Undoubtedly the Best Explorer YetWith its new exterior styling, upscale interior and increased under-hood caffeine, the
2006 Explorer is by far the best iteration
 |
| There's many more improvements under the skin than the 2006 Explorer's subtle styling upgrade makes known. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
of this venerable mid-size SUV to date. Since its introduction in 1991, this best-selling SUV has undergone a series of refits giving rise to today's polished performer. A few of the more notable revisions brought forth an independent rear suspension system, optional V8 power and Ford's AdvanceTrac electronic stability system with rollover prevention. Along the way the Explorer also grew in size and matured in refinement, comfort and performance.
Having recently attended the launch of the all-new
2007 Explorer Sport Trac, I held high expectations for this week's tester, which is the root vehicle on which the Sport Trac was developed. However, the Explorer is shorter than the Sport Trac. In fact, readers may be surprised to learn that at 4,912 mm (193.4 in)
 |
| The Explorer appears larger than it actually is. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
the third-row-equipped Explorer is almost identical in overall length to the Audi A6 and Nissan Maxima sedans. So while it may look big and imposing, accommodating up to seven occupants, the Explorer casts a relatively small shadow, enabling easy maneuvering in tight spaces. Whether navigating congested parking lots or crawling up goat trails, the Explorer's rack-and-pinion steering combined with a very tight turning diameter of 11.2 m (36.8 ft) make it a very nimble SUV indeed. These qualities are as beneficial to the parking lot warrior as they are to the off-roader, as is when speaking of the latter, Ford's ControlTrac full-time four-wheel-drive (FWD) technology, which includes electronically activated low-range gearing to overcome the most challenging vertical variations.
I had the opportunity to put Ford's ControlTrac to the test during the launch of the Explorer Sport Trac and came away very impressed. The system uses sensors to monitor and a
 |
| On- or off-road the Explorer's suspension setup and sophisticatedelectronic driving aids make for a stable, confidence inspiring ride. The Explorer appears larger than it actually is. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
nticipate wheel slippage, seamlessly redirecting torque to the front or rear wheels before traction is lost. With 208 mm (8.2 in) of ground clearance, the Explorer doesn't stand as high above the terra firma as some of its competitors, however, skid plates are available to protect the vitals should the need arise. The moderate rate of ground clearance leads to easier ingress/egress exercises while improving the vehicle's resistance to rollover by reducing its centre of gravity. When combined with the Explorer's 4-wheel independent suspension setup, front and rear stabilizer bars and a much stiffer frame than last year, the net effect is remarkably good handling and tenacious high-speed grip - all relative to an SUV of course. Predominantly responsible for the improved handling - and I
 |
| The refined chassis can be felt inside. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
might add thoroughly improved ride - is a 63 percent increase in bending stiffness and a 55 percent increase in twisting (torsional) stiffness in the vehicle's frame.
The added structural rigidity enables the Explorer's suspension to soak up potholes and the like without transferring shock waves into the vehicle's body - and by extension you and I. Most pleasing in the arrangement is the absence of rattles, thumps and garden variety undercarriage noises often associated with 4WD vehicles. And I must say, for me, the absence such irritants is an important aspect of a vehicle's overall solidity and operational integrity. The Explorer's unruffled suspension is suitably forgiving while producing a well-controlled ride over the roughest of surfaces, yet its calibration feels a touch on the firm side in contrast to some competitors; the trade-off being better off-road handling dynamics. On road or off, drivers will notice more power hitting each of the Explorer's wheels thanks to an upgraded V6 mill and a new V8 drivetrain for 2006.
