Also, they should make an option for a column mounted shifter. If they can do it in the police utility, they clearly have a platform for it so it shouldn't be too difficult to add to the civilian EX as an option.
I agree with this. I miss the feeling of having the feel of a truck with a column mounted shifter. I want more space on the center console for other things, and just make paddle shifters standard on tow package models and sport models. They could do this or they can do the buttons for changing gears like they did with the Lincolns. Although, a button is waaaayyy too easy to press and they have already had problems with people turning on and off their vehicles on the Lincoln's while they are driving due to the button locations. So many they shouldn't use buttons, but it'd be so nice to free up that center console area somehow. However, I doubt a center console design would go into the civilian Explorers.
If a redesign is coming soon, I'm hoping for a lighter weight Explorer with a 10-speed automatic. Move it to a fully aluminum space frame. They make so much money on the Explorer, I think it'd be worth that transition. Although, I am highly betting the next Explorer will be based on a reinforced Fusion platform.
Also, they need to upgrade those U-Joints, half-shafts in the redesign so we can actually have a fully powered Ford Explorer Sport/ Platinum Ecoboost engine! I test drove two Explorer Sports in a test drive and they honestly don't feel that much quicker. Along with the fake engine noise and lack of any sound from the turbos, compared to my father's F-150 Supercrew, it's just not fast and mean enough. This is really important. I want that 420 foot pounds of torque!
Also, towing capacity definitely needs to be increased. It's a shame a Dodge Durango and Jeep Cherokee which are both unibody are actually able to tow more. It's weird that the V6 3.5L N/A can tow the same as the V6 3.5L turbo.
Also, the Platinum definitely needs something like magneride suspension tuned for a much more luxurious ride. The current design for the Platinum is nice but it's not enough "luxury" to justify it. Still that water down approach Ford always does between Lincoln and Ford.
LED lights instead of the filament bulbs. In both exterior and interior and I mean that white color or 4300K color, just like they do in the Chrysler minivans. It allows for so much more visibility, especially when I changed my dome lights from the yellow filament bulbs to the white leds. That means LED backlit LCD screens or LED screens entirely. Whichever one is more reliable.
The FWD bais doesn't really bother me that much, but I really do wish I could do a burnout once in a while, I think FWD bias should stay based on the fact that it's way more functional and safer, and they probably won't even consider moving it to RWD.
Anybody agree with the above comments?
I'd definitely be in the market when the redesign comes, I was considering upgrading now to the Plat but the platform is just too similar.
