Nissan Explorer in the photo: what the legendary SUV looks like inside and outside

You will learn how the appearance of the car has evolved, what interior details make it unique, and where to find high quality photos in high resolution for personal use or comparison with other SUVs. We will pay special attention differences between American and European versions - this is critical for those who are planning to purchase a used model from abroad.

Exterior photo: how the design changed Nissan Explorer by generation

First generation Explorer (1990–1994) remembered for its angular shapes and classic off-road appearance. Photos from those years often show a car with two-tone paint, chrome bumpers and massive wheel arches. The design was focused on practicality: short overhangs, high ground clearance and minimalist body lines.

By the third generation (2001–2005) engineers Nissan radically redesigned the appearance: appeared streamlined shapes, integrated headlights and a more modern grille. Photos from this period are often confused with Ford Explorer - main competitor Nissan on the American market. To distinguish them, pay attention to the shape of the rear lights and the outline of the hood.

• 📌 1st generation (1990–1994): square headlights, minimalism, two-door version
• 📌 2nd generation (1995–2000): rounded lines, plastic lining on the arches
• 📌 3rd generation (2001–2005): aerodynamic body, chrome elements
• 📌 4th generation (2006–2010): aggressive front bumper, LED optics

The latest version to date (2011–2020) has received a completely redesigned design with elements crossover-style. The photo shows how Explorer lost its former “brutal” appearance in favor of a more urban and technological look. For example, there were LED running lights, body panels with soft curves and a large radiator grille style Nissan Murano.

Interior in the photo: what's hidden inside Nissan Explorer

Salon Explorer has always been famous for its space and functionality. Photos of the first generations show simple but durable materials: fabric upholstery, no-frills plastic and mechanical seat adjustments. But even then the car could boast third row of seats - a rarity for an SUV of that time.

Since 2001, the interior has become more premium: leather inserts, wooden panels (in top trim levels) and electronic devices. Photos of the 4th generation interior (2006–2010) show a completely modern car: a multimedia screen, climate control and heated all rows of seats.

⚠️ Attention: When buying used Explorer be sure to check the condition of the leather upholstery - American versions often used cheap vinyl, which cracks after 5-7 years.

Photos deserve special attention cargo compartment. Even in basic versions Explorer offered before 2,300 liters space with the seats folded down. In top trim levels there are electric folding seats and underfloor storage compartments.

Rare and concept versions Explorer in the photo

In addition to production models, Nissan released several unique versions Explorer, photos of which are difficult to find in the public domain. For example, in 1998 it was introduced Explorer Sport Trac - a pickup truck based on an SUV with an extended wheelbase. His photo is often confused with Ford Explorer Sport Trac, but you can distinguish them by the shape of the rear lights and the logo on the grille.

If you come across photos Explorer with non-standard stickers or inscriptions (for example, "Rescue" or "Fire Department"), most likely these are special versions for rescue services. Such cars are often sold at auctions after being written off and can become an interesting collector's item.

Where to download official photos Nissan Explorer in high quality

For those who are looking original images no watermark, best source - official press kits Nissan. On the website Nissan Global Newsroom you can find photos of all generations in resolution up to 5000×3000 pixels. The archive is available in English, but search by model "Explorer" will display all relevant materials.

Alternative sources:

• 📷 Flickr: accounts Nissan Official and enthusiasts (search using the tag "#NissanExplorer")
• 🖼️ Google Arts & Culture: collection "Automotive Design" with historical photos
• 📥 Wallpaper Abyss: desktop wallpaper (4K/8K resolution)

⚠️ Attention: Be careful with photos from social networks (Instagram, Facebook). Often they publish images with distorted colors or retouching, which interferes with an objective assessment of the condition of the car upon purchase.

For professional purposes (for example, to create 3D models or design projects), we recommend contacting auto magazine archives:

• Motor Trend (motortrend.com)
• Car and Driver (caranddriver.com)
• Top Gear (topgear.com)

Open image in new tab (RMB → "Open image in new tab")

Right-click → "Save As" (select PNG format for transparency)

Check the resolution in the file properties (must be at least 2000px on the long side)

Use tools like TinyPNG for lossless compression -->

Photo comparison Nissan Explorer And Ford Explorer: how not to confuse

Due to the similarity of names and target audience Nissan Explorer And Ford Explorer often confused in photos. To avoid mistakes, pay attention to key details:

Front:

• 🔹 Nissan: logo on the radiator grille, teardrop-shaped headlights (in the 3rd generation)
• 🔹 Ford: oval logo on the hood, rectangular headlights (until 2010)

Rear:

• 🔹 Nissan: vertical lights (1st–2nd generation), model name on the trunk lid
• 🔹 Ford: horizontal lights, "EXPLORER" lettering in the center

If visible in the photo interior, pay attention to the steering wheel: Nissan it is usually three-spoke with a logo in the center, and Ford — four-spoke with an oval logo at the top.

Photo Nissan Explorer in different colors: which one to choose

Color range Explorer varied depending on the market and year of manufacture. The photos most often show classic shades:

• 🟤 Dark green metallic (popular in the 1990s, associated with "forest" versions)
• 🟠 golden sand (typical of desert regions such as the Middle East)
• ⚫ Black (universal, but requires frequent maintenance)
• ⚪ White (the most practical, but less presentable)

Rare colors that can be seen in the photo:

• 🟣 Purple metallic (only in 1995–1997, collector's rarity)
• 🔵 Electric Blue (2001–2003, often counterfeited with vinyl)
• 🟤 Olive (military and police versions)

When choosing a color to purchase, be guided by photos of real cars, and not by catalogues: shades can vary greatly depending on the lighting. For example, "Silver Mist"In the sun it looks almost white, and in cloudy weather it looks gray.

⚠️ Attention: The paint on early models (pre-2000) is prone to fading. This is not always noticeable in the photo, but when inspecting the car, pay attention to the roof and hood - they fade the fastest.

How to use a photo Nissan Explorer to buy a used car

Photos are your main tool when choosing a used one. Explorer, especially if the car is abroad. Here's what to look for:

Exterior:

• 🔍 Rust: check the photos of the sills, arches and bottom (a common problem with cars from snowy regions)
• 🚗 Paintwork: discrepancy between shades on different parts indicates painting after an accident
• 💡 Optics: cloudy headlights or cracks in the glass are a sign of old age or poor quality repairs

Interior:

• 🪑 Seats: abrasions on the driver's seat, cracks in the leather
• 🎛️ Dashboard: check if all the lights in the photo are on (sellers often retouch)
• 🔊 Multimedia: on older models the CD player often breaks down

Ask the seller for a photo from different angles, including:

1. Front bumper from below (for impact testing)
2. Roof (for dents from hail or trees)
3. Engine (cleanliness, no oil leaks)

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about photos Nissan Explorer