Could this be the 2023 Ford Explorer?

The all-new Ford Explorer made its initial debut in the earlier part of 2021 for a select number of loyal customers and VIPs of the American automaker in the Philippines. Soon after, it made its official public launch in December of that same year. While the fifth generation of the Explorer took its time to get into the local automotive market, its other versions specifically in China may have already undergone a major update.

Reports from multiple publications have already shown what the refreshed Ford Explorer could look like specifically for its Chinese version. Photos of the crossover first made their appearance on the Chinese website Weibo, with the crossover looking to have had a substantial upgrade.

At the front, this new model comes with a much rounder grille that is paired with slimmer intakes. It also comes with J-shaped chrome accents along with redesigned LED headlights. Overall it still retains the same shape as the current version of the vehicle. 

Moving to the back, the Explorer also gets a new pair of LED taillights that now extend to the middle of its tailgate. Speaking of its tailgate, it also comes with a new chrome garnish to help give the vehicle a more premium look to it. Aside from these changes, the American crossover also gets a new rear bumper, a faux skid plate, and redesigned exhaust tips.

Where things get interesting for the facelifted Explorer is when it comes to its interior. The biggest change to the cabin is the new wide touchscreen media system. Its actual specifications are still unknown but it appears to be well over the 12-inch mark as it extends to the passenger side. Other interior changes to the vehicle include a different set of climate controls and a slightly different center console that allows for more storage space underneath the climate control knobs and dials.

Under the hood, the 2023 Ford Explorer will reportedly still utilize the 2.3-liter Ecoboost inline-four engine. Just like its current iteration, it will still shift via a 10-speed automatic transmission. Power figures are expected to be at around 272 hp with 476 Nm of torque also on tap. Ford says that even with this engine, the Explorer can still rocket to 100 km/h in about 7.6 seconds.

According to the reports, the 2023 Ford Explorer facelift is expected to launch in China in June of 2022. There are still no reports as to if the Blue Oval will bring this new model to the Philippine market. For now, we will need to wait and see what Ford has planned for the facelifted Explorer.