Does China’s 2020 Ford Explorer Platinum Look Better Than Ours?

Automakers go out of their way to please customers in the world’s largest car market and that’s why so many models are modified for China.

From longer-wheelbase versions to vehicles with a different design than elsewhere in the world, foreign automakers need to adapt to the particularities of the Chinese market and Ford makes no exception.

You may recall the new Ford Escape has a different face in China and we’ve now learned that goes for the latest Explorer as well. The Blue Oval recently started manufacturing the 2020 Explorer in China with its partner Changan and unveiled the version for the local market online last week. The Explorer will become the flagship of the Changan Ford joint venture in China.

See Also: Ford Spied Developing New Seven-Seat SUV In China

China-spec 2020 Ford Explorer Platinum

U.S.-spec 2020 Ford Explorer Platinum

As you can see in these photos of a Ford Explorer Platinum, the front end is a bit different to the equivalent model sold in North America. More specifically, the Chinese model boasts a larger (and specifically, a lot taller) grille that reaches deeper into the bumper, has an altered shape and different inserts.

The front bumper has been reshaped as well, gaining new chrome trim under the DRLs and a pronounced edge over the lower grille. Elsewhere on the outside, China’s Explorer looks identical to our own, minus the double exhausts – the U.S. model features quad exhausts.

At first glance, the interior appears identical too, though a closer look reveals some updates on the dashboard. The main one is the Sync 3 infotainment system’s 10.1-inch touchscreen which is placed lower than on the U.S. model. This also results in a rearranged center console featuring far fewer buttons and switches. We assume the functions for the missing switchgear are now controlled via the display.

China-spec 2020 Ford Explorer Platinum

U.S.-spec 2020 Ford Explorer Platinum

Another change takes place in the engine compartment, as the 2020 Ford Explorer Platinum features a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine rated at 276 PS (272 HP) and matched to a 10-speed automatic transmission. America’s Explorer Platinum is powered by a 365 HP 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine, though lesser models get a 300 HP 2.3-liter EcoBoost.

Prices for the China-made 2020 Ford Explorer start from 190,000 yuan ($26,950). That’s half the base price of the previous-generation Explorer that was imported from the United States. The SUV will arrive in local dealerships in mid-June.