Comments by "Stephen Hendricks" (@stephenhendricks103) on "" video.

  1. Ford will sell many, many 2020 Explorers due in large part to the fact that nearly a third of all Explorers go to fleets, especially to public agencies such as police and fire departments. But c'mon, Joe. An MSRP over $52K without AWD, without a sunroof, and with a 2.3L turbo 4 engine? It has the same engine as the base Mustang. And it's a fine engine in a 3500 lb sport coupe that seats four but the Explorer with fuel, passengers, and gear is nearly 2.5 tons or more! Even if performance is acceptable, durability in a highly stressed 2.3L 4 banger is a legitimate question. And that's why almost every other competitor offers a naturally aspirated V6 as standard or optional. Only the CX-9 and the Subaru Ascent don't offer one. Want one in an Explorer? The only option is the hybrid that adds another $2000 to the MSRP. Any other V6 choices? There's the ST or the Platinum trim levels with the twin scroll turbo 3.0L V6 but even moderately optioned versions of those models push the MSRP toward $60,000! Willing to go with a 2.3L four banger but want AWD? Add another $2000 to the MSRP. Want a sunroof? That's another $1800 added to the MSRP. And remember, the starting price for the Limited version was already at $50K plus without those options. But the Explorer is built on a RWD platform, a design that's supposed to improve towing capability, right? Ratings of 5300 or 5600 lbs are barely more than several competitors with FWD platforms rated at 5000 lbs. Want a serious towing vehicle in the three row midsize category? The Dodge Durango is rated at 8700 lbs! Even the Nissan Pathfinder is rated at 6000 lbs. You have to move to the Ford Expedition to match the Pathfinder. Forget about matching the Dodge Durango. The new generation Explorer is a serious upgrade over the last generation but considering the competition in the mainstream midsize 3 row category it's seriously overpriced. Matching the features of a top trim KIA Telluride or Hyundai Palisade results in an MSRP of at least $10,000 more! Ford is already offering limited discounts off MSRP and dealers will undoubtedly offer larger ones. But the discounts will have to be huge to match the competition. Fleet sales will probably make the Explorer the best selling midsize crossover in the US once again but individual consumers can do much better for less money. P.S. As far as the dial shifter is concerned, it's still a turn off for me. And it doesn't add shoulder room to the cockpit, Joe. :)
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  2. Just be sure you have a fat checkbook. Moderately optioning the ST or selecting the Platinum trim will push the MSRP to nearly $60,000. The sales will be minuscule.
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  3.  @ianinohio  I have no doubt Ford will sell lots of Explorers. In fact if Ford sold not a single Explorer to any US consumer the sales figures for Explorers would rank near the top of mainstream midsize crossovers as a result of Ford's fleet sales, especially to public agencies. (About a third of all Explorers go to fleets.) But if the sales of other mainstream crossovers with MSRP's over $50K are any indication consumers willing to spend that much are very likely to opt for brands with greater prestige. Furthermore, so-called performance SUV's such as the ST have extremely low take rates. They draw customers into showrooms but consumers buy less costly and more fuel efficient vehicles.
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