Modern American family SUVs are among the most impressive machines in their segments, and the Ford Explorer is one example of why. Automakers on our shores have realized, perhaps suddenly, that they’ve got to build the best machines they’ve ever made. They’ve quickly started doing just that in a big way.
The new Explorer
Sure, the latest Ford Explorer has the spacious cabin, generous cargo hold, 3 seating rows and towing capacity expected of any of its rivals. Ditto the 4x4 capability and flexibility intended to tackle both the nine-to-five and weekend activities of Canadian families. And the motorized tailgate. And the power-folding rear seats, advanced airbags and stability control and braking gadgets. That’s all standard stuff, here.
But above and beyond the size of the new Explorer’s cabin, everything on board feels nicely trimmed, well assembled and solid. That’s not standard stuff. Most of the Explorer’s interior could work in a premium-branded vehicle any day. And compared to, say, a Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander, the Explorer feels significantly more modern and upscale.
Gadgets galore
Most impressive? The laundry list of integrated technology. The tester featured one of the market’s most advanced digital infotainment systems, MyFord Touch and SYNC. Through some steering wheel-mounted controls, a central touch-screen system and the touch-activated control pad below it, drivers can access vehicle information, the nav system, their phone and their tunes with simple voice commands, keeping both hands on the wheel. The Explorer can even read your incoming text messages, and lets you reply by voice.
Auxiliary screens in the instrument cluster can be customized to display and access various additional functions, radar-guided cruise control is optionally on board, and the Explorer Limited also featured push-button engine start, a collision warning system and automatic everything. They should have called it the Enterprise. Oh, and don’t miss the dual sunroofs, mood lighting and touch-activated keypad door-lock system.
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| Explorer should do fine on any trail owners may care to visit, though removal of the bumper valence and upgrading the factory tires are advised first. (Photo: Chris Koski/Auto123.com) |
The new Explorer
Sure, the latest Ford Explorer has the spacious cabin, generous cargo hold, 3 seating rows and towing capacity expected of any of its rivals. Ditto the 4x4 capability and flexibility intended to tackle both the nine-to-five and weekend activities of Canadian families. And the motorized tailgate. And the power-folding rear seats, advanced airbags and stability control and braking gadgets. That’s all standard stuff, here.
But above and beyond the size of the new Explorer’s cabin, everything on board feels nicely trimmed, well assembled and solid. That’s not standard stuff. Most of the Explorer’s interior could work in a premium-branded vehicle any day. And compared to, say, a Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander, the Explorer feels significantly more modern and upscale.
Gadgets galore
Most impressive? The laundry list of integrated technology. The tester featured one of the market’s most advanced digital infotainment systems, MyFord Touch and SYNC. Through some steering wheel-mounted controls, a central touch-screen system and the touch-activated control pad below it, drivers can access vehicle information, the nav system, their phone and their tunes with simple voice commands, keeping both hands on the wheel. The Explorer can even read your incoming text messages, and lets you reply by voice.
Auxiliary screens in the instrument cluster can be customized to display and access various additional functions, radar-guided cruise control is optionally on board, and the Explorer Limited also featured push-button engine start, a collision warning system and automatic everything. They should have called it the Enterprise. Oh, and don’t miss the dual sunroofs, mood lighting and touch-activated keypad door-lock system.
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| Auxiliary screens in the instrument cluster can be customized to display and access various additional functions. (Photo: Chris Koski/Auto123.com) |