Earlier this month, our spy photographer captured a disguised test of the Ford Explorer ST. This raises some eyebrows because Ford just updated it for the 2022 model year. Today, we have more spy shots of the Explorer, but it’s the new Timberline trim that Ford is launching in 2021. It hides the same parts with cladding and camouflage as the ST.
This is our first possible – early – look at the 2024 model. Ford hid the front and rear fascia, keeping design updates out of prying eyes. The images don’t reveal much of a styling change, but our spy photographer reports that the SUV’s grille is larger and features new headlights, which are not clearly visible in the photos. We can’t see any changes to the rear, but the Explorer should receive revised taillights and possibly other adjustments.
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Ford revealed the Explorer Timberline in May 2021, giving the sixth-generation model a solid trim. The SUV received an upgraded suspension with lift, unique wheels, upgraded four-wheel drive, standard Torsen limited-slip differential and 18-inch Bridgestone all-terrain tires.
The trim 2.3 liter turbocharged inline-four is expected to carry over to the redesigned model without significant changes. It produces 300 horsepower (223 kilowatts) and 310 pound-feet (420 Newton-meters) of torque and is mated to a Ford 10-speed automatic transmission. Ford could tweak the powertrain to make a little more power, but don’t expect anything earth-shattering.
We haven’t had a chance to check out the updated Explorer interior yet. It’s unclear whether Ford will keep the layout like that or change it to accommodate the larger screen. The automaker updated the Explorer in China with a giant 27-inch infotainment screen on the dashboard. The SUV has also received exterior styling changes that could see what lies ahead for the US model.
We may see the debut of the updated Explorer Timberline in 2023 for the 2024 model year along with other Explorer lines, such as the ST. Ford could have planned the update to coincide with the launch of the electric Explorer, which was originally slated to start production in mid-2023. However, Ford pushed that date back to December 2024 at the end of 2021.
