Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.Now Live in ChinaFor those who want to know what's next for the Ford Explorer, you can check out what's going on with the Chinese version. After all, the facelifted version that came out for 2025 was first seen in China way back in 2022 for the 2023 model year.More recently, the midsize three-row crossover was given yet another facelift. It was previewed in The Middle Kingdom last month, and reservations have just opened up for it. With that, full specifications have also been revealed, and this Chinese version shows us what we can expect for the global model.FordHigher-SpecFord of China doesn't bother with entry-level versions of the Explorer. Its most basic version there is the Off-Road Edition, which gives it all-wheel drive from the get-go, as well as a panoramic sunroof and a whole host of standard equipment that makes the U.S version look bare. Ford doesn't even offer two-wheel drive models of the midsize crossover there.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Fashion Edition adds three-row seating and is offered in either six or seven-seat configurations. Move up to the Titanium, and it's the equivalent of the Platinum stateside. Like the American model, the Chinese Explorer Titanium gets BlueCruise as standard, along with window shades and tan upholstery. There's also a version of the Tremor in China dubbed the Kunlun Peak Edition, named after the same mountain range on the northern edge of the Tibetan Plateau. Oh, and all trims come standard with a triple-screen layout.FordRefreshed Inside and OutThe North American 2027 Explorer added the Sinister Package for the ST model, but the Chinese version gets far more substantial changes. The front end has been given a new bumper and grille design, as well as new wheel designs and a new set of headlights. Given that the Chicago-built Explorer echoed the same look as the one made in China, we might see the same treatment for the 2028 model year.That said, the new cabin might not make it stateside. There are stark differences inside U.S and China Explorers, particularly around the center console. Chinese-market models have their set higher to make way for a large storage area, whereas the U.S version sits lower. There are also fewer buttons in the Chinese model, which probably wouldn't be a popular move in America or the rest of the world.FordChina-Only EngineWhile we'd like the updates made to the SUV, the rest of the world gets a more powerful engine option compared to the Chinese model. We get a 2.3-liter EcoBoost with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft, or the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 putting out 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.AdvertisementAdvertisementChina doesn't get the V6 option, and the emissions regulations there are quite stringent. That's why it has its own version of the 2.3-liter EcoBoost there, making 286 hp and 328 lb-ft. While it lost some power, it does make meaningful gains in torque.It will be interesting to see how much of these changes we'll see in the global-market Explorer. At the very least, a couple of the exterior updates could be applied, but a new dashboard design would be appreciated. That said, we're not expecting it immediately, as the model for the rest of the world is still relatively fresh off a facelift.FordFordView the 7 images of this gallery on the original articleThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Aug 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.