What is the measured minimum ground clearance of the domestically produced Explorer?
2 Answers
Ford Explorer's minimum ground clearance is 193mm. Related introduction: 1. Exterior: The sixth-generation Ford Explorer features a wide front grille with horizontal bars similar to the Edge, but without extensive use of chrome decoration, instead employing a mesh structure paired with slender chrome trim. The Explorer's blade-style combination headlights somewhat resemble those of the previous-generation Ford Edge, with large plastic cladding on the bumper and auxiliary radar sensors near the front wheels on both sides. Compared to the U.S. version, the new Ford Explorer has a larger grille that better suits Chinese aesthetic preferences, with dot-matrix chrome decoration inside the grille. 2. Interior: The standard 12.8-inch central touchscreen uses the SYNC+ 2.0 intelligent infotainment system. The instrument panel adopts a full LCD display that can switch themes according to Sport, Economy, or Snow driving modes. The steering wheel supports four-way electric adjustment, with multifunction buttons including multimedia controls, adaptive cruise, and voice recognition. 3. Powertrain: The sixth-generation Explorer is equipped with an upgraded fourth-generation 2.3T EcoBoost engine, delivering a maximum of 276 horsepower and 425N.m of peak torque, paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission, achieving 0-100km/h acceleration in just 7.6 seconds.
I bought a domestic Explorer last year and enjoy checking its performance myself. The measured minimum ground clearance when unloaded is about 193mm, roughly equivalent to 7.6 inches. Having driven on various road conditions like urban paved roads and rural dirt roads, this height handles speed bumps and small potholes very steadily without scraping the chassis components. When fully loaded with passengers or luggage, the clearance drops below 180mm, so you need to be careful not to hit rocks or curbs. I've tried the Touareg's clearance at 206mm, but the Explorer's suspension offers better comfort, making it more suitable for daily family trips. I recommend regularly checking tire wear and the underbody protection panels, keeping them clean to prevent corrosion. Avoid extreme off-road conditions; it's perfectly designed for urban commuting or weekend suburban road trips, offering a well-balanced performance.