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. 

Been a while but thought I'd reach out to the knowledgeable Ford folks here. I may be nearing a new vehicle purchase in the near future. My 2017 Subaru Forester MAY be nearing it's end of life. I bought it at near the of the pandemic vehicle supply problems at the start of 2023. Due to my accident which totaled my Fusion (which I loved), I settled on the Forester after looking for a month. It was originally intended to be a 1-2 year vehicle until I could get something I wanted once the supply chain issues were normal. Well, regrettably I overpaid and once I realized that my goal was to run it into the ground and get at least 250k miles out of it (get my monies worth). My CVT has recently had some issues (cooler mixing trans fluid in the coolant) and it has become slightly noisier. At a 160k on the clock any large repair is going to be a big no.   I'd like to get back into the Ford family but there are no mid size two row CUV's. The Escape would of been too small and now that it and the Edge were  ax'ed they aren't an option. Bronco, Ranger, and potentially Maverick I guess are options. Each though has some short comings. I doubt I would consider the Explorer but I will say they tend to have the best financing and rebate deals at the end of model year.   Maverick: On paper is fine with hybrid powertrain with AWD drive but paying somewhere between 35-40k for a rather low rent vehicle. Even a Lariat doesn't do enough to spruce it up. Bronco: Not the greatest FE. A little tighter than it looks. Still kinda  pricey depending on options. Hopefully all the bugs are worked out. Looking at 48-54 MSRP Ranger: Enough space. Not greatest FE. Strangely enough supply seems low.   Anyone know if there will be an 2 row CUV anytime soon?  I'd love to use the A Plan that I have but may need to go to Toyota (Land Cruiser) or Honda (Passport). Ford's quality lately has kinda been crap lately but even Toyota and Honda haven't been the greatest either lately. 

I agree. They won’t even fix the fog light defaulting off after each restart since moving to digital light functions. I doubt they’ll change a parameter that interfaces with the powertrain OTA.