New Ford Explorer Spy Photographs Present Timberline Trim Getting Makeover

Earlier this month, our spy photographers caught a camouflaged Ford Explorer ST out testing. It raised some eyebrows as a result of Ford had simply up to date it for the 2022 mannequin 12 months. Immediately, we’ve extra Explorer spy photographs, however they’re of the brand new Timberline trim that Ford launched in 2021. It’s concealing the identical bits with cladding and camouflage because the ST.

That is doubtless our first – early – take a look at the 2024 mannequin. Ford hides the entrance and rear fascias, conserving any design updates from prying eyes. The pictures don’t reveal lots of the styling adjustments, however our spy photographers report that the SUV’s grille is bigger and it options new headlights, which aren’t clearly seen within the pics. We will’t spot any adjustments on the rear, however the Explorer ought to obtain revised taillights and probably different tweaks.

Ford revealed the Explorer Timberline in Might 2021, giving the sixth-generation mannequin a rugged trim. The SUV acquired an upgraded suspension with a elevate, distinctive wheels, improved four-wheel drive, a regular Torsen limited-slip differential, and 18-inch all-terrain Bridgestone tires.

The trim’s 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four is predicted to hold over to the redesigned mannequin with out important adjustments. It makes 300 horsepower (223 kilowatts) and 310 pound-feet (420 Newton-meters) of torque and pairs with Ford’s 10-speed automated transmission. Ford might tweak the powertrain to make a bit extra energy, however don’t anticipate something earth-shattering.

We haven’t had the chance to take a look at the up to date Explorer’s inside. It’s unclear if Ford will preserve the structure as it’s or change it to accommodate a bigger display. The automaker up to date the Explorer in China with an enormous 27-inch infotainment show on the dashboard. The SUV additionally acquired revamped exterior styling that would preview what’s forward for the US mannequin.

We’ll doubtless see the up to date Explorer Timberline debut in 2023 for the 2024 mannequin 12 months alongside the remainder of the Explorer lineup, just like the ST. Ford might have deliberate the replace to coincide with the launch of the electrical Explorer, which the automaker had initially scheduled to start manufacturing in mid-2023. Nevertheless, Ford pushed again that date to December 2024 in late 2021.