La Malbaie, Quebec — Before we take this bronze 2011 Ford Explorer Limited for a long romp through the Charlevoix region of this province, let’s first deal with this SUV versus crossover thing.
Ford says it’s still an SUV, even though it’s now based on a front-drive, unibody (crossover) platform.
If this bothers you, like it did initially to us — get over it. It’s Ford’s truck and they can call it what they want to. Also, words evolve over time, and now “SUV” apparently means a vehicle that has a certain chiseled look, and offers more traction and towing ability than run-of-the-mill crossovers.
Okay, now we’re free to continue our assessment in peace.
High Tech Interface
The exterior is definitely a winner, combining just-enough old-school SUV vibe with tasteful, modern lines.
The interior, however, is totally “new school”. Almost shockingly so… There are a few knobs, but the touch-screen is definitely the dominant “person to car” interface. Some will love it. Others will run the other way, clutching their cassette tapes and CDs, muttering.
But Ford has spent a lot of time and efforts optimizing this interface, so give it an honest try. With a bit of practice it is easy to become the master of your touch-screen, voice-command domain.
Start Button
But the interface we like the most is the “Start” button, which awakens the 3.5-litre V6, with 290 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque. First thing you notice is how quiet this motor is, and the lack of any outside noise for that matter. Ford did a lot of work to create a soundproof cabin, and it shows. Cabin conversation can be done at a very low level.
The electric steering could probably use a bit more feel at the wheel, but this is offset by the Explorer’s willingness to go where it’s directed. It drives effortlessly and “smaller” than its size.
Ford says it’s still an SUV, even though it’s now based on a front-drive, unibody (crossover) platform.
 |
| The exterior is definitely a winner, combining just-enough old-school SUV vibe with tasteful, modern lines. (Photo: Mike Goetz/Auto123.com) |
If this bothers you, like it did initially to us — get over it. It’s Ford’s truck and they can call it what they want to. Also, words evolve over time, and now “SUV” apparently means a vehicle that has a certain chiseled look, and offers more traction and towing ability than run-of-the-mill crossovers.
Okay, now we’re free to continue our assessment in peace.
High Tech Interface
The exterior is definitely a winner, combining just-enough old-school SUV vibe with tasteful, modern lines.
The interior, however, is totally “new school”. Almost shockingly so… There are a few knobs, but the touch-screen is definitely the dominant “person to car” interface. Some will love it. Others will run the other way, clutching their cassette tapes and CDs, muttering.
But Ford has spent a lot of time and efforts optimizing this interface, so give it an honest try. With a bit of practice it is easy to become the master of your touch-screen, voice-command domain.
Start Button
But the interface we like the most is the “Start” button, which awakens the 3.5-litre V6, with 290 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque. First thing you notice is how quiet this motor is, and the lack of any outside noise for that matter. Ford did a lot of work to create a soundproof cabin, and it shows. Cabin conversation can be done at a very low level.
The electric steering could probably use a bit more feel at the wheel, but this is offset by the Explorer’s willingness to go where it’s directed. It drives effortlessly and “smaller” than its size.
 |
| With a bit of practice it is easy to become the master of your touch-screen, voice-command domain. (Photo: Mike Goetz/Auto123.com) |