A mid-life-cycle update for the sixth generation Ford Explorer was set to launch at the now-postponed Beijing Auto Show. However, photos and specifications of the SUV have popped up in China giving us a good idea of the updates for the local market model. Besides the styling tweaks, the Chinese-spec Explorer will benefit from more tech inside the cabin, changes that may also be applied in the future in the US-spec range, though this is just speculation for now. Starting with the exterior, the Explorer retains the familiar silhouette with redesigned front and rear ends. We had already seen those in previous leaks, but the new pictures from China’s ministry give us a better look at the changes.

The new LED headlights appear similar to the facelift of the fifth generation, with a narrower shape than in the current Explorer. The grille looks massive with a different pattern depending on the variant (honeycomb for the sporty ST-Line), but don’t forget that the Chinese Explorer already had a significantly larger grille compared to EU-spec and US-spec models. The front bumper has slimmer side intakes with chrome accents and without the DRLs of its predecessor.

 

The profile remains unchanged besides the new wheel designs. However, the new bumpers have resulted in a slightly increased length, with the updated model measuring 5,063 mm compared to the 5,050 mm of its predecessor, while retaining the other dimensions. At the back, the LED taillights are now connected, highlighted by a decorative chrome strip merging with the indicators. The lower part of the bumper got a new skid plate and larger dual tailpipes finished in chrome. Finally, the Explorer logo has moved on the tailgate, also appearing above the grille at the front.

Inside the previous portrait-orientation touchscreen gives way to a more impressive landscape widescreen covering most of the redesigned dashboard and giving more control of the infotainment to the front passenger. This is combined with a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display. Other changes include the slimmer and lower positions of air vents, the ambient lighting, and the new rotating dials on the center console, likely for controlling volume and temperature. Overall, the updated interior design of the Explorer is more in line with the China-only Evos and Mondeo even though the touchscreen is not as impressive as the 27-inch 4K unit of the aforementioned models.

 

Under the bonnet lies the same turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, producing 272 hp and 425 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic gearbox. Chinese buyers don’t get the larger displacement engines or the performance-oriented Explorer ST trim that are available in North America due to tax reasons.

The Chinese-spec Explorer is produced by Changan Ford. The market launch of the facelifted model is expected sometime in the coming months. Some of the changes could also be applied to the US-spec and EU-spec Ford Explorer in the future, although Explorers from different markets will most likely retain some level of differentiation. Mind you, Ford has recently updated the Explorer range in the US for 2022, with the addition of the ST-Line trim.