Ford has opened reservations for a refreshed version of the Ford Explorer in China, revealing updated styling, revised trim levels, and new specifications. The latest Chinese-market model could offer an early look at design changes that may eventually reach future global versions of the midsize SUV.
Updated Ford Explorer Arrives in China
The latest Ford Explorer has entered the reservation phase in China after being previewed there last month. Full specifications have now been released, providing a closer look at the updated three-row crossover.
The previous facelifted Explorer for the 2025 model year first appeared in China in 2022 as a 2023 model, making the Chinese market an early indicator of changes later introduced elsewhere.
China Receives Higher-Spec Trim Levels
Ford offers the Explorer in China without an entry-level model. The lineup begins with the Off-Road Edition, which includes standard all-wheel drive, a panoramic sunroof, and a wide range of standard equipment. Two-wheel-drive versions are not offered.
The Fashion Edition adds three-row seating and is available in six- or seven-seat configurations.
The Titanium trim, which is comparable to the U.S. Platinum model, comes standard with BlueCruise, window shades, and tan upholstery. China also receives a Tremor-inspired variant called the Kunlun Peak Edition, named after the mountain range along the northern edge of the Tibetan Plateau.
Every trim level includes a standard triple-screen dashboard layout.
Exterior and Interior Receive New Styling
The refreshed Explorer features a redesigned front bumper, an updated grille, new wheel designs, and revised headlights.
According to the original report, the Chicago-built Explorer previously adopted styling similar to the China-built version, suggesting some of these exterior updates could eventually appear on a future global model.
Inside, the Chinese-market Explorer features a different center console layout than the U.S. model. The console is positioned higher to create additional storage space below, and the cabin uses fewer physical buttons.
China Gets a Unique EcoBoost Engine
Unlike markets that offer both the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine and the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6, the Chinese Explorer is available only with a localized version of the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine.
The Chinese-market engine produces 286 horsepower and 328 lb-ft of torque. By comparison, the 2.3-liter EcoBoost available in other markets delivers 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, while the available 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 produces 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.
According to the original report, the China-specific engine sacrifices some horsepower while producing higher torque.
Global Availability Remains Unclear
Ford has not announced whether the latest Chinese-market updates will be introduced on future global versions of the Explorer.
For now, the refreshed model offers a preview of potential exterior and interior changes, although the current global Explorer remains relatively new following its recent facelift.
