Editing Ford Explorer (section)

== Variants and derivatives ==

=== 3-door / Explorer Sport ===
As the direct successor of the Bronco II, Ford developed a three-door version of the Explorer in 1990 for the 1991 model year; while 10 inches shorter than its five-door counterpart, the three-door was still nearly 13 inches longer than the Bronco II. For the first generation, the three-door was available in XL, Sport, and Eddie Bauer trims,<ref name="xr793.com" /> with Sport offered as a trim exclusive to the three-door, distinguished by black-colored wheel wells and rocker panels. For 1995, Expedition was offered as a trim package for the three-door Explorer; replacing the Eddie Bauer trim, the nameplate was retired after 1995 in preparation for the 1997 full-size four-door SUV.

During the second generation, the XL trim was retired for the 1999 model year,<ref name="xr793.com" /> with all three-door Explorers becoming Explorer Sports. For 2001, the Explorer Sport was split from the five-door Explorer, retaining the second-generation body and chassis and adopting the front fascia and interior of the Explorer Sport Trac.

Ford discontinued the Explorer Sport following the 2003 model year with no direct replacement due to the declining popularity of three-door SUVs, with the final vehicle produced in July 2003.{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}}
<gallery widths="200" heights="135">
File:Early 2-Door Explorer.JPG|1991-1994 Ford Explorer XL
File:1st-Ford-Explorer-Sport.jpg|1991-1994 Ford Explorer Sport
File:Ford Explorer Sport.jpg|1995-2000 Ford Explorer Sport
File:Ford Explorer Sport -- 03-11-2010.jpg|2001-2003 Ford Explorer Sport 
</gallery>

=== Explorer Sport Trac ===
{{main|Ford Explorer Sport Trac}}
Introduced in 2000 as a 2001 model, the [[Ford Explorer Sport Trac|Explorer Sport Trac]] is a mid-size pickup truck derived from the second-generation Explorer, becoming the first mid-size Ford pickup. In contrast to the Ranger, the Sport Trac was marketed primarily as a personal-use vehicle rather than for work use.

Offered solely as a four-door crew cab, the design of the Sport Trac shared commonality with multiple vehicles. Sharing the frame and wheelbase of the Ranger SuperCab, the Sport Trac combined the front fascia of the Explorer Sport with a crew cab derived from the four-door Explorer; the pickup bed (designed for the model line) shared its tailgate with the F-150 SuperCrew.

The 2001–2005 Sport Trac was the final version of the Explorer derived from the Ranger. After skipping the 2006 model year, a second-generation Sport Trac was produced from 2007 until 2010 (derived from the fourth-generation Explorer).

<gallery widths="200" heights="120">
File:1st Ford Explorer Sport Trac -- 03-21-2012.JPG|2003-2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
File:2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac rear.jpg|2001-2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, rear
File:2nd Ford Sport Trac XLT.jpg|2007-2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
</gallery>

=== Police Interceptor Utility ===
[[File:Ford Explorer Police Interceptor (24649304414).jpg|thumb|First generation post-facelift Ford Police Interceptor Utility at the 2016 [[Chicago Auto Show]]]]
Following the end of production of the [[Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor]] (CVPI) in 2011, Ford developed two new models to replace it, as part of their [[Ford Police Interceptor]] range. In 2012, for the 2013 model year, Ford introduced the Taurus-based [[Ford Police Interceptor Sedan]] (FPIS) and Explorer-based Ford Police Interceptor Utility (FPIU). Both models were designed and assembled alongside each other and were platform mates. As such, many mechanical parts, repair techniques, specifications, and vehicle interfaces were intentionally the same between the two vehicles to facilitate easier repairs and user familiarity.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://blog.consumerguide.com/cop-car-walk-around-2013-ford-police-interceptors/ |title=Cop-Car Walk-around: Ford Police Interceptors |date=October 26, 2012}}</ref> Like the CVPI, the Ford Expedition SSV, and the Taurus-based FPIS, the FPIU was not made available for retail sale.

Unlike the outgoing CVPI and the Expedition SSV, the FPIU was unavailable with a V8 engine. Instead, it was equipped with a 3.7&nbsp;L [[Cyclone V6]] used in the [[Ford Mustang]], but in a transverse arrangement as the standard engine. It made {{convert|304|hp|kW PS|abbr=on}} and {{convert|279|lbft|Nm|abbr=on}} of torque, and was [[Flexible-fuel vehicle|flex fuel]] capable. Permanent torque-vectoring all-wheel drive was standard across the line. In 2013, for the 2014 model year, a 3.5&nbsp;L twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6, shared with the Explorer Sport, Taurus SHO, and FPIS was added to the lineup making {{convert|365|hp|kW PS|abbr=on}} and {{convert|350|lbft|Nm|abbr=on}} of torque.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motortrend.com/news/ford-police-interceptor-utility-vehicle-offers-35l-ecoboost-capable-of-365-hp/|title = Ford Police Interceptor Utility Vehicle Offers 3.5L EcoBoost Capable of 365 hp|date = August 23, 2013}}</ref> All iterations of the FPIU used a variant of Ford's 6F six-speed automatic transmission.

Visually, the FPIU could be easily told apart from a standard Ford Explorer. It featured a black front grille with black exterior trim, black steel wheels with chrome center caps or plastic hubcaps, a keyhole on the trunk door, ''Police Interceptor'' badging on the trunk door, and no roof rails. The EcoBoost FPIU featured several distinct visual cues that set it apart from its non-turbocharged counterpart. The EcoBoost variant featured a different grille, similar to that of the FPIS, large ''INTERCEPTOR'' badging across the hood lip, and an EcoBoost badge on the trunk. The [[daytime running lamp]]s on the Explorer were removed for FPIUs and the turn signals act in place of them.
 
Many standard features that were fitted to the FPIU were not available on the standard Ford Explorer, including {{cvt|75|mph|km/h|adj=on}} rear impact protection; a police calibrated ECM for high performance driving & long idling times; a heavy duty cooling system that included a larger radiator, an engine oil cooler, transmission cooler, power transfer unit (PTU) cooler, and police-calibrated radiator fan settings; a 220-amp alternator; heavy duty 13-inch brake rotors with special ventilation & 18-inch five spoke steel wheels; true dual exhaust; a police-tuned suspension with heavy duty components; raised ride height; steel deflector plates along the underbody; reinforced frame points; reinforced front door hinges; factory provisions to add emergency equipment, and a specially tuned electronic stability control system tailored to emergency style driving.<ref>[https://www.xr793.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/2013-Ford-Police-Interceptor-Brochure.pdf Two All-New Police Interceptors] XR793 October 13, 2016. Retrieved November 24, 2022</ref> Interior-wise, the FPIU differentiated from the standard Ford Explorer, featuring a column shifter as opposed to a floor shifter, mappable steering wheel controls, a certified-calibration speedometer, heavy-duty cloth front seats with stab-proof front seat backs, a vinyl rear seat without headrests, vinyl flooring, and the ability to disable the rear door locks and window switches. A third-row seating option was not available on the FPIU. Some features found on a standard Ford Explorer were available as standalone options on the FPIU, such as [[Ford SYNC]], a rearview camera, reverse sensors, blind spot monitoring, keyless entry, exterior fog lamps, automatic headlights, and rear headliner mounted HVAC vents.

The Ford Police Interceptor Utility proved to be popular outselling the FPIS, and became ubiquitous with law enforcement as the CVPI was being phased out. The [[California Highway Patrol]] began to use the Police Interceptor Utility as a CVPI replacement because the FPIS, [[Chevrolet Caprice]], and [[Dodge Charger]] patrol cars did not meet the payload the CHP requires for a universal patrol car.<ref name="motortrend.com" /> In May 2014, statistician R.L. Polk declared the FPIU the most popular police vehicle, based on 2013 U.S. sales figures.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.freep.com/article/20140324/BUSINESS01/303240049 |title=Auto news |work=Detroit Free Press}}</ref>

In 2015, for the 2016 model year, the FPIU was refreshed along with the rest of the Explorer line. Though powertrain options remained the same, the FPIU received an upgraded electrical system, a new front fascia with LED reflector headlights, a new rear fascia, and an unlock button on the trunk. Inside, the FPIU received a new steering wheel, new interior trim, and a revised center stack. The electronic stability control system was re-tuned to allow for J-turns. A perimeter alarm was introduced as an option that automatically locked the doors and closed the windows if anyone attempted to approach the vehicle from its blind spots.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.topspeed.com/cars/ford/2016-ford-police-interceptor-utility/ |title=2016 Ford Police Interceptor Utility |work=Top Speed|date = February 3, 2015}}</ref>

====Second generation====
[[File:2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid Interceptor spec front NYIAS 2019.jpg|thumb|Second generation Ford Police Interceptor Utility at the 2019 [[New York International Auto Show]]]]

In 2019, for the 2020 model year, Ford released a second-generation Police Interceptor Utility, derived from the sixth-generation Explorer.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a21289331/this-is-the-new-2020-ford-explorerin-cop-car-form/ |title=This Is the New 2020 Ford Explorer—in Cop-Car Form |work=Car and Driver |date=January 4, 2019}}</ref> Offered exclusively in a permanent all-wheel drive configuration, it now rides on Ford's all-new rear-wheel drive based CD6 platform. The second generation FPIU does not have a sedan counterpart; the Ford Police Interceptor Sedan was discontinued in 2019.

Many of the same Utility-specific standard features were carried over from the first-generation version. For the first time, the FPIU was offered in a hybrid drive-train configuration. Bluetooth is now standard as is a 250 amp alternator, Ford Telematics, and dual-zone front temperature control. A 12.1-inch center stack display is now optional, and the optional perimeter alarm has been advanced. The second generation FPIU gains cargo space (even with hybrid batteries on board) over its predecessor.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Ford Police Interceptor Utility|url= https://www.ford.com/police-vehicles/hybrid-utility/ |access-date=February 26, 2022 |work=Ford Motor Company}}</ref>

The second generation FPIU was offered with three all-new engine choices: a twin-turbocharged 3.0L EcoBoost V6 making {{cvt|400|hp|kW PS}} and {{cvt|415|lbft|Nm}} of torque, a 3.3L Hybrid V6 making {{cvt|318|hp|kW PS}} and {{cvt|332|lbft|Nm}} of torque, and a naturally aspirated 3.3 L V6 engine making {{cvt|285|hp|kW PS}} and {{cvt|260|lbft|Nm}} of torque, the latter of which is unavailable on the retail Ford Explorer. All iterations of the second-generation FPIU use a 10-speed automatic transmission. Notably, the 3.0&nbsp;L EcoBoost V6 Utility was the quickest police vehicle available in Michigan State Police testing with a {{cvt|0 to 60|mph}} time of 5.5 seconds and a top speed of {{cvt|148|mph|km/h}}.<ref>{{cite web|last=Irwin |first=Austin |date=October 14, 2021 |title=Ford Explorer Remains Quickest Police Car Sold Today, for Now |url= https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a37952485/ford-explorer-quickest-police-car-sold-today/ |access-date=February 26, 2022 |work=Car and Driver}}</ref>

The new hybrid system is based on Ford's fourth-generation modular hybrid system, which shares up to 90% of its parts with the Escape Hybrid and F-150 Hybrid. It is estimated that the hybrid drive-train will save departments between $3,500 and $5,700 a year per vehicle in fuel costs.<ref>{{cite web|date=May 17, 2019 |title=2020 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Hybrid Review |url= https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2020-ford-explorer-hybrid-police-interceptor-review/ |access-date=February 26, 2022 |work=MotorTrend}}</ref> In total, the hybrid system increased the combined fuel economy of the Utility from {{cvt|19|mpgus}} to {{cvt|24|mpgus}}, a 26% increase.

====2024 update====
In 2024, for the 2025 model year, the FPIU received several updates; it coincided with the mid-cycle refresh of the retail Explorer. Unlike its retail counterpart, the front fascia retained the same styling as its 2024 predecessor. According to Ford, this was done to streamline up-fitting and reduce costs so that agencies can directly swap equipment from previous model years (such as emergency lights and push bumpers) to a new vehicle. The rear fascia, however, received new tail lamps and a re-designed hatch filler trim in between the tail lamps.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ford opens orders for 2025 MY Police Interceptor Utility |url=https://www.trailer-bodybuilders.com/chassis/article/21282908/ford-opens-orders-for-2025-my-police-interceptor-utility |website=www.trailer-bodybuilder.com |date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=30 June 2024}}</ref>

New features for the 2025 FPIU include a larger center stack display with enhanced graphics and advanced OTA (Over the Air) capabilities. Additionally, Ford's new Upfit Pro Integration System is now standard, which streamlines the up-fitting process for interior emergency response equipment on new police vehicles. Like the exterior, the interior design largely remained the same and was not updated like the interior of the retail Explorer.

Mechanically, power-trains were carried over, with the 3.3L Hybrid V6 returning as the standard engine choice. However, a new manual pursuit mode has been added to supplant the automatic pursuit mode feature; it enhances drive-ability and power delivery in heavy-traffic emergency response driving situations.

Moreover, several additional safety features are now standard. Automatic emergency braking is now standard along with blind spot monitoring and cross traffic brake assist. In addition, Ford's Police Perimeter Alerts system, which was previously optional, is now standard.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ford unveils enhanced 2025 Police Interceptor Utility |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FHKtIsmlLw |website=www.youtube.com | date=February 16, 2024 |publisher=Police1 - Youtube |access-date=30 June 2024}}</ref>

The updated 2025 FPIU was available to order beginning on February 15, 2024.

Ford Police Interceptor Utility Performance Specs (based on [[Michigan State Police]] testing):<ref>{{cite web|publisher=JTIC
|url= https://www.michigan.gov/documents/msp/2016_MY_Police_Vehicle_Evaluation_Test_Book_516080_7.pdf |title=Police Vehicle Evaluation 2000}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.michigan.gov/documents/msp/TestResultsCombinedMY2020_666841_7.pdf |title=Police Vehicle Evaluation 2000 |publisher=JTIC}}</ref> 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Engine
!Displacement
!Power
!Torque
!Notes
!0-60/Top Speed
|-

|-
| 3.5&nbsp;L ''EcoBoost'' V6 || 213 CID || {{cvt|365|hp|kW|0}} || {{cvt|350|lbft|Nm|0}} || Twin-turbocharged, late availability; 2014–2019.|| {{cvt|0 to 60|mph}}: 6.6 seconds. {{cvt|132|mph}} top speed.
|-
|3.7&nbsp;L V6 || 227 CID || {{cvt|304|hp|kW|0}} || {{cvt|279|lbft|Nm|0}} || 2013–2019; base engine. || 0–60: 7.9 seconds. {{cvt|132|mph}} top speed.
|-
| 3.3&nbsp;L V6 || 201 CID || {{cvt|285|hp|kW|0}} || {{cvt|260|lbft|Nm|0}} || Naturally aspirated; 2020– || 0–60: 8.1 seconds. {{cvt|136|mph}} top speed.
|-
| 3.3&nbsp;L ''Hybrid'' V6 || 201 CID || {{cvt|318|hp|kW|0}} || {{cvt|322|lbft|Nm|0}} || Hybrid--(horsepower/torque are combined ratings), base engine; 2020– || 0–60: 7.2 seconds. {{cvt|136|mph}} top speed.
|-
| 3.0&nbsp;L ''EcoBoost'' V6 || 183 CID || {{cvt|400|hp|kW|0}} || {{cvt|415|lbft|Nm|0}} || Twin-turbocharged; 2020–|| 0–60: 5.5 seconds. {{cvt|148|mph}} top speed.
|}
<gallery widths="120" heights="70">
File:Toronto Police Services Ford Explorer.jpg|First generation pre-facelift FPIU with the [[Toronto Police Service]]
File:Golden Gate Bridge Patrol Ford PIU.jpg|First generation pre-facelift FPIU with the [[Golden Gate Bridge|Golden Gate Bridge Patrol]]
File:Ford Police Interceptor Utility of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, 10 February 2024.jpg|First generation facelifted FPIU with the [[Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority]]
File:CPD Ford PIU 9608.jpg|First generation facelifted FPIU with the [[Chicago Police Department]]
File:New York City Police 122nd Precinct Ford PIU (Left front).jpg|Second generation FPIU with the [[New York City Police Department]]
File:Miami Police Department Ford Police Interceptor Utility (Sergeant unit) Rear right view.jpg|Second generation FPIU with the [[Miami Police Department]]
</gallery>
{{clear}}

=== Mazda Navajo ===
[[File:Mazda-Navajo.jpg|thumb|Mazda Navajo]]
{{main|Mazda Navajo}}
The first-generation Ford Explorer was sold by Mazda from 1991 until 1994 as the '''Mazda Navajo'''. Offered solely in a three-door configuration, only minor design details differed the Navajo from its Ford counterpart.

In the early 1990s, SUVs transitioned into alternatives to station wagons, leading to a decline in demand for two-door SUVs. After the 1994 model year, Mazda withdrew the Navajo, returning in 2000 with the four-door [[Mazda Tribute|Tribute]] (a counterpart of the [[Ford Escape]]).

=== Mercury Mountaineer ===
{{Main|Mercury Mountaineer}}
The Ford Explorer was sold by the [[Mercury (automobile)|Mercury]] division as the [[Mercury Mountaineer]] from 1997 until 2010. Developed as a competitor for the [[Oldsmobile Bravada]], the Mountaineer was a four-door SUV slotted above the Explorer Limited. Marking the reintroduction of the waterfall grille to the Mercury brand, the model line was distinguished by two-tone (and later monochromatic) styling different from the Explorer.

Coinciding with the 2010 closure of the Mercury brand, the Mountaineer was withdrawn after the 2010 model year; three generations were produced, with the Mountaineer serving as the largest Mercury SUV (above the [[Mercury Mariner|Mariner]]).
<gallery widths="200" heights="120">
File:1998-2001 Mercury Mountaineer.jpg|1998-2001 Mercury Mountaineer
File:Mercury Mountaineer.jpg|2002-2005 Mercury Mountaineer 
File:3rd Mercury Mountaineer -- 03-05-2010.jpg|2006-2010 Mercury Mountaineer 
</gallery>

=== Lincoln Aviator ===
[[File:2003-Aviator-weiss-1.JPG|thumb|2003 Lincoln Aviator]]
[[File:2019 Lincoln Aviator prototype 01.jpg|thumb|2020–present Lincoln Aviator]]{{Main|Lincoln Aviator}}

The Explorer has been sold twice by the Lincoln division as the [[Lincoln Aviator]]. From 2003 through 2005, the Lincoln Aviator was marketed as a counterpart of the third-generation Explorer. The first mid-size SUV sold by Lincoln, the model line was slotted between the Mercury Mountaineer and the Lincoln Navigator. Following the introduction of the fourth-generation Explorer, the model line was repackaged as a CUV based on the [[Ford Edge]] and renamed the [[Lincoln MKX]] (today the Lincoln Nautilus).

For 2020, the Lincoln Aviator was revived (after a 14-year hiatus) as a mid-size SUV; as before, the model line is a Lincoln counterpart of the Ford Explorer (now the sixth generation) and the Lincoln Navigator. The second-generation Aviator is the first Lincoln vehicle offered with [[plug-in hybrid]] capability as an option; its {{cvt|494|hp|kW}} combined output is the highest-ever for a Lincoln vehicle.