In recent years, outdoor self-driving travel has become a way for modern people to relieve stress and get close to nature. Cars are no longer merely a means of transportation, but have transformed into spiritual companions for people, and their status is incomparable to what it once was. Therefore, consumers are becoming increasingly cautious when purchasing a car.
In today's automotive market, various new products continue to emerge like stars, constantly reshaping people's existing perceptions of automobiles. However, it must be admitted that although trends change in the blink of an eye, the core value of an excellent automotive product remains constant. In the high-end mid-to-large SUV segment, the Changan Ford Explorer is such a model that upholds its core value.
Since its launch, the Ford Explorer has always had a stable user base, and its sales performance has consistently been considerable. These consumers know well that the Explorer, which was priced at about 500,000 yuan in its imported version, has become the most cost-effective mid-to-large SUV in the current market within the 300,000 to 400,000 yuan price range after being localized by Changan Ford. Features that luxury mid-to-large SUVs possess, such as rear-wheel drive/all-wheel drive, are all available on the Explorer.
And now, the four-wheel-drive version of the Explorer is one step closer to consumers.
Recently, Changan Ford launched the all-new Ford Explorer Four-Wheel-Drive Trek Edition. On the basis of inheriting the longitudinal rear-wheel-drive layout, this new vehicle further expands the interior space and has been comprehensively strengthened in body material selection, manufacturing process refinement, and advanced driver assistance systems, achieving all-round upgrades in performance improvement, intelligent technology integration, enhanced luxury quality, and adaptability to travel scenarios, providing consumers who love outdoor adventures with a unique driving experience that combines strong performance and luxurious enjoyment.
A "Big HOUSE" for Mobility
As a newly added model, the Four-Wheel-Drive Trek Edition adopts a "2 + 3" large five-seat layout, forming a clear difference from the 6-seat and 7-seat models. This unique design not only precisely meets the needs of specific consumers, but also fills the market gap for five-seat models in the Explorer family. It should be noted that, as a standard mid-to-large SUV, the Explorer's body dimensions reach 5063mm×2004mm×1778mm, and its wheelbase is as long as 3025mm. Based on such dimensional advantages, when the second-row seats are folded down, the volume can reach 2487L, and the超大 expanded space instantly turns the travel tool into a two-person camping sleeping cabin. And when larger items need to be loaded, folding down the second-row seats can form a 2487L fully flat "large space," whether for moving furniture or serving as a temporary mobile bedroom, it is completely sufficient.
In the current market environment, some 7-seat mid-to-large SUVs have extremely cramped trunk space when fully loaded. However, the Explorer Four-Wheel-Drive Trek Edition cleverly expands storage space while ensuring passenger comfort. The volume above the trunk cargo board can reach 1505L, easily accommodating multiple large suitcases, camping tents, folding tables and chairs, and other outdoor equipment. In addition, there are as many as 15 storage compartments distributed throughout the vehicle, convenient for storing various small items such as first-aid kits and flashlights, enabling efficient use of the interior space.
Mechanical Quality Unrivaled in Its Class
It should be noted that in the current automotive market, front-wheel-drive sedans are relatively common, yet luxury cars still have a particular preference for rear-wheel drive. The difference between the two is by no means only in the driving mode, but in fact reflects a deep-seated difference in technical thresholds behind them. After all, the core technical architecture of rear-wheel-drive luxury cars is truly solid.
The Explorer Four-Wheel-Drive Trek Edition is meticulously built on the CD6 longitudinal rear-wheel-drive top platform, embodying the principle that "no rear-wheel drive, no luxury," and achieves an ideal front-to-rear weight distribution ratio of 50:50. This version inherits Ford's track-level professional handling DNA, equipped with double-ball-joint front suspension and H-arm integral multi-link rear suspension. In terms of driving experience, steering is more precise and handling performance is stronger. Whether making a U-turn on a narrow street or traveling on rugged mountain roads in the wild, it can handle it with ease.
Equipped with a longitudinal intelligent real-time four-wheel-drive system and a multi-plate clutch central differential, it offers five driving modes: Sport, Eco, Standard, Slippery, and Off-Road. Even during off-road driving on some unpaved roads, relying on the intelligent regulation of the four-wheel-drive system, whether shuttling through the city or in an off-road environment, it can respond with ease.
The Explorer Four-Wheel-Drive Trek Edition is equipped with a 2.3T EcoBoost engine from the same source as the Mustang, with a maximum power of 213kW and peak torque of 445N·m, paired perfectly with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In actual driving, 0-100 km/h acceleration takes only 7.3 seconds, and power output is both rapid and smooth. Whether it is the instantaneous explosive power when overtaking on city roads or the ability to continuously accelerate on highways, it can handle it with composure.
In terms of safe driving assistance, the configuration is comprehensive, including full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane centering assist, blind spot monitoring, and reversing camera. In terms of safety configuration, there are front side airbags, front and rear through-type side curtain airbags, and tire pressure monitoring. In addition, paired with the class-leading 1700 MPa martensitic steel, the ultra-high-strength steel body can withstand 11.5 tons of pressure, and the roof can bear 5 times its own weight. Multiple safety protections build a comprehensive safety guarantee for occupants.
It is worth noting that with the support of this powertrain combination, WLTC combined fuel consumption remains stable at 9.57L/100km. For a mid-to-large SUV, it achieves a good balance between power and economy. It can be said that such overall performance is rarely matched by competing models in the same class.
Comparable to Luxury, More Luxurious Than Hardcore
In addition to strong performance, the Explorer Four-Wheel-Drive Trek Edition also performs impressively in terms of interior.
The interior is equipped with a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel, paired with a 12.3-inch full LCD instrument panel and a 27-inch central control and front passenger dual-connected screen. At the same time, it is equipped with the SYNC3.0 infotainment system, which features Apple CarPlay, FordPass remote connectivity, and other functions, enabling seamless connection between the vehicle and smart devices. In addition, the 8155 chip upgraded across the lineup strongly guarantees the smooth operation of the smart cockpit, allowing drivers to enjoy a convenient and technology-filled driving experience.
The panoramic sunroof design ensures abundant and bright light inside the vehicle. The front seats integrate heating and ventilation, and are further equipped with steering wheel heating, providing drivers with a warm experience even in severe cold seasons. The three-zone independent automatic air conditioning system precisely meets the temperature preferences of passengers in each zone, while ANC active noise cancellation technology effectively blocks outside noise, jointly creating a quiet and comfortable riding space.
The Explorer Four-Wheel-Drive Trek Edition launched this time is priced at 309,800 yuan, a reduction of 20,000 yuan compared with previous models. Combined with replacement subsidies and other preferential policies, its terminal price has dropped below 300,000 yuan. It should be noted that in the market price range of 319,800 yuan, available options include new energy models such as the AITO M8 and Li Auto L7. However, it should be understood that at the same price, the advantages of the Explorer Four-Wheel-Drive Trek Edition in fuel economy and mechanical reliability are rare genuine performance highlights in the market.
In the 250,000 to 350,000 yuan fuel-powered mid-to-large SUV market, competition can be described as exceptionally fierce. However, the Changan Ford Explorer has many loyal users, and its market influence is quite stable. It can be seen that even with the current prevalence of new energy vehicles, there are still many consumers who deeply understand the charm of fuel vehicles, appreciate the advantages of rear-wheel drive, and truly understand the product, making them true kindred spirits of the Explorer.
Final Words
In recent years, "refrigerator, color TV, large sofa" have gradually become popular, expanding vehicle usage scenarios and value boundaries, and continuously driving changes in automotive consumer demand and lifestyles. However, these boundary expansions are merely "icing on the cake" on top of the basic value of the vehicle, and the essential attributes of automotive products have not changed because of this. In other words, the inherent qualities of an automotive product are always the core consideration when purchasing a car. Whether it can win consumer favor depends on the deep alignment between product attributes and user needs, and finding a balance between value and price.
The Changan Ford Explorer Four-Wheel-Drive Trek Edition demonstrates Changan Ford's commitment to a differentiated product route, truly designing products with user needs as the starting point, and always adhering to value orientation in a complex and ever-changing market environment. Since entering the domestic market, the Changan Ford Explorer has been meticulously refining its products in many aspects such as quality, performance, space, and configuration, demonstrating its relentless pursuit of quality through practical action, presenting users with a truly valuable vehicle to accompany them in exploring every aspect of life.
