I'm surprised it doesn't have a hybrid option "yet". The F-150 Powerboost (with Pro Power Onboard) will continue with minimal competition (for now).

On the fixed roof vs removal top... how about a power retractable hard top? Not sure how workable that'd be on a suv sized roof, but that would really set it apart.

Much better. It looks leaner than the current generation.

My observation too, we purchased a CX-8 which is the longer wheelbase 3-row version of CX-5 My real world experience is that the 9.1” longer wheelbase and longer rear doors are part of the necessary differentiation. Adding/subtracting a third row on an already large vehicle and calling them different models  seems quite pointless.   On topic, it should be clear to most following this that Ford doesn’t have $10,000 profit to throw away on discounted Explorers, these are definitly getting incentives to move them on no mattr how Ford tries to dress this up..

It's an improvement over the current model, and the interior looks decent.   Do they really need 6.6L in a half ton?  With the numbers Ford gets out of the 5.0L and it's old architecture, surely GM could do something with smaller displacement.  Maybe they're just playing to their faithful "bigger is better" crowd I guess?

Sold for USD $17,000 06/16/2026  

In a nutshell, the assumption is that the electrical system in c1 and C2 are a fixed technology base that has not changed since 2004.  The CANBUS I assume you’re referring to that was big news in the early 2000s is no way beyond use life.    While it’s now mature technology that suppliers have been  supplying for decades, those suppliers worked out how to turn the tables and supply software based modules and while this worked great in reducing costs, Ford woke up and realised it was losing control of designs.   Unified Electric Vehicle design is a reset of that system to the point that the ICE and trans control systems are now systems that can be just added in as required. The rub is that the new electric systems are based on the new open boxed construction process giving more freedom with adding the electrical bus..

Those are out there, but they show as an available option, otherwise we couldn't attach it to the purchase. Each of these is a current private offer. The Owner Retention one is the "I had a bad service experience or they couldn't fix my car" one. The Escape & Edge one is $3000, which is cool if you get one. I haven't seen one yet. Heck, I'm a current Escape owner, our third one, and our second new one, wife's starting to push to replace it. Now, I did try something a little goofy. I took the highest priced Explorer in the nearest 300 dealers to me, a 2026 ST with Sun&Sound, 1-time BlueCruise, Black Painted Roof, and assorted others. MSRP $71925. A-Plan/Employee price is $66508, so $5417 off. Add in the $1000 rebate and the $3000 Escape/Edge offer if you have one, and now you're darn close to $10000 off. Those pricing gymnastics are about the only way I can get it there, but it can apparently be done.

2024 Ford Explorer Recalled Over Rollaway Risk   The defect: in affected vehicles, the park system may be damaged by an erroneous powertrain control module (PCM) reset while the vehicle is in motion and not shift into "Park," potentially resulting in a vehicle rollaway risk. Ford is aware of 27 warranty claims potentially related to this condition. Ford is not aware of any accidents, injuries, or fires related to this condition. The hazards: if the vehicle does not shift into "Park," it may roll away and result in unintended vehicle movement, thereby increasing the risk of injury or a crash. Affected vehicles: select 2024 Ford Explorer models built between January 23rd, 2024, and April 25th, 2024. Number of vehicles affected: 58 The fix: a dealer will inspect the vehicle for park system damage. If damage is found, it will be repaired with new components as appropriate. This service will be performed at no charge to 2024 Ford Explorer owners.

It's a cleaner look than the outgoing model.    The interior looks nice......though am I the only one that doesn't understand what the passenger screens are for?  can you actually watch videos on them?  And then what, they take over the vehicle sound system?   There are rumors F-150 will get one too, I just don't fully understand the purpose, especially with everyone having a phone and headphones nowadays...