# Wheelchair-Friendly SUVs BraunAbility Makes the Ford Explorer a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2016-02-12 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wheelchair-accessible-vehicle References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/braunability-wheelchair-accessible-explorer/41769/) & [media.ford](https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2016/02/09/braunability-mxv-is-worlds-first-wheelchair-accessible-SUV.html) Designed as the world's first SUV with the differently abled in mind, the [Ford](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ford-allelectric-explorer) Explorer MXV is a wheelchair accessible vehicle created in collaboration with [BraunAbility](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/manual-ramp). When it comes to wheelchair-accommodating vehicles, more often than not they are mini van-style because of the ample room they provide. However, the Ford Explorer MXV makes use of the vehicle's impressive cabin space to create a vehicle suitable for passengers of all kinds. The upgraded Ford Explorer MXV features a sliding door entry with a powered in-floor ramp and the ability to remove the passenger and driver seats. BraunAbility was worked with closely to ensure the cabin interior was wheelchair-friendly. The wheelchair accessible vehicle is set to be unveiled to the public at the Chicago Auto Show that opens to the public this weekend. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.4/10 - Popularity: 97% | Activity: 87% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Differently-abled Vehicles:** Opportunity for creating more wheelchair-accessible vehicles suitable for passengers of all kinds. - **SUV Accessibility:** Potential for designing more SUVs with wheelchair-friendly features like sliding door entry and powered in-floor ramps. - **Collaborative Innovations:** Collaborations between automakers and accessibility companies can lead to the development of more inclusive vehicle designs. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Automotive:** Opportunity for automakers to explore and expand their wheelchair-accessible vehicle offerings. - **Mobility and Accessibility:** Increased demand for mobility solutions like wheelchair-friendly vehicles presents an opportunity for growth in the mobility and accessibility industry. - **Auto Shows and Events:** Auto shows and events can showcase the latest advancements in wheelchair accessibility in vehicles, leading to industry-wide innovations. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [User-Friendly Vehicle Manual Ramps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/manual-ramp.md) - [Vehicle Accessibility Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vehicle-accessibility.md) - [Inclusive All-Terrain EVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/exoquad-v2.md) - [Wheelchair-Accessible Electric Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wheelchairaccessible-electric-vehicle.md) - [Accessibility-Focused Electric Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/accessible-electric-mobility.md) - [Sculpted Electric SUV Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ford-allelectric-explorer.md) - [Toddler-Specific Motorized Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/permobil-explorer-mini.md) - [Accessible Off-Road Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cougar-4x4.md) - [All-Terrain Electric Wheelchairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scewo-bro.md)