The Ford Explorer is currently built on a unibody platform. It transitioned from a body-on-frame design to a unibody construction starting in 2011. The move to a unibody design has proven to be successful for Ford, as the Explorer has become one of the industry’s more popular SUVs. Unibody vehicles, like the Ford Explorer, offer a smoother ride, more car-like handling, and improved fuel economy compared to body-on-frame SUVs.
Contents
- What does a unibody look like?
- Does the Ford Explorer have a frame?
- What year did Explorer become unibody?
- Are Ford Explorers unibody?
- What are the best years for Ford Explorer?
- Is the Ford Expedition body-on-frame?
- Is the Ford Explorer built on the f150 frame?
- Is a 2017 Ford Explorer a unibody?
- Which is better unibody or body-on-frame SUV?
- What frame does the Explorer sit on?
What does a unibody look like?
Unibodies incorporate a vehicle’s body, floorboards, and structural elements into one large structure. This results in a more rigid platform, improved handling, greater interior space, and a lighter vehicle overall.
Does the Ford Explorer have a frame?
Compared to previous models, these Explorers switched to a unibody frame. Whereas previous Explorers used a truck-based chassis, this new unibody design makes for better handling and a smoother, more car-like drive. And there’s much more to love.
What year did Explorer become unibody?
2011
| Ford Explorer | |
|---|---|
| Chassis | Body-on-frame (1991–2010) Unibody (2011–present) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Ford Bronco II |
| Successor | Ford Territory (Oceania) |
Are Ford Explorers unibody?
Whereas previous Explorers used a truck-based chassis, this new unibody design makes for better handling and a smoother, more car-like drive. And there’s much more to love.
What are the best years for Ford Explorer?
A: For those considering a used Ford Explorer, the most reliable years are 1993, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2019. These models have demonstrated fewer issues over time, making them solid choices for a dependable midsize SUV.
Is the Ford Expedition body-on-frame?
Built with body-on-frame construction, the 2022 Ford Expedition has more in common with the Ford F-150 than it does with other Ford SUVs.
Is the Ford Explorer built on the f150 frame?
No. Ford explorers are now unibody construction and are considered cross-over SUVs. For years, Explorers were built on Ranger frames, and as a result Ford found it hard to compete with similarly sized SUVs like the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander in terms of ride and comfort.
Is a 2017 Ford Explorer a unibody?
A linebacker with the speed of a running back, the 4980-pound Platinum is both the heftiest and quickest Explorer to go through our testing regimen since the model adopted unibody construction for the current generation that debuted for 2011.
Which is better unibody or body-on-frame SUV?
The difference between unibody and body-on-frame vehicles is fairly straight forward. Unibody vehicles have the chassis and body of the car together. A body on frame vehicle has a frame which the vehicle stresses pass through, and the body of the car rests on top of this.
What frame does the Explorer sit on?
2011–19 Explorer
In a major change, Ford moved the Explorer from a truck-based, rear-wheel-drive body-on-frame platform to a car-based, unitized front-wheel-drive platform.
