Ford Explorer FX4 In The Works, Chevrolet Traverse Has No Off-Road Equivalent
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The off-roader segment is as popular as ever these days, with a wide variety of new models vying for supremacy. Now, it looks as though there may be a new entry from the Blue Oval brand just over the horizon, as evidenced by a recently spied Ford Explorer FX4 prototype.
Ford Explorer FX4 prototype
For those who may be unaware, Ford offers FX4 variants on a number of its products, including the Ford F-150, Ford Super Duty, Ford Ranger, and Ford Expedition. That said, a Ford Explorer FX4 would be a new addition to the lineup, adding extra rough-and-ready attitude to the SUV nameplate.
Ford Explorer FX4 prototype
This new Ford Explorer FX4 prototype was spotted with several external indicators of its off-road intentions, including Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 3 tires, which look as though they are mounted on 18-inch wheels.
The SUV’s front and rear bumpers are also revised, although hidden under black-and-white camo. Nevertheless, the new rear bumper looks as though it offers an improved departure angle, while black plastic fender flares and lower body moldings should help to ward off errant bits of terrain. Finally, the SUV’s ride height looks as though it was increased over the standard model.
Ford Explorer FX4 prototype
GM’s crosstown rival is already riding a wave of popularity thanks to the release of the new Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport, so it would make sense to continue that momentum with further off-road model variants like a new Ford Explorer FX4.
To rival this, General Motors could offer an off-road version of the Chevrolet Traverse, perhaps with a new Z71 or ACTIV trim level adding new wheels and tires, a taller ride height, revised bumpers, and new tow hooks. We wouldn’t mind seeing some added underbody protection as well.
GMC Acadia AT4
Alternatively, one could argue that the GMC Acadia AT4 would be best suited to rival a potential Ford Explorer FX4, as it already comes with black accents, 17-inch wheels with Continental Terrain Contact all-terrain tires (20-inch wheels available), black mirror caps, black roof rails, and a standard twin-cluch AWD system.
What do you think? Should GM offer an off-roader Chevrolet Traverse? Do you consider the the GMC Acadia AT4 to be a better rival? Let us know in the comments, and subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevrolet Traverse news, Chevrolet news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
This post was created in collaboration with our sister publication, Ford Authority.
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The Traverse is not exactly anything I would want to take off road even with a package. It is a large mini van not an off road vehicle.
Now take a Blazer and lift it or better yet take a short wheel base version of the next gen ZR2 and make it a SUV to challenge the Wrangler and Bronco.
FWD based models are not great starting points for any serious off roading.
Ford isn’t building new vehicles as much as they are upgrading the suspension systems on a handful of their vehicles; General Motors can do the same thing if there is a market demand because you don’t want to build something that no one wants like a $200K electric vehicle that is over twice the price of the competition’s top EV because the number of purchases will be extremely low.
I’d skip the Traverse Z71 and leave it up to the Acadia AT4 to battle the Explorer FX4. Chevrolet’s lineup (minus the Tahoe and Suburban) is soft. I consider them all to be CUV’s and not SUV’s. They are soccer mom vehicles and not anything that would be off-road worthy. I also don’t believe that anyone would be interested in adding a Z71 Package to one of these. You don’t need larger tires and a 2″ lift to haul Gatorade to practice. 🙁
Forget the Traverse, Chevy needs to put a new engine and trany in it before it does anything else. The engine has numerous problems with a short life expectancy and expensive repair. If you take it off road you better put tow hooks on it bc you will need them.
It is apparent that GM is floundering. GM can’t beat Ford at anything anymore except the Corvette which Ford doesn’t have a competitor to.
Yes FORD do it’s called FORD GT, it’s the reason GM made the Corvette rear engine.
I don’t know how you can call a $450,000 very limited production Ford GT a competitor to a $70,000 relatively high production Corvette.
Also, the GT is not the reason the Corvette became rear engine.
GM will also be putting cash back into the bank with profits from the C8, can’t say the same with the gt, by the way has fomoco ever run the Ring with the >gt?
Watched some ALMS the other day, something is missing this year? 😮
“GMFan” So GM sold more vehicles in the US in 2019 than any other company, is that floundering?
Forget the Traverse, Chevy needs to put a new engine and trany in it before it does anything else. The engine has numerous problems with a short life expectancy and expensive repair. If you take it off road you better put tow hooks on it bc you will need them.
The key take away in all of this is the fact that the way things are at GM the Traverse never will have any off road capability.
The Traverse can probably go a whole year without seeing a Mechanic. Good luck with that in the new Explorer.
Ford botched that launch, and they are still struggling with manufacturing quality and reliability problems on both the Explorer and Aviator.
Agreed but yet it was the best selling suv in its class so like it or not it’s showing GM it’s taillights as it passes by even with the help of a tow truck.
Why would anyone want something as large as a Traverse for off road work? My off road experience has taken me places a Traverse would not fit!
It wouldn’t be hardcore off-roading, to be sure. But I can’t help thinking a vehicle called “Traverse” is sort of asking for a little more adventure. I’d love it if they offered a little more boost to the off-pavement handling. I’m not looking to have a wild safari, just a few touches more than what it does, now.
Perhaps getting off the grocery getter band wagon and stop trying to make the soccer mom/dad Traverse/Acadia sound like a viable option for even mediocre off-road driving would be a good idea.
The Colorado/Canyon is already there waiting for GM to do what needs to be done. (Hint: give it a v8) While the Tahoe/Yukon has been insulted for over 20 years as it played fetch up and down the asphalt with zero dirt appeal. Yeah the motor is there but a rightful heir to the mighty K-Blazer has yet to be seen.
Maybe GM shouldn’t worry so much about Ford and focus more on making the quality they were known for.
Coming soon to a shopping mall parking lot near you!
If anything they could make the equinox an off road vehicle not the traverse due to size.