FORD, Explorer Electric (Latest Model)

The 2026 UK range includes a 58kWh usable Standard Range with rear-wheel drive and about 187bhp, delivering up to 273 miles officially in Style specification and around 205–240 in realistic mixed use. The Extended Range rear-drive model has approximately 282bhp and a 79kWh usable battery, with official figures reaching about 374 miles and real-world mixed range of roughly 285–330 miles. Premium trims with larger wheels lose some range.

There is also an Extended Range all-wheel-drive version producing approximately 335bhp with a 77kWh usable battery, giving stronger traction and acceleration but reducing maximum official range to around 321 miles. Style, Select, Collection and Premium specifications cover different levels of equipment, with prices varying substantially according to model year and promotions. The 2026 revisions improved motors, battery combinations and rapid-charging performance compared with earlier cars. For a family doing mixed driving, the Extended Range rear-drive Select makes the strongest case.

Ford has avoided simply reproducing a Volkswagen dashboard, even though the Explorer uses closely related underpinnings. The main touchscreen sits upright in the centre and can be adjusted, with useful storage hidden behind it. That is a genuinely neat idea, particularly if you would rather not leave valuables on display. The broad dashboard and tidy surfaces create a modern cabin without the aggressive styling of some electric crossovers.

The front seats are comfortable and the steering wheel feels familiar but touchscreen-heavy climate and control functions can prove tiresome. Some glossy and hard plastics also look less special than the price would suggest. The driving position is good, rear passengers enjoy useful room and the storage compartments are thoughtfully sized. The Explorer feels more welcoming than its technical relationship with the Volkswagen ID.4 might imply, although the infotainment could still be more intuitive.

The Explorer is comfortable and predictable on British roads, with suspension tuning that takes the edge off rough surfaces without allowing the body to become untidy. The rear-drive versions feel brisk and responsive, especially in Extended Range form, while the all-wheel-drive version provides extra thrust and useful traction in poor weather. Ford's steering calibration gives the car a little more immediacy than some related electric SUVs, though it stops short of making the Explorer genuinely sporting.

Motorway refinement is strong, with limited motor noise and a stable, confident feel at speed. Larger wheels on Premium models can make the ride busier over sharp potholes. In town, the high driving position and relatively compact footprint make manoeuvring manageable, helped by a tight turning circle. Drivers expecting the agility of a Focus may find the Explorer rather heavy; those wanting a relaxed family SUV are likely to be impressed.

The Standard Range 58kWh model should manage roughly 205–240 miles in mild mixed driving, while the updated 79kWh rear-drive Extended Range could return about 285–330. In cold motorway conditions those figures will reduce, particularly on larger wheels. Ford's official 2026 ranges run from around 258–273 miles for some Standard Range specifications to as much as 374 for the longest-range Extended Range. Checking the actual battery and wheels matters.

The 2026 rear-drive Standard Range can accept up to about 105kW DC, charging 10–80 per cent in roughly 26 minutes. The 79kWh rear-drive version can reach around 183kW and takes approximately 29 minutes, while the all-wheel-drive model can peak near 185kW. AC charging at up to 11kW is available, with a conventional 7kW home wallbox requiring a full overnight session, especially for the larger battery. Home tariffs can make commuting very cheap but public rapid charging and replacement tyres remain meaningful costs.

At 4,468mm long, 1,872mm wide without mirrors and around 1,632mm tall, the Explorer has the proportions of a manageable family SUV rather than its enormous American namesake. The 2,767mm wheelbase provides good rear-seat legroom and children or two adults can travel comfortably. Three adults across the back will be less happy, as is normal in this class.

Ford quotes around 470 litres of boot space depending on measurement method and specification, with a useful loading shape and split-folding rear seats. The opening will take a folded pushchair and several suitcases, though families carrying large amounts of holiday kit may prefer something bigger. The front cabin has generous storage, including the concealed compartment behind the screen. Rear visibility is less generous than forward visibility, so parking aids are especially useful. Overall it strikes a practical balance between suburban manoeuvrability and family carrying capacity.

The Explorer has the active safety equipment buyers expect, including emergency braking, lane assistance and adaptive driver aids according to trim. Its stable road manners are reassuring in poor weather and the optional camera systems help with urban parking. Owners should learn how to adjust the various warning settings because some alerts can become repetitive during ordinary driving.

The Volkswagen Group-derived electric architecture is now established across several brands, which provides some engineering reassurance. It also means software and electronics are an important part of the ownership picture. The 2026 battery and drivetrain changes are relatively recent, so claims about exceptional long-term reliability would be premature. Check the car's model year, service history and software updates and make sure any outstanding manufacturer recalls have been completed. The Explorer feels robust and capable but keeping a modern EV healthy involves more than checking its tyres and brake pads.

Ford has managed to put enough of its own character into the Explorer to make it more than a rebadged relative. The 2026 revisions improve the reasons to buy it, particularly in Extended Range rear-drive form. It is a comfortable, usable family EV with strong range and a cabin full of good ideas, even if a few touchscreen decisions feel unnecessarily complicated.