The Ford Motor Company recognized that, despite selling like hotcakes around the turn of the 21st century, a high proportion of new owners of their groundbreaking Explorer SUV never actually left the pavement. These customers were instead seeking a multi-functional mode of transportation that met their needs for carrying passengers and the occasional cargo, with the sure-footedness provided by four-wheel drive. Thus, the Urban Explorer concept vehicle was created when Ford decided to bring the Explorer to a hip, modern audience.

Based on the redesigned 2002 Explorer, the Urban Explorer had its suspension lowered and was fitted with understated side-cladding, deep-dish five-spoke 20-inch wheels within wide fender flares, and front and rear fascias with integrated driving lamps, functional brake cooling ducts, and, in the rear, center-exiting dual exhausts ending at brightly polished exhaust tips.

A roof spoiler on the trailing edge of the lift-gate replaces the standard SUV roof rack and adds to the sporty appearance, as does a high-contrast color scheme of Black and Lime Green. The interior is piped in an iridescent material (it glows in the dark!), while ergonomic enhancements include Quad-Sport bucket seats and a thick-rim steering wheel, as well as a full front-to-rear center console and a special sport gauge cluster.

This special vehicle is an icon of modern America in unique concept vehicle form and would be enjoyed in any collection of Ford iron and concept cars.