Can't believe  I forgot the Fusion!  I rented a hybrid..great car!

!50K miles is unacceptable, but that's all you're going to get from a new vehicle. I'd buy a 2010 vehicle and you'll probably get a total (last owner(s) plus you) of 250K to 300K. So far, I have. And independent garages can fix them more cheaply!

Still not ready to reveal the body styling which tells me this is more about attracting buyers from outside Ford. Read into that what you will but it sounds like Ford doesn’t want critics and competitors getting a jump start and then Ford playing defence all the way up to launch….

I would also note that the types of aircraft with fly-by-wire systems have mandatory scheduled maintenance and safety inspections done by trained personnel. Most automobiles are driven by people who can barely be bothered to keep gas in the tank…   I would say, though, that having been running EPAS for the last 15 years probably gives Ford a leg up on most when it comes to this idea.

Well, historically the Explorer plant in Chicago hasn’t had the best quality reputation for many years. Also 3rd row seats are adequate at best and would never be used.    70 percent of the time I’m driving by myself. 14 miles in city traffic one way (takes 45-60 minutes) to work 3-4 times a week. A hybrid option would be nice but well Ford has kinda fumbled that option other than the Maverick and F150.   Still not sure why the Australian Ranger and the Lincoln Nautilus hybrid powertrains don’t make it in other products?    I digress. Maybe my rationale for the Explorer is unfounded??  I just want something that will last at least 150k with minimal repairs other than standard maintenance.     

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Ranger was also the top trim on the F-100 in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Explorer was also an F-Series trim level in the late ‘70s and (IIRC) early ‘80s. For X you have the Merkur XR4Ti.  Should the Model T and Model A go under M or T or A (respectively)? Also missing is the Expedition.

That makes sense.

What is it about the Explorer that makes you not want to consider it? That might help with recommendations.   Also, the Ranger is probably in short supply because every Ranger they build is a Bronco they can’t build, and I’m guessing they make a lot more money on the Broncos.

The Grand Highlander is still going to be available. The Grand Highlander is a much more competitive size with Explorer, Acadia, etc. it has outsold the regular Highlander the last couple years.    It makes sense that Toyota would repurpose the Highlander name for  another slightly smaller three row SUV. The built in name recognition will help sales somewhat.