Ford Explorer makes switch to crossover

BY JOHN STEIN For Sun-Times Media September 26, 2011 9:57AM

Story Image

2011 FORD EXPLORER

ENGINE: 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6

TRANSMISSION: six-speed automatic

DRIVETRAIN: front-wheel drive

FUEL ECONOMY: 18 city/25 highway

BASE PRICE: $28,190

AS TESTED: not available

WEBSITE: ford.com

Article Extras
Story Image

Updated: November 10, 2011 12:32PM



Beginning in the 1990s and pushing strong for more than a decade, there was no SUV that more defined the category – or that could hold a candle to the sales numbers – than the Ford Explorer.

As times changed and fuel prices climbed higher, the crossover became a favorite platform and the body-on-frame layout with rear-wheel drive was replaced with a variation of the Ford Taurus unibody platform. Emerging from the engineering cloud is the 2011 Ford Explorer. No longer a truck-based ride, it is all crossover and the competition is paying attention.

Like most crossover models, the Explorer looks every bit the part of a go-anywhere vehicle and, for the better part of its capability, it really can do many of the things the old-generation Explorers managed to do so well.

The 2011 Explorer is available in three levels: base, XLT and Limited. Each level starts out with its own list of standard features with a wide choice of add-on options. Every time I drive one, I become a bigger fan of the MyFord Touch driver connect technology and SYNC-integrated communications and entertainment systems, which serve to help keep a driver’s eyes on the road.

Explorer prices start at $28,190 for the base, $31,190 for the XLT and $37,190 for the Limited.

On the outside, the Explorer shows off flowing, muscular lines with defined side panels that pick up on the look established by the Ford Taurus. The front fascia and grille are bold and remind me of what I like so much about the Edge attitude. Plenty of glass gives the Explorer a streamlined appearance and this also serves to open up the cabin.

The Explorer cabin has a simple-but-modern interior feel that provides a new attention to quality materials and fit and finish. There is a nice combination of technology, function, storage and comfort. The dash is a straight-forward, well-lit display that conveniently delivers all the necessary driving stats right to the driver in easily seen color on white.

I found head and legroom to be plentiful for the first two rows with the third row offering lots of space for the kids to get comfortable; adults will want to stick to the first two rows. The optional moon roof opened up the cabin even more.

The base Explorer is front-wheel drive with an all-wheel-drive system optional at $2,000. Explorer safety starts with a stiff unibody structure, and second-row inflatable rear belts as well as active and passive safety features.

As with most crossovers, the standard powertrain is front-wheel drive. My tester Explorer combined a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that delivers 290 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that delivers a much wider range of ratios, it more than makes up for lack of the transfer case and its low range.

Explorer’s four-wheel-drive capability is rooted in Ford’s new Terrain Management system, which offers selections based on the situation facing the driver. The four settings (available by shift on the fly) include normal, mud, sand and snow.

According to Ford, each setting provides a specific, predetermined engine behavior, throttle tip in, transmission shift scheduling and calibrations for traction and stability control systems. Simply turn the knob on the console and off you go.

Explorers had a reputation for being competent towers, and the new models with V-6 power are rated to tow a maximum of 5,000 pounds. To help aid towing, a reverse camera with zoom-in functionality is optional. The Explorer towing package includes trailer sway control, trailer brake controller and tow/haul mode.

When it comes to towing capability, road manners and three rows of seating, the Ford Explorer makes perfect sense for families on the go.

© 2011 Sun-Times Media, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be copied or distributed without permission. For more information about reprints and permissions, visit www.suntimesreprints.com. To order a reprint of this article, click here.

Comments  Click here to view or make a comment

You Might Like

From ToDrive.com