What are the differences between the domestically produced Explorer and the North American version?
4 Answers
The engines and exterior designs are different. Engines: The domestically produced Ford Explorer is equipped with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine, while the North American version features a 365-horsepower 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine, rated at 276 PS (272 HP), paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Exterior differences: The domestically produced Explorer has a larger hexagonal grille with greater vertical height. The grille design also differs: the domestic version uses block-shaped dot-matrix filling, whereas the North American version adopts a fish-scale mesh structure.
The differences between the domestically produced Explorer and the North American version are quite noticeable. Having driven both, I found that the domestic version has a slightly longer wheelbase, offering more legroom in the back seats, making family trips super comfortable. The North American version is also spacious, but the rear seats are a bit tighter, better suited for luggage. In terms of power, the domestic model uses a 2.3T engine, providing smooth starts and better fuel efficiency, ideal for city traffic. The North American version offers an optional V6 engine, delivering strong acceleration but with higher fuel consumption, requiring frequent refueling on long trips. The interiors differ significantly too—the domestic version features softer, more comfortable seats with thoughtful materials, while the North American version feels more rugged with a plastic-heavy, colder touch. The navigation system in the domestic model supports Chinese voice commands directly, with Baidu Maps being very convenient, whereas the North American version mostly has an English interface, which can be awkward to use. Overall, the domestic version is better suited for our traffic-heavy lifestyle here.
As someone who frequently researches cars, I believe the differences in the Explorer lie in the details. In terms of the engine, the domestic version is equipped with a 2.3-liter turbocharged engine paired with a six-speed transmission, delivering smooth and fuel-efficient performance, ideal for daily commuting. The North American version offers a 3.0L larger displacement or hybrid options, providing powerful performance but with slightly more noise, making it thrilling for mountain drives. The drivetrain in the North American high-end version features a more hardcore four-wheel-drive system, making hill climbs and off-roading effortless; the domestic four-wheel-drive is simplified, prioritizing fuel efficiency and urban handling. The suspension tuning differs as well—the North American version is stiffer and more responsive, offering stability in corners but with a stronger bumpy feel; the domestic version is softer, absorbing minor road imperfections, making long drives more comfortable. Technologically, the domestic version comes with the SYNC+ system, utilizing Tencent's ecosystem for music and WeChat; the North American version supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, being more international but with fewer local features.
From a budget perspective, the domestic Explorer offers better value. Price-wise, the domestic version starts over 100,000 yuan cheaper, with the top trim costing under 400,000 yuan; the North American import is significantly more expensive, and maintenance costs are higher. The domestic version comes much better equipped – features like panoramic sunroofs and ventilated seats are standard on most trims, while they're only available on high-end North American models, with base versions being rather basic. Fuel efficiency favors the domestic 2.3T engine, averaging 6-7L/100km in city driving; the North American V6 is thirstier, hitting the wallet harder on long trips. Repairs are cheaper domestically with readily available parts at local shops, whereas imported parts for the North American version are costly and hard to source. Taxes and insurance also save substantially with the domestic model. Overall, the domestic version delivers all the practical daily functions, while the North American one feels more like a rich man's toy.
