Ford Explorer: Will it Rally?

Will It Rally? This new web series from The Team O'Neil Rally School asks the only car question that really matters: Will it Rally? Ride along as we test the limits of different vehicles on our snow and ice covered skidpad and slalom areas, before putting them against the stopwatch on a mountainous rally stage here at Team O'Neil.
In this episode we test a very common vehicle that families and law enforcement enjoy alike, The Ford Explorer. Big Bonus, this model just so happens to be the Twin Turbo EcoBoost, which adds to the excitement. It sure does have a lot of power, but Will It Rally? What do you think?
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[@finngurgens3264]

Guess I'm the leaderboard guy: *The Mini did **2:39**.59* *The Astro van did a **2:45**.44* *This Explorer did **2:43**.47* Let's make this TOP COMMENT for maximum super scientific data comparison

[@DeViceCrimsin_]

You the hero we need but the one we don't deserve. Thank you.

[@oceaneffex]

thx 4 your service

[@johnpooley3]

Can we get some control runs? Some of the rallied up Subies and BMWs?

[@miracpoyraz2041]

Astro so good

[@garrettburrows442]

the astro performed better than a 2019 exploder

[@SanProsan1993]

Still waiting for a Scoreboard displayed to see how the current vehicle compares to other tested.

[@jakeells66]

This series should be called "what vehicle is Wyatt unable to drive like a mad man?" Always impressed with you're driving Wyatt, now more than ever. Amazing.

[@shukriaidil7505]

The video is getting better. One thing I hope to see is the lap time of other car that already tested and write it on the leaderboard. Good job guys.

[@christopherhurley2570]

Yes that's exactly what I was going to comment, they need to keep a rolling list of the times already set and add it to each video for quick comparison.

[@caseylockwood5512]

Video is getting better? Video was insanely well done. I haven't watched the previous video yet, but production value on this one seems to be incredibly high.

[@actualperson1971]

@@caseylockwood5512 Production value is good, and obviously a lot of work went into the videos. However, all that work was spent on the wrong places. I don't care about flashy videos and quick cuts of the car sliding around. Give me the damn lap. Where's the onboard camera? I'm here to watch a car tackle a rally stage, not to see the flashy editing the music.

[@stantischendorf2439]

This series is a good idea, however having the music as loud as it is detracts from the quality no matter the genre.

[@Darwinpasta]

At least this time it doesn't sound like a drunk guy yelling through a drive-through speaker.

[@riotracing55]

Lol

[@StefanThePro]

It was blaring at one point 😓

[@ericschori5519]

Will it Rally lap times, rounded up to nearest 10th of second. Mini Cooper S Paceman All4 2:39.6 Chevy Astro AWD 2:45.5 Ford Explorer Twin Turbo EcoBoost 2:43.5 Rounding because I have enough experience with timing by hand to know better than to take the 100ths seriously.

[@zevi2000]

Thank you!

[@letsdosomething806]

Doing the work of the rally gods. Thank you

[@TWorks]

What about the Corolla?

[@ericschori5519]

@@TWorks There's already a leader board posted in the Corolla comments.

[@jarekpszuk6944]

Music wise: great improvement over the previous episode, but just keep it down a little more. Music is supposed to be secondary to driving footage not making my ears bleed from volume. Also personally I would prefer the music to be already barely noticeable before hosts speaks, not turning down as he starts to speak, but that's just a little detail. Great to see you listen to the community and improve the show, keep it up!

[@mitoda]

I was actually taking days 3 - 5 rally course when I saw Wyatt doing several runs on the Team O'Neil course with this Explorer. This video footage looks amazing, granted, I saw several attempts by Wyatt since it was VERY icy that day. These guys are very talented drivers, but that day, ice made driving very challenging not only for us students, but also for staff. Love this new series and look forward watching upcoming episodes. I would strongly recommend this rally school, it has step up my winter driving skills to a different level!

[@211squirrel]

As a 2015 Explorer Sport owner, I’d LOVE to see this in non-snow!!!

[@dominicdeangelis4530]

This is the exact trim that I drive. I always enjoy the fast pickup of the car.

[@rizwan.hakeem]

"Stay in the 2nd gear trust me you will be happy" 😂

[@fomosmith]

I'm pretty sure Wyatt has the coolest job ever.

[@rjr1227]

I think you're right....I'd love to have THIS skill...now, I can drive.....but not this great....

[@jkagsl4129]

Wyatt, please also comment which "buttons were pushed" on these newer vehicles such as DSC off, tractional control off, etc. This will be beneficial for owners of those models. Since some vehicles are more difficult to get 'in the mood' to rally.

[@bn880]

Most of the time they need to pull some fuses. (abs fuse will usually do it all)

[@RetroGamerr1991]

You should try a Crown Vic next!

[@seananon4893]

Like a 1980's model.

[@tinytoilet824]

You should try to rally American sports cars. A c5 or c4 corvette, 3rd gen Camaro, or a sn95 mustang for some examples.

[@ADarkerBreed]

Great video, love hearing Wyatt's point of view on how the course is going and how the car is handling it. I love this series so far!

[@gravitygabri3l]

I was not expecting you to drive it like that! Great video!

[@jvepps]

Keep up the great content! Can wait to see this channel expand.

[@davidbruton4768]

Just got one of these. Love it.

[@lyon666]

You should have a leader board in every video comparing the cars.

[@nathanu]

Great content, keep it coming!

[@jacksonfei2622]

I tried for my explorer last winter and it looks fun can play like this. But I think it is the time to change the Transfer case in the summer for sure.

[@StalePhish]

The video editing is top notch! I can't believe how well you mastered the rotation in that big lumbering beast

[@burgerburger1315]

Im upset you guys arent a bigger channel. Y'all are so good!!

[@TylerFritsch90]

Love the videos, but I wish you went into a little more detail on the cars and their setups! What tires are they running? FWD, RWD, or AWD? How do those systems perform? Always on, or only when the computer says to send power? What kind of diffs? How does the traction control behave? Is it totally defeatable, or always on a little bit? Otherwise keep it up! Love it!

[@markbalingit9324]

I can only answer one question in here: it’s Awd hahahah

[@bryancarrington3518]

365 HP, 350 ft-lbs at only 3,500 RPM, transverse (FWD-based) AWD, but the AWD can send 100% torque to the rear axle. Snow mode sets the transfer unit at 50/50 & cuts boost. Sand mode locks the transfer unit but sends full power so this is what you want for fun driving in the snow. No limited slip, but it has electronic torque biasing. In regular street mode, its FWD until it senses slip but also ramps up the power split with throttle position. In sport mode, it starts at 50/50. There is a pretty neat instrument cluster setting that displays power distribution. Traction Control is fully disabled in mud mode (which also fully locks the power transfer unit), or can be turned off any time in the vehicle menu. Stability control in Sport mode allows pretty aggressive driving. If the rear end snaps around and you don't counteract, the stability control kicks in and snaps it back. But follow it around with some counter-steering and it leaves you alone, as you can see in this vid.

[@ALBERTOGALINDO1983]

Awesome driving!! Made it look so easy even thou it's not.

[@CLoZe14]

Thanks for switching the emphasis off of the music. I really loved the astro video.

[@gaberylosborne8018]

Music choice this time around is much better! Lighthearted and fun, as well and stylish and sweet. I enjoyed it much more than the Astro, and still enjoy Wyatt being a crazy good driver.

[@diptarupghosh4431]

No joke, these explorer sports and the st, haul ass. I drive both at my work and god i was amazed

[@Pedro5antos_]

The filming and the editing was Amazing in this episode! Keep it up team O'neil! And Wyatt you the best man

[@arcthum]

Love the quality of the editing

[@playerzero2236]

Explorer is such a beast. Love mine

[@stigmsr1]

How can I beat on everyone's car in the parking lot? LOL This series is awesome! Keep up the great work.

[@ZombieHitman63]

Music choice for this video was great

[@adamdolezal8886]

I love that Wyatt didn't bother pulling the child seat out of it.

[@artd2777]

Holy cow, dude you were awesome!!!

[@binyoming5290]

Awesome video! I find it hard to believe you get the same performance out of an Explorer Sport as an ASTRO van...

[@makattak88]

Love this concept and the content. Hope it brings more views especially from the GMM crowd who enjoy the “will it?” Series.

[@shanebep3135]

An improvement with the music choice but still too loud and too often, but it does seem like you guys tried to match it better, maybe you're editing with earbuds or something and not getting the full range of sound that you're actually putting into the timeline? I'm just assuming, but if you are, try editing with multiple sound sources like earbuds, a good set of genuine sounding headphones, and some good monitors or atleast a good sound system. That should let you get a better balance of music/dialogue. I really like this series though, you guys are really knowledgable and the camera work and lighting is always excellent.

[@deereman8237]

I’m legitimately surprised that the all wheel drive clutch didn’t overheat. That happened constantly in the winter with our 2011 Explorer...

[@kyle-lv5jv]

You should post up the times alongside the others that you've done

[@dzavidarslanoski4259]

Love these videos. But i can suggest making a chart of sorts at the end of each vid with all the times from all the cars

[@moobiful]

I really wish there was a scoreboard in the description at least for all the cars in this series

[@Winmx813]

The baby seat in the back is awesome

[@saobx3956]

Could we get to see the F90 M5 here? Given its awd, should do a lot better than the older M5s. Would also be nice to see if it's faster than everything here like it is on the track/drag strip/road.

[@lilpeppa117G]

The new 2020 would love this since its on a rear wheel drive platform and lighter

[@alexgonzo000]

Just found this series on your channel. After watching this episode and the first two, I can say that I love it. Also I think I know the answer to "Will it rally?" .... Will it Rally? If you are Wyatt then no matter what it is, yes. Yes it will absolutely rally. Lol I bet you could rally a freaking lawnmower XD

[@sbrenx7132]

What do we learn from these videos? Snow is the fricken best thing evah!

[@thekermitman5187]

you guys deserve more veiws

[@dalejohnson1266]

Love the videos but my only issue is the generic music being so loud and distracting, would love to just hear you narrating or just the noise from the vehicle

[@artbyjanray]

Bro, I love your video I watched over and over again. Ask permission some short clip to post on my reel. Its really cool how you drift the explore, I will get it soon too. Thanks for the video.

[@Spawnmmjtf2]

Love the show Wyatt! Could you try the Honda Pilot Gen 3 (2016-+). I love the handling of mine during winter on Hakka 9 (studded) and I have a feeling it’s unbadged Acura SHAWD rear diff would be a solid contender! Thx mate!

[@Uncle_John_Ai_Xin]

I swear, Wyatt didn't blink in ANY of those shots of him during the actual rally course.

[@rafaobss]

Nice

[@coldmoonlight6361]

Mini - 2:39.59 Explorer - 2:43.47 Astro - 2:45.44

[@dillonh321]

Thanks. They should really put this in the video, many other people said the same thing on the last video but apparently they aren't listening. Same story with the loud music.

[@dillonh321]

Bump comment to get this to the top of the comment section.

[@coldmoonlight6361]

@@dillonh321 Nah, someone else will get it lol that's just how it works. Mine's probably too basic and not wordy enough for the kids that watch these to appreciate 😆 but thank you

[@jermam2010]

My 2018 is still running good

[@VKSgtSLaughter]

Great series! Please do a Subaru Forester! 3rd Gen preferred.

[@stantischendorf2439]

I vote each gen. I only say this since I have a second gen.

[@joshmanwaring3848]

2020 and newer explorers are RWD based with a real transfer case powering a front differential. 2011-2019 are FWD based with a smart assist that only activates the rear when traction is lost. I wish the distinction was made and would love to see the differences in how each system handles.

[@JohnConnor636]

This guy can drive

[@WheresJoshJ]

Haha I loved this! I have the 2020 Ford Explorer ST - with the ST Street Pack and I wonder how it would do on this track?

[@USDM_Jesus]

I think the st should handle it a little better

[@jekabsmalmanis592]

Btw love your videos

[@jasb78]

Could you please give us a comparison of the vehicles you are testing with a Stock Mitsubishi Lancer AWD on a set of Nokian winter/ice tires?

[@JohnConnor636]

This guy can drive.

[@GeorgeLockwood]

Please do a wrangler. Especially the 4 door jk.

[@hookemintheface5595]

Like your videos so far. I have an 08' Buick enclave, AWD with a bad trans among other issues. It's got a wider stance, and molded for an awd drivetrain... Idk, thought about throwing in a built 3.8 with 400+ hp, dog gear 5 speed and worthy drivetrain and suspension, brakes, etc. Or a low miles Ls7, but that would take more frame and chassis modification. Would it rally? Lol

[@5thboroboarders]

This dude is gangster 🤙

[@Darksider637]

Can you make an episode on the all mighty LC200 , i have never seen that SUV in a high speed action but i do think that they are very capable even though they have the weight of a tank , i have tried some over the limit things with it but im sure that a professional driver like yourself can exhibit its abilities much better than anyone else.

[@fatcontroller3671]

I haven't seen the Lexus, but I've seen the Toyota 200 series here in Australia run as course car for rally Australia in Coffs Harbour, it was kinda fast but had a lot of body roll and doesn't slide anywhere. I'd love to see it in snow though.

[@Darksider637]

@@fatcontroller3671 yeah the body roll on that thing is really bad but the newer ones have been improved significantly , and do you have any footage of the lc200 you were mentioning ?

[@Darksider637]

@@fatcontroller3671 and sometimes they can be tail happy at speed but they dont slide that easily you are right

[@fredbuzzell117]

Gotta do the 2020+ version with the new rear wheel based platform

[@brookesrook]

I know it's not in production anymore, but I'd love to see ya'll test a Nissan Xterra... I'll loan ya mine!

[@dallasvanwyk]

What did you have to do the electronics to allow you to drive the Explorer like that? Were you able to disable stability control through normal functionality or did you have to pull a fuse(s)? How about ABS and traction control?

[@tomtalker2000]

There is something "EXTRA FUN" whipping around a nearly 5000lbs SUV.

[@dillonh321]

Music is too loud! Other than that editing is much better this time.

[@codybruh7791]

Surprised the AWD system didn't overheat on the Explorer and disable itself. I heard that can be issue if it is used too aggressively for too long.

[@ThomasShelby-qb4ic]

didn't know NH got snow in june. damn

[@danielbane3844]

Now you should try it with the new Explorer ST

[@MathesThe]

Lets see a Ford Flex next :)

[@thestexplorer8949]

Look at that baby drift 😍😍😍

[@exaltedb]

Will an old e46 3 series rally, always wonder what my car can do off the road/through snow

[@NFox6]

Try a RAV4 Hybrid next!

[@CrowJam]

need time tables comparison!

[@jekabsmalmanis592]

Could you please do a video with audi TT mk1?

[@JulianGonzalez1974]

You should do another suv like a Kia Telluride, Toyota Highlander, Ford Escape..something more FWD biased to see how they handle a course like this.

[@valleyboysclubofficial7829]

Why dont you try to rally a subaru forester sg5. That will be amazing 😊❤

[@airopmcsmtn]

How did u lock the rear wheels does it have a hand brake? Or did u use the service brake while on the accelerator?

[@hockeytops]

Did you try sand mode? It locks the center diff and keeps the revs high.

[@fmxbmx2611]

You guys should rally a WK2 Grand Cherokee

[@CammieGee]

The Explorer's handling has been dramatically improved

[@hawknoob4044]

Would you test the corolla hatchback? It kind of looks like a rally car, but does it have the guts?

[@toddjusttodd5517]

I think you'd have more fun in a police explorer. They're rear biased. And the transmission is tuned for pursuit.

[@infantryrecon101st]

Yup police variants of this suv can drift really good! Don’t ask how I know that though lol!

[@P4R4LL4X]

Please do a BMW X1 AWD Will it Rally!

[@Dgriffin425]

I have a 2018. Did you have it in snow mode?

[@cr.inthewoods66]

if you put the traction control into "mud and rut" mode it is the least intrusive i find

[@freshtowels3917]

What mode did you do this on ? snow mode ?

[@nighthawkmoneybaggs1660]

Super duty

[@followtheflip2172]

Do a Subaru crosstrek!! 2017 if possible! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@TylerFritsch90]

I've got a 2018 Crosstrek! It can definitely rally! Wish it had an lsd and traction control that was easy to fully turn off though.

[@followtheflip2172]

Triumphtriple I have a 2017 & the traction control does engage in turns which is a real bummer cuz it throws your line off & it’s hard to keep the car under your control & not the computer

[@dr3wsky4003]

Just unplug one wheel sensor, I chose right rear, it’s just under the seat backing. And unplug the cable on top of the brake pedal for left foot braking too. I have a 6MT Foz, about to put in a rear LSD too ✌️

[@TylerFritsch90]

@@dr3wsky4003 I know it's possible. I have a set up a fuse switch to accomplish it. Unfortunately it also kills ABS, and needs the car to restart and drive before traction control will kick back on. I wish there was just a simple on/off switch. I don't get why no manufacturers seem to do that anymore....

[@aaryeshg.6526]

@@TylerFritsch90 It's there as a safety measure for the stupidity that most wouldn't be able to handle. I get it too. I can't seem to turn off the TCS on my Lancer GT (fwd). It never shows that it's off and it also has an auto braking if you let off the gas too quickly, very annoying when going on tight corners and roundabouts in particular as it forces you to have some gas on rather than just coast along. Sometimes too much safety tech just ruins fun on everyday driving lmao

[@sovelissfiremane]

It may not love you for trying to rally it, but DAMN does it look good while doing it

[@williamb1926]

Was that a marine corps "ERrr" at the end?

[@CateraMV6]

What tires were used on the Explorer for this VIDEO?

[@someguywithaford]

Id like to see this, but with the 2019 Explorer Sport, because it's actually faster than the 2017. Makes me curious on how it would do!

[@someguywithaford]

@@govillonyt7979 it actually is slightly different underneath. Such is evident that 18’s and 19’s have better transmission reliability. They also have an updated Intelligent4WD system. They also have slightly less drag because of the quad tip exhaust that is farther back so the exhaust leaves the tailwind of the car sooner than a 16’ or 17’ which has the dual tips placed farther forward so the exhaust gasses don’t leave the car as soon, and sometimes even get in to the cabin, which is another problem the 18’s and 19’s don’t have. Edit: the 18’s and 19’s also have increased cooling with an ever so slightly larger intercooler grille and a larger lower grille.