft sand, but I’m not sure that was mostly due to the engine being detuned to a lower horsepower level.  They mentioned possible issue with traction and or power cutoff, pointing fingers at software.  Watching video I guess I’d agree, because the climb was too short to fully deplete battery, and they likely (or could have) let it charge enough at bottom of hill while waiting.   A PHEV doesn’t work for my driving needs (other than as an integrated camper van for electric power source) because it wouldn’t save enough or any fuel compared to other vehicle choices, but Ranger PHEV specs suggest it should tow reasonably well provided owner understands towing fuel economy will be poor.  The lower power is partly due to peak HP being at lower RPM.  Since most drivers don’t tow at 5,000+ RPM anyway, I don’t think the Ranger PHEV will be that bad at towing (other than poor fuel economy).  It’s possible software needs upgrading, but power levels suggest the engine should be able to keep battery charged while towing a normal-size trailer most of the time.  Exceptions may be crossing Continental Divide or something that extreme where battery could run down completely, but how often does that come up for most owners?   I look forward to seeing Ranger PHEV real-world towing data under different trailer and road conditions to see if limitations are more engine or software (and transmission) related.  

morning guys. was hoping to post in here to find a former employee from the Dearborn assembly plant who worked in the paint and body dept for the mustang to interview. in the process of detailing my 03 mustang cobra i found the markings "JC2" behind the tail light written on the body of the car. the car is a 4k mile one owner example with no accidents so i know for a fact its from when the car was assembled. i would like to find someone who may know when the markings took place in the build process and what they mean. ive brainstormed that the marks from an employee and the "JC" could be the initials while the "2" is second shift? or perhaps the "2" is for junior in the initials. any help appreciated guys! 

You are probably right, CAFE is always the answer.   If Ford expects Tremor buyers to opt for the 3.0, they have to reduce the 3.0 volume from somewhere.