Lucas Bell 
Images of what appears to be an off-roading focused Ford Explorer prototype started to float around back in September, leaving us all wondering what the Dearborn-based automaker was planning. Initially it was assumed that this vehicle would wear the FX4 moniker, until the Timberline trim level was confirmed to be in the pipeline. While the automaker has kept details about this SUV close to their chest, the folks over at Motor1 have just managed to capture some better spy shots of the rugged Ford Explorer Timberline completely uncovered.
The spy shots can be viewed here.
Motor1’s photographer was able to snap shots of a couple of these Ford Explorer Timberline prototypes, though they all wear the same visual tweaks. The entire front facia takes on a new shape thanks to tweaked upper and lower grille, as well as some off-road oriented body tweaks. The front end now sits higher off the ground and is accompanied by a new front skid plate. Motor1 notes that this body armor doesn’t appear to be functional, though we won’t know until more photos are taken close up. The rear of the car is also slightly tweaked, as Ford has shifted the exhaust placement under the SUV. Because the Ford Explorer Timberline is meant to be an off-roading vehicle of sorts, it ditches its street tires for a set of what appear to be Bridgestone Duelers.
Details are still rather sparse about the Ford Explorer Timberline, though we can make some assumptions based on other Ford products. It won’t be a surprise to see equipment like underbody skid plates, electronic differentials, or Ford’s 360-degree camera for proper trail vision. In terms of the powertrain, it is expected that the SUV will utilize the 365 horsepower 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine currently on offer in the lineup. That should be more than enough power for light off-roading adventures. As of now, you can expect an official reveal date from Ford sometime in 2021.
