The unveil of yet another refresh for its mid-sized Explorer confirms it: 2017 (or maybe even 2018) will be a year of SUV bonanza for Ford. After showing off its all-new aluminum-bodied 2018 Expedition and the refreshed EcoSport in both the US and in Asia-Pacific, the Explorer now gets some tweaks in a bid to boost its appeal to the 35-44 year olds—the mid-sized and large SUV’s biggest demographic.

This soon-to-be-Tito crowd can be #blessed with the Explorer’s pleura of exterior changes. Newfound wealth and status is made more obvious thanks to the new front bumper that adds a brake duct detail while also reducing the size of those gargantuan front fog lamps. The grille insert is also new. Meanwhile, at the back, the high-performance Sport model swaps out the rectangular tailpipes for quad-tips ones. This yummy little detail means you can live out your Mustang dreams while still carrying your family of 6 in extreme comfort.

Speaking about comfort, the 2018 Explorer receives an updated dashboard now fitted with the increasingly popular stitched leather insert. The SYNC 3 system (which will debut with this refreshed model in the Philippines) will arrive with SYNC Connect which allows owners to start, lock, unlock, and locate their vehicle using their smartphone (this, most likely, won’t make it to the Philippines). Hand-in-hand with SYNC Connect, the Explorer add the capability of being a mobile WiFi hotspot. An embedded 4G modem can allow up to 10 devices to connect. This means there’s no excuse not to answer that email.


The 2018 Explorer also gets a new Safe and Smart Package that combines Adaptive Cruise Control, Blindspot Monitoring System, Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane-Keeping System, Auto High-Beam, and Rain-Sensing Wipers into one affordable package. In addition, the Explorer also gets the enhanced active park assist that helps drivers in and out of parallel and perpendicular parking spaces.

Mechanically, the new Explorer remains unchanged. The two EcoBoost engines remain the same with the 2.3-liter 4-cylinder delivering 280 horsepower and the twin-turbo 3.5 V6 pushing out 365 horsepower.

With the Explorer rolling out of its Chicago Assembly Plant Q3 of this year, this is poised for a reveal most likely at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) in 2018. This will probably join the stage alongside the all-new Expedition and refreshed EcoSport.