King Ranch Explorer… is it worth it?

Discussion
1

Ford’s adding the King Ranch trim to the Explorer lineup. What do you all think?

2

I like the idea, but I wish it had two-tone paint on the lower body like the King Ranch Expedition.

3

Kerr said:
I like the idea, but I wish it had two-tone paint on the lower body like the King Ranch Expedition.

Exactly! And maybe a leveling kit and some off-road tires. That would really make it stand out. As it is, I’d probably just go for a Navigator if I wasn’t planning on off-roading.

4

Kerr said:
I like the idea, but I wish it had two-tone paint on the lower body like the King Ranch Expedition.

Doesn’t the King Ranch Expedition already have two-tone paint?

6

@Kerr
Yeah, but why didn’t they continue it down the sides? It looks weird just being on the front and back.

7

I don’t really get the point. If you want something upscale, just go for a Lincoln. King Ranch makes sense for the trucks because there’s no Lincoln alternative.

8

Jesse said:
I don’t really get the point. If you want something upscale, just go for a Lincoln. King Ranch makes sense for the trucks because there’s no Lincoln alternative.

Lincoln did have the Mark LT as a counterpart to the F-150 King Ranch at one point. It eventually became the Platinum trim, and now Limited is above that. For the Explorer, King Ranch is more about style than being a step up.

9

@Kerr
Actually, King Ranch and Platinum are on the same level for the Explorer. It’s more about what look you prefer. The ST trim is the one with the performance options like 400 HP and sportier features.

10

@Quillan
That makes sense. It’s similar to how the F-Series trims work. King Ranch is for those who want the western vibe, while Platinum is for a more refined look.

11

Kerr said:
@Quillan
That makes sense. It’s similar to how the F-Series trims work. King Ranch is for those who want the western vibe, while Platinum is for a more refined look.

I still think Platinum is a step above King Ranch, especially considering the standard features. For example, earlier models didn’t even have LED headlights as standard on King Ranch.

12

@Reese
In Canada, the King Ranch trims seem to come standard with LEDs. Maybe it’s a regional thing?

13

Terry said:
@Reese
In Canada, the King Ranch trims seem to come standard with LEDs. Maybe it’s a regional thing?

Could be. In the US, some trims were still stuck with halogens until recently.

14

@Quillan
So for models like the Edge, does Titanium take the place of Limited or King Ranch?

15

Jesse said:
I don’t really get the point. If you want something upscale, just go for a Lincoln. King Ranch makes sense for the trucks because there’s no Lincoln alternative.

Some people just prefer the King Ranch style over Lincoln’s more urban luxury vibe. It appeals to those who want upscale but still rugged.

16

I’ll like it as long as it has the 3.5. Oh wait… I mean the 3.0.

17

Patrice said:
I’ll like it as long as it has the 3.5. Oh wait… I mean the 3.0.

The Explorer dropped the 3.5. The 3.0 EcoBoost makes more torque and at least as much horsepower.

18

Kerr said:

Patrice said:
I’ll like it as long as it has the 3.5. Oh wait… I mean the 3.0.

The Explorer dropped the 3.5. The 3.0 EcoBoost makes more torque and at least as much horsepower.

That’s the one I meant—the same engine as in the Platinum and ST trims.

19

@Patrice
Yep, though the ST gets a higher tune with 400 HP compared to the 365 HP in the other trims.

20

Not my thing, but Ford’s smart to expand the lineup. Explorers are selling like crazy.

21

I think it looks great.