Everything to me is about value (what you get). The ultimate question would be if a fully loaded Telluride is $46k and a fully loaded Explorer is $64k, do you receive (or more accurately "perceive") $18k in additional value by getting the Explorer? They appear to be similar size, have 3rd row, similarly optioned, etc. I have a friend who has a 2018 Explorer Platinum that I have driven and also been with him on a 2 hour road trip. Personally, I think that is way over-priced for what you get out of it.

 

This is why I would never consider an MDX, QX60 or RX over Pilot, Pathfinder or Highlander, respectively. I don't feel the $10,000++ premium to step up a class is worth it.

Seems like Explorer is trying to straddle mainstream and lux classes. If you get a Limited, you can compare to mainstream brands; if you go for Platinum, you can compare against premium brands.

 

The overlap with the Lincoln Aviator will be interesting. Ford's Platinum trim level looks to be about the same as Lincoln's Reserve level. That leaves the Black Label as the only Lincoln trim line that is better than the Platinum.

 

I would never want a base Explorer, and its the same price as a totally base Expedition.

If you don't like the value proposition dont buy one. Inferior to the CX9? You haven't even seen one...

 

The pictures are online of the Platinum where you can clearly see it's not best in class.

 

I'm not really a Hyundai guy but this thing looks way better than any Explorer, and the Explorer is a good looking SUV to begin with!

 

Pictures don't tell you anything, you have to see it in person. Nothing else in that class offers the types of finishes that a current gen Explorer Platinum has, let alone the new one.

Remember too, you'll have tons of rebates and such on these as is Ford's way.

 

Audi Q7 says "hold my beer."

For real, you can get the 3.0T Premium Plus Q7 for $63k sticker so the Explorer Platinum is priced right there with it. I'd take Audi all day, everyday over an Explorer Platinum and I've driven & ridden in both. You think the Explorer offers better fit & finish over a brand like Audi??

 

A 2020 Explorer Platinum with almost every option (excluding things like smoker's package, optional wheels, roof rails, rear seat DVD players, etc) costs $61k. A comparably equipped Q7 would be a Prestige with several pricey options including the Luxury Package, Adapative suspension and B&O audio, which stickers at $86k. Definitely nicer. But not anywhere near the same price class. A fully-loaded Q7 comes in at an eye-watering $95k.

Now, I'm not knocking the Q7 by any means. I bought one, after all. But mine stickered for $75k and doesn't have some equipment that is on the 2020 Explorer Platinum at $60k. So I absolutely would have looked.

 

I've seen those YouTubes as others here, where many "AWD" vehicles have no ability to transfer power, and are basically become stuck. Like the CR-Vs of the world. This vehicle is likely such so Explorer being RWD based now isn't truly comparable.

 

A smoker's package still exists?

 

Q7 3.0T Premium Plus according to kbb is $67690 if you want such things as adaptive cruise and paint other than white or black. hell they even charge $40 for a jack. so that's 4 and a half grand more.

but if explorer is being compared to a q7 in any conversation that's a great thing for ford.

don't get me wrong, i love the Q7! but i do think the new explorer and especially it's upmarket step sibling the aviator look awesome with rwd-based platforms. i heart short front overhangs.

 

wait, just realized we're debating audis and explorers in the telluride thread.

 

That says something about what a good job Kia did with the Telluride!

 

LOL, Explorer came up a while back but was actually related to Telluride at the time. We were commenting on competitive vehicles in the class/segment and Explorer came up, then it turned into this..! Guilty as charged.