Ford is launching a new version of the Explorer: the Timberline. That is a roughly dressed Explorer that not only looks extra adventurous, but also actually stands higher on its legs.
At the end of 2019, Ford added the Explorer back to the Dutch delivery range after years of absence. However, the Dutch consumer cannot choose much. The Explorer is only delivered as a Plug-in Hybrid in the Netherlands and is always decked out in ST Line trim. In the home country of the United States, the more than 5 meter long SUV is available in various versions, including as a luxuriously decorated King Ranch and as a real Explorer ST. The American customer can now also go for a roughly dressed Explorer, the brand new Explorer Timberline that you see in these photos.
According to Ford, Explorer drivers are increasingly taking trips off the beaten track, a trend that the brand is capitalizing on with the Explorer Timberline. He gets a Torsen limited slip differential and comes standard with Hill Descent Control. In addition, Ford puts the Explorer Timberline a little more than 2 centimeters higher on its legs. Furthermore, the Explorer has firmer shock absorbers, which were initially developed for the police version of the Explorer, the Interceptor. Bridgestone all-terrain tires are folded around the 18-inch alloy.
Ford Explorer Timberline
From the outside, the Explorer Timberline is adorned with specific bumper work, complete with skid plates and orange-colored accents. The grille is slightly different than you are used to, because Ford sticks a plastic trim with LED lighting in it. At the bottom, Ford mounts protection plates for the transmission and engine, among other things. That power source is also the 284 hp four-cylinder 2.3 Ecoboost which is linked to a ten-speed automatic transmission. Remarkably enough, the basic engine, since Ford in the United States also supplies the Explorer with a hybrid powertrain with a 3.3 V6 and with a biturbo 3.0 V6s. Finally, Ford puts rubber mats in the Explorer and folds upholstery around the seats that, according to the manufacturer, you can easily clean.
Incidentally, the Explorer Timberline is not coming to the Netherlands. Is that a loss?