The V8 is a fine performer. Low-end grunt is plenty as it makes for brisk acceleration times. The growl of the V8 is a nice accompanying sound when flooring the gas pedal. The all-new 6-speed transmission is silky smooth and un-fussy. Although there are people that may be buying
these trucks without being aware or simply not caring about the fuel consumption numbers, I always find it important to mention what my results were as they seldomly match those of Natural Resources Canada (which is of about 14.0L / 100 km.). My average was of 18.0L / 100 km.
The brakes are the most unpleasant part of the drive of the truck. The pedal is firm but disconnected and requires a tremendous amount of sustained effort to bring the vehicle to a stop. Steering is positively weighted with a proper amount of assistance that does not hint at the size of the truck.
Safety
The Explorer has standard dual front and front-side air bags, available side curtain air bags, ABS brakes, roll stability control and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the truck 5 out of 5 stars (a perfect result) for all
occupants in both frontal and lateral impacts. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has yet to rate the Explorer.
Conclusion
As I mentioned earlier, the SUV gang, regardless of the price of oil, continues to expand with bigger and more powerful products. Therefore, each of these trucks must offer something better or more interesting than the other in order to attract buyers. The Explorer brings civilised manners together with generally good off-road capabilities (except for 6 inches of snow...) in a package that can serve as a grocery hauler or as the family vehicle to get everyone to the country-house on the weekends.
Good stuff:
Smooth ride
Quiet on the road
Not so good stuff:
Brakes
Fuel consumption
Competitors:
Toyota 4Runner
Nissan Pathfinder
Honda Pilot
Mitsubishi Endeavor
Chevrolet Trailblazer / GMC Envoy / Buick Rainier
Jeep Grand Cherokee
 |
The brakes are the most unpleasant part of the drive of the truck. The pedal is firm but disconnected and requires a tremendous amount of sustained effort to bring the vehicle to a stop. Steering is positively weighted with a proper amount of assistance that does not hint at the size of the truck.
Safety
The Explorer has standard dual front and front-side air bags, available side curtain air bags, ABS brakes, roll stability control and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the truck 5 out of 5 stars (a perfect result) for all
 |
Conclusion
As I mentioned earlier, the SUV gang, regardless of the price of oil, continues to expand with bigger and more powerful products. Therefore, each of these trucks must offer something better or more interesting than the other in order to attract buyers. The Explorer brings civilised manners together with generally good off-road capabilities (except for 6 inches of snow...) in a package that can serve as a grocery hauler or as the family vehicle to get everyone to the country-house on the weekends.
Good stuff:
Smooth ride
Quiet on the road
Not so good stuff:
 |
Brakes
Fuel consumption
Competitors:
Toyota 4Runner
Nissan Pathfinder
Honda Pilot
Mitsubishi Endeavor
Chevrolet Trailblazer / GMC Envoy / Buick Rainier
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Article Gallery