The Ford Explorer Platinum continues to set the standard in the midsize SUV segment, offering a blend of luxury, performance, and advanced technology. At the heart of its impressive performance lies a sophisticated transmission system that deserves a closer look. 

Overview of the 10-Speed Automatic Transmission

The Ford Explorer Platinum has a 10-speed automatic transmission, a testament to the Ford commitment to engineering excellence. This transmission results from a joint development effort between Ford and General Motors, showcasing a rare collaboration between automotive giants to create a truly exceptional piece of machinery.

Key Specifications:

• Type: 10-speed automatic
• Configuration: Longitudinally mounted
• Weight: Approximately 102 kg
• Length: Roughly 650 mm
• Maximum torque capacity: 900 Nm

Design Philosophy and Architecture

The 10-speed automatic transmission in the Explorer Platinum has several key objectives in mind:

• Improved fuel efficiency
• Enhanced performance
• Smoother gear transitions
• Reduced weight and size

To achieve these goals, Ford engineers have employed a planetary gear set architecture. This design allows for multiple gear ratios to be achieved with a compact set of gears, resulting in an efficient and relatively lightweight transmission for its capabilities.

Gear Ratios

The 10-speed transmission offers a wide range of gear ratios, allowing the Explorer Platinum to optimize its performance across various driving conditions. The gear ratios are as follows:

1. First gear: 4.70:1
2. Second gear: 2.99:1
3. Third gear: 2.15:1
4. Fourth gear: 1.80:1
5. Fifth gear: 1.52:1
6. Sixth gear: 1.28:1
7. Seventh gear: 1.00:1
8. Eighth gear: 0.85:1
9. Ninth gear: 0.69:1
10. Tenth gear: 0.64:1
11. Reverse: 4.87:1

This wide ratio spread of 7.34 between the lowest and highest gears allows for strong acceleration in lower gears and efficient cruising in higher gears.

Advanced Features and Technologies

Intelligent Shift Selection

The transmission control module uses advanced algorithms to determine the optimal gear for any situation. It takes into account factors such as:

• Vehicle speed
• Engine load
• Driver input
• Road grade
• Driving mode selection

This intelligent shift selection ensures that the Explorer Platinum is always in the right gear for maximum efficiency and performance.

Adaptive Learning

The transmission has adaptive learning capabilities. Over time, it learns the driver’s habits and preferences, adjusting shift patterns to provide a more personalized driving experience. This feature can be reset if the vehicle changes owners or if a driver’s preferences change significantly.

Skip-Shift Technology

One of the most impressive features of this 10-speed transmission is its ability to perform skip shifts. Unlike traditional transmissions, which must shift sequentially through gears, this transmission can skip several gears at once when appropriate. For example, it can shift directly from 10th to 3rd gear during rapid deceleration, providing smoother and more efficient operation.

Torque Converter with Lockup Clutch

The transmission features an advanced torque converter with a lockup clutch. This component allows for direct drive in certain conditions, bypassing the torque converter’s fluid coupling to improve efficiency. Depending on driving conditions, the lockup clutch can engage in gears as low as second, further enhancing fuel economy.

Integration with Powertrain Options

The 10-speed automatic transmission in the Explorer Platinum works seamlessly with both available engine options:

• 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 Engine (Standard)
  • Power: 300 horsepower
  • Torque: 420 Nm
• 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 Engine (Optional)
  • Power: 400 horsepower
  • Torque: 563 Nm

The wide gear ratio spread and intelligent control systems allow it to optimize the performance of both these engines, providing strong acceleration when needed and efficient cruising when possible.

Impact on Performance and Efficiency

The sophisticated 10-speed transmission significantly contributes to the impressive performance metrics of the Explorer Platinum:

• 0-100 km/h acceleration: Approximately 5.5 seconds (with 3.0L EcoBoost® V6)
• Top speed: Electronically limited to 230 km/h
• Fuel efficiency:
  • City: 11.2 L/100km
  • Highway: 8.4 L/100km
  • Combined: 10.0 L/100km

These figures represent a notable improvement over previous generations, showcasing the transmission’s role in enhancing performance and efficiency.

Drive Modes and Transmission Behaviour

The Explorer Platinum offers multiple driving modes that alter the transmission’s behaviour to suit different driving conditions:

• Normal: Balanced shift points for everyday driving
• Eco: Earlier upshifts and delayed downshifts to maximize fuel efficiency
• Sport: Later upshifts and earlier downshifts for more aggressive acceleration
• Tow/Haul: Optimized shift points for towing, with engine braking on descents
• Slippery: Starts in higher gears to reduce wheel slip on low-traction surfaces
• Off-Road: Holds lower gears longer for better control in challenging terrain

Each mode adjusts the shift points, speed, and torque converter lockup behaviour, providing a tailored driving experience for various conditions.

Maintenance and Reliability

Ford has designed the 10-speed automatic transmission to be durable and low-maintenance. Under normal driving conditions, the transmission fluid is filled for life, so no scheduled fluid change is required. However, Ford recommends fluid changes every 72,000 km for severe duty use or frequent towing.

The transmission has several safeguards to protect against potential issues:

• Thermal management system to prevent overheating
• Fail-safe mode to protect against potential damage in case of malfunction
• Self-diagnostic capabilities to alert drivers of potential issues early

These features contribute to the transmission’s expected longevity and reliability.

Future Developments and Industry Impact

The 10-speed automatic transmission represents a significant advancement in powertrain technology. Its success in the Explorer Platinum and other Ford vehicles has influenced the broader automotive industry, with other manufacturers developing their own multi-speed transmissions to compete.

Looking ahead, Ford is likely to continue refining this transmission, potentially incorporating more advanced materials to reduce weight and further integrate it more closely with hybrid powertrains. The possibility of increased integration with vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications is also possible, allowing the transmission to adjust based on upcoming traffic or road conditions preemptively

2025 Ford Explorer: An Enhanced Driving Experience

The 10-speed automatic transmission in the Ford Explorer Platinum is a marvel of modern automotive engineering. It strikes an impressive balance between performance and efficiency, providing smooth and responsive power delivery across a wide range of driving conditions.

This advanced transmission system is a key factor in the Explorer Platinum appeal, offering drivers a premium driving experience that combines the ruggedness of an SUV with the refinement of a luxury vehicle. As Ford continues to innovate in the competitive SUV market, the sophisticated 10-speed transmission will undoubtedly play a crucial role in maintaining its position as a leader in its class for the Explorer.

Whether navigating city streets, cruising on the highway, or venturing off-road, the Ford Explorer Platinum transmission ensures that power is always available while prioritizing fuel efficiency. It’s a testament to the Ford commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology that enhances the driving experience in tangible, meaningful ways.