[DFB FGXR6]

In 2001, Ford launched the UX model Explorer, which while looking quite new, was actually a heavily facelifted version of the model that went before it. The 4.0 SOHC V6 was joined by the 4.6 SOHC Modular V8 which produced 178 kW.

The styling was still mistakenly American, very F-Series like. Fun fact, the taillights on these Explorer's ended up on the FG Falcon Ute in 2008.

Like the original Explorer's, this model retained the full ladder chassis, the following generations would change to a monocoque chassis shared with the Taurus. That also meant no more V8.