A prototype of the next-generation Ford Explorer has been spied once again. We don’t have the newest spy shots because they don’t show anything new at all, but the guys that managed to catch the latest testing model revealed several interesting details. According to Motorauthority.com, the 2019 Ford Explorer won’t come alone. No, Blue Oval plans to introduce an identical twin from Lincoln, which will replace the slow-selling MKT crossover. If you remember, we announced the arrival of the 2019 Lincoln Aviator a couple months ago, yet we were not sure that it’s going to be the identical twin of the future Explorer. Moreover, we are still pretty sure that they won’t be totally same. Those high-riding vehicles will probably use the same platform and engines, but Lincoln’s new mid-size crossover should be more luxurious. It’s something that the manufacturer already did with the bigger Expedition and Navigator SUVs.
Anyway, both the next-generation Explorer and all-new Aviator will ride on the so-called D6 platform. The architecture is basically front-wheel drive, but it will employ all-wheel drive models as well. It’s going to include plenty of lightweight materials, which should improve rigidity and fuel economy of the SUVs. As we said earlier, the 2019 Explorer will add a new V6 turbocharged option, as well as some kind of hybrid, probably the mild one. However, we believed that the carmaker plans to replace today’s six-speed auto gearbox with the new in-house 10-speed, yet Viknesh Vijayenthiran from Motorauthority.com claims it would be a nine-speed automatic transmission.
In any case, the spy shots suggest that the next-generation Ford Explorer will continue to with its distinctive boxy shape and three row of seating. On the other hand, the 2019 Lincoln Aviator will definitely feature sleek and dynamic treatment, an SUV that will be able to face with the Porsche Cayenne, Jaguar F-Pace, BMW’s X6 and other premium models.
Stay tuned for updates.
