2006 Ford Explorer Road Test

The Explorer's conventional four-wheel drivetrain and heavy-load towingcapabilities open up the wild blue yonder to active, outdoorsyfamilies. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

If potential buyers manage to catch sight of the front end, mind you, they'll no doubt take a second look. It still won't be mistaken for anything but an Explorer, but its new duds make it more truck-like, pulling a few styling cues from Ford's best-selling F-150 pickup, especially in upscale Eddie Bauer trim, which give it a tougher, bolder appearance that separates it from more car-like models in the lineup, such as Freestyle. And that's a good thing. While I'm a big fan of Ford's fully functional, fuel-efficient new crossover, the Explorer delivers a different solution to the people hauling conundrum. While offering seating for seven in a wagon-like SUV layout, just like its sedan-based sibling, the Explorer's conventional four-wheel drivetrain and heavy-load towing capabilities open up the wild blue yonder to active, outdoorsy families in a much more effective, go-anywhere way.

Ford made sure we experienced at least a taste of this lifestyle by providing all who attended the new model's launch program ample time behind the wheel, some of which was even off-pavement. That's right. While most Explorers probably won't experience true grit between the tire treads, it's nice to know that the 4x4 invested in is capable of such, just the same. The paths which Ford chose, however, weren't exactly as challenging as this truck is capable, but probably more similar in terrain to what an average Explorer owner would experience during a weekend up country. But the light-duty back roads only offered the opportunity to test the truck out at a faster clip than would be possible if scaling steep, rocky grades or trudging though deep, muddy sinkholes. The roadway included a typical two-rut dirt road through the treed section, winding circuitously upward before straightening out, more or less, on a plateau filled with

The light-duty back roads only offered the opportunity to test thetruck out at a faster clip than would be possible if scaling steep,rocky grades or trudging though deep, muddy sinkholes. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

trees and thick brush. A sharp left opened onto a large field of tall grass, which challenged the stability and traction control systems of the various SUVs being tested.

Yes, up against the Explorer was a strong lineup of competitors, including two Chevy TrailBlazers, two Jeep Cherokees, a couple of Nissan Pathfinders, and a duo of Toyota 4Runners. Noticeably missing were any Dodge Durangos, Kia Sorentos or Mitsubishi Monteros, three midsize truck-based SUVs that would target similar buyers as the Explorer. I don't think Ford was concerned about getting left behind by these three, however, but probably just couldn't get any examples for the comparison.