Generation history
Ford Explorer generations and next redesign.
The Ford Explorer has been through 5 generations, starting in 1991, 1995, 2002, 2006 and 2011. The gaps were 4, 7, 4, 5 years, an average of 5.0. Redesigns come quickly on this model. The current generation began in 2011. On that cadence the next full redesign points to 2015 through 2017, centered on 2016. This is a projection. It comes from the model's own past redesign years, not from the manufacturer. A mid-cycle refresh usually lands in between. Public records describe the current generation this way: The fifth generation 2011 Explorer featured a unibody structure based on the D4 platform shared with the Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT — a modified version of the D3 platform. Specifications, trims and the NHTSA safety record are on the Ford Explorer model page.
Every generation
The Ford Explorer, generation by generation.
| Generation | Code | Years | What changed |
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| First generation | UN46 | 1991–1995 | The Ford Explorer was introduced in March 1990 as an early 1991 model to replace the Bronco II. |
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| Second generation | UN105/150 | 1995–2002 | For the 1995 model year, Ford released a second generation of the Explorer. |
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| Third generation | U152 | 2002–2006 | The third-generation Ford Explorer went on sale in January 2001 for the 2002 model year. |
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| Fourth generation | U251 | 2006–2011 | The fourth generation Explorer entered production in July 2005 for the 2006 model year. |
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| Fifth generation | U502 | 2011–present | The fifth generation 2011 Explorer featured a unibody structure based on the D4 platform shared with the Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT — a modified version of the D3 platform. |
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The Ford Explorer spent 5.0 years per generation on average. The current one is 15 years old. Treat 2015 to 2017 as a range, not a date.
Source: Ford Explorer (Wikipedia). The estimate is our arithmetic on those start years.
Open the Ford Explorer model page for specifications, trims, safety record and answers.
In more detail
What each Ford Explorer generation changed.
First generation, 1991 to 1995
The Ford Explorer was introduced in March 1990 as an early 1991 model to replace the Bronco II. As Ford sought to balance off-road capability with family use of the vehicle, the Explorer underwent design changes from its predecessor while still retaining mechanical commonality with the Ranger pickup truck. Growing in size from the compact Bronco II (similar to its 1960s namesake), the Explorer was a mid-size SUV, competing directly against the Jeep Cherokee (XJ) and Chevrolet S-10 Blazer.
Second generation, 1995 to 2002
For the 1995 model year, Ford released a second generation of the Explorer. Following the success of the first generation, the redesign of the exterior was largely evolutionary, with the model line receiving front bodywork distinct from the Ranger. Rear-wheel drive remained standard, with part-time four-wheel drive offered as an option, and all-wheel drive was introduced as an option. To better compete against the Jeep Grand Cherokee, a 4.9 liters (302 cu in) V8 was introduced as an optional engine.
Third generation, 2002 to 2006
The third-generation Ford Explorer went on sale in January 2001 for the 2002 model year. Undergoing the first complete redesign since its introduction, the Explorer ended its direct model commonality with the Ford Ranger in favor of a purpose-built SUV design. Following a decline in demand for three-door SUVs, Ford developed the third-generation Explorer solely as a five-door wagon; the three-door Explorer Sport from the second generation continued production through the 2003 model year.
Fourth generation, 2006 to 2011
The fourth generation Explorer entered production in July 2005 for the 2006 model year. While the Mercury Mountaineer also returned for 2006, the fourth generation Explorer did not have a Lincoln Aviator counterpart, as it was dropped following the 2005 model year. Bearing large similarities to the outgoing model, the fourth generation Explorer was marketed as all-new by Ford despite sharing its roof line, overall body, glass, drive-train, and several other major components with its predecessor. In contrast, it rides on a new, stiffer frame produced by Magna International rather than Tower Automotive.
Fifth generation, 2011 to today
The fifth generation 2011 Explorer featured a unibody structure based on the D4 platform shared with the Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT — a modified version of the D3 platform. The fifth generation Explorer features blacked-out A, B, and D-pillars, sculpted body work, stepped style headlamps and tail lamps, and a variant of the corporate three-bar design with upper and lower perforated mesh work.
Generation notes adapted from Ford Explorer (Wikipedia).
Today's Ford Explorer
What the current generation is, and how it has held up.
Ford Explorer at a glance
- Production
- 1990–present
- Model years
- 1991–present
- Class
- Compact SUV (3-door/Sport) (1991–2003), Sport-utility vehicle#Mid-size SUV, Mid-size SUV (1991–2010), Mid-size crossover SUV (2011–present)
- Chassis
- Body-on-frame (1991–2010), Unibody (2011–present)
- Predecessor
- Ford Bronco II
- Successor
- Ford Territory (Oceania)
NHTSA rated the 2025 Ford Explorer overall 5 of 5 stars, front crash 5 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 4 of 5 stars.
Recent recalls (32 campaigns across the latest model years)
- September 2026, Air Bags:Frontal. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer vehicles. The active vent on the passenger side may not open as intended, preventing the air bag from deploying properly. Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
- August 2026, Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer, Bronco, Bronco Sport, Mustang, and Ranger vehicles. The engine piston domes may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in piston dome failure and lead to a loss of drive power. Consequence: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- August 2026, Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine. The engine connecting rod bearings may seize, which can result in engine failure. Consequence: Engine failure can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, bearing failure may cause a breach in the engine block, allowing oil…
Owners filed 100 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Ford Explorer, most often about electrical system (23), unknown or other (17), service brakes (16).