The mighty 2023 Ford Explorer 10-speed automatic transmission, perfected

The 2023 Ford Explorer, equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission, is a marvel of engineering designed to deliver exceptional performance, efficiency, and driving experience. The transmission is an integral part of the vehicle, responsible for shifting gears smoothly and efficiently, allowing the engine to operate within its optimal power band.

The 10-speed automatic transmission is a testament to Ford’s commitment to innovation and engineering excellence. It is the result of many years of development, with advancements in materials, design, and control systems that have been refined over time. The transmission uses a series of planetary gearsets and clutches to achieve smooth gear changes, ensuring a seamless transition between gears.

The transmission’s operation is controlled by a complex electronic control unit (ECU), which receives input from various sensors in the vehicle. These sensors track factors like vehicle speed, throttle position, and engine load to determine the optimal gear for the current driving conditions. Based on this information, the ECU commands the transmission to shift gears at the appropriate times.

One of the unique features of the Ford Explorer’s 10-speed transmission is its ability to skip gears during shifts. This feature, known as shift skipping, allows the transmission to go directly from one gear to another without going through the intermediate gears. This reduces the number of shifts needed and improves the vehicle’s acceleration, allowing it to reach higher speeds more quickly.

Shift skipping is accomplished by using the additional gears in the transmission to create a wider gear ratio range. For example, if the vehicle is traveling at 30 mph in 4th gear, the transmission can skip from 4th to 6th gear, instead of shifting through 5th gear. This reduces the time it takes for the transmission to shift and allows the engine to stay in a higher gear for a longer period, allowing for better acceleration.

The Ford Explorer’s 10-speed transmission is also designed to optimize fuel efficiency. By using the additional gears to achieve a wider gear ratio range, the engine can operate closer to its optimal power band. This results in improved fuel economy, as the engine is not working as hard to maintain the same speed.

The 2023 Ford Explorer is not only faster and more efficient than previous models, but it also offers a smoother, more responsive driving experience. Thanks to advancements in transmission technology, the Explorer’s 10-speed transmission can shift gears more quickly and smoothly than ever before. This results in a more enjoyable driving experience, with less engine noise and improved overall performance.

In conclusion, the 2023 Ford Explorer, with its 10-speed automatic transmission, is a testament to Ford’s commitment to innovation and engineering excellence. The transmission’s ability to skip gears during shifts, combined with its optimized gear ratios and advanced control systems, allows the Explorer to deliver exceptional performance, efficiency, and driving experience. With its many years of development and refinement, the 2023 Ford Explorer’s 10-speed transmission is truly a marvel of engineering, setting a new standard for the automotive industry.

The 2023 Ford Explorer features a sophisticated 10-speed automatic transmission that has been refined over several years of development. This transmission, known as the 10R80, is a key factor in the Explorer’s impressive performance and efficiency.

Transmission Design

The 10R80 transmission is based on the well-known 8-speed automatic transmission from ZF, but with some unique features:

• A triple-clutch assembly on a dedicated intermediate shaft replaces two ordinary clutches, allowing for compact packaging1.

• The transmission offers smaller steps between lower gears, benefiting acceleration at low speeds1.

• It has a total gear ratio span of 7.3864, providing a wide range of gear options for various driving conditions1.

Gear Shifting Behavior

One of the most notable features of this transmission is its ability to skip gears:

• During acceleration, the transmission may skip gears (e.g., going from 1st to 3rd, or 3rd to 5th) to reach higher gears faster while staying in the peak RPM range2.

• During rapid braking, it may step down multiple gears (e.g., from 3rd to 1st) for improved engine braking2.

• When passing at cruising speeds, the transmission can quickly downshift multiple gears (e.g., 10th to 6th or 8th to 3rd) for rapid acceleration2.

Performance Impact

The 10-speed transmission contributes significantly to the Explorer’s performance:

• The 2023 Explorer’s 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 engine, paired with this transmission, delivers 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque3.

• The transmission’s ability to skip gears allows it to maintain optimal engine RPM, enhancing both performance and fuel efficiency2.

• The close ratios between gears, especially in lower gears, contribute to the Explorer’s quick acceleration1.

Refinement Over Time

While it’s difficult to definitively state that the 2023 model has the “best” 10-speed transmission, it’s true that Ford has continuously refined this technology:

• The 10-speed transmission has been in use since 2017, allowing Ford to make incremental improvements over time1.

• Ford has likely fine-tuned the transmission control software to optimize shift patterns and improve overall drivability.

• The gear ratios have been carefully selected to balance performance, efficiency, and drivability across various driving conditions13.

In conclusion, the 10-speed automatic transmission in the 2023 Ford Explorer represents a highly sophisticated piece of engineering that contributes significantly to the vehicle’s performance and efficiency. Its ability to intelligently select and skip gears based on driving conditions allows it to optimize power delivery and fuel economy, making it a key component in the Explorer’s powertrain.