2018 Ford Explorer Adds Tech, Fresh Face

Ford Motor Co. is giving its Explorer midsize SUV a facelift and tech upgrade for the 2018 model year, just two years after launching current-generation model.

The carmaker says the quick turnaround is necessary to keep pace with the rapidly expanding SUV market. Ford predicts SUVs will account for 45%-50% of non-premium sales in the U.S. within the next seven years, compared with 40% last year and just 26% a decade ago.

An all-new Explorer is expected to debut by the end of the decade. Ford plans to launch five new SUVs in North America by 2020, including an all-electric model and reviving the Bronco nameplate.

The carmaker took the wraps off the new Explorer on Monday night ahead of this week’s New York auto show. The makeover includes a new grille and fog lamps, four new exterior colors and more wheel choices.

Among the tech highlights are the addition of adaptive cruise control with brake support, blind-spot alerts, cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping, automatic high-beams and rain-sensing wipers. An optional 4G-embedded modem includes a wi-fi hotspot that can support as many as 10 devices at once within 50 ft of the vehicle. Ford’s Sync Connect telematics system allows owners to remotely start, lock/unlock and locate their vehicle.

The carmaker will introduce the 2018 model this autumn.