The 5-door Explorer and its companion the Mercury Mountaineer were redesigned entirely for the 2002 model year, gaining a similar appearance to its big brother, the Ford Expedition.
Inside is there a pull latch to release the boot? Usually if you pull the seats forward and fold them down, there should be some sort of pull latch attached to the boot lid, which releases it. Idk if your car has that but it’s worth having a look,