Ford SUVs Timeline

The First Generation was based on the compact Ford Ranger pickup. The Bronco II was a two-door, the Explorer came in both two- and four-door configurations, it caused an interest to families. The engine was mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual. Rear-drive was standard, and a four-wheel drive was also available.

Initially a trim level, the Explorer Sport eventually became its own model. The Explorer Sport lasted for the first two generations of the regular Explorer, the second-generation Sport outlasting the second-generation four-door Explorer by two years with a face-lift. The shorter wheelbase Explorer Sport was more maneuverable off-road but at the cost of the ride quality. The two-door configuration also created difficulties for back-seat accessibility.

Based on the Ford Explorer Sport, the Mazda Navajo was only available in the two-door body style. A rear-drive model was introduced in 1992. Although it shared its sheet metal with the Explorer, it was given unique features like its front bumper and grille, exterior trim, taillights, wheels and etc. The Navajo was only offered for one generation.

Although still based on the Ranger, the second-generation Explorer received significant updates, including a more aerodynamic front end and mechanical changes. A fully independent short- and long-arm front suspension replaced the semi-independent twin I-Beam/traction-beam, and a new rack-and-pinion setup replaced the recirculating-ball steering.

The first-generation Explorer Sport Trac rode on an extended wheelbase with a short composite bed behind the rear doors, a change from Explorer Sport's shortened four-door second-generation Explorer wheelbase. It shared the same front-end styling of the Explorer Sport, as well as the same 4.0-liter SOHC V-6 and five-speed automatic. The larger second-generation (2007-2010) Explorer Sport Trac was based on the new fourth-generation Explorer, including its independent rear end.

No longer based on the Ford Ranger, the third-generation Ford Explorer went under a heavy redesign. The new Explorer featured an independent rear end and seating for up to seven passengers with an available third-row seat. Inside, the Explorer featured more useful features and better ergonomics than ever.

Although the fourth-generation Explorer looked like a warmed-over version of the previous model, it featured lots of new content under the skin, including a new stiffer frame with through-the-frame-rail cross members and a revised front suspension. Inside, the interior was noticeably improved, and Roll Stability Control, canopy airbags, and other adaptive safety devices improved safety.

Based on a modified Ford Taurus sedan's unibody chassis and transverse engine layout, the fifth-generation Ford Explorer received significant changes from prior generations. The 2011 Explorer made its debut with a 290-hp 3.5-liter V-6 with 255 lb-ft mated to a six-speed automatic and was available in front- or all-wheel drive. The Ford Explorer Sport returned in 2013 as a completely different animal. Still a four-door, the 2013 Explorer Sport was powered by the Taurus SHO sedan's 365-hp 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 with 350 lb-ft and standard all-wheel drive.

Revealed at the 2014 Los Angeles auto show, the refreshed 2016 Ford Explorer helped extend the life of the fifth-gen SUV by adding revised styling, a new infotainment system, and more. The base turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine was dropped in favor of a version of the turbo 2.3-liter making 280 hp and 310 lb-ft, which was good enough to shave a whole second off the turbo-four model's 0-60 time in its tests.

The sixth-generation Explorer shifts from a front-drive to a rear-drive architecture, with all-wheel drive available. With its new setup, the SUV achieves a wider stance and short overhang, promising better off-road capabilities and more room inside the cabin. For 2020, the Explorer offers a standard 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four engine that makes 300 hp. That's up 10 hp from the previous model year, and it replaces a six-speed automatic with a new 10-speed automatic. Inside the cabin, new technologies abound. Along with a 12.3-inch digital cluster, there is an optional 10.1-inch capacitive screen (standard 8.0-inch screen) with an updated Sync 3 interface. Instead of a traditional gear stalk, you'll find a new rotary gear shifter, as well as an electronic parking brake.