2006 Ford Explorer Road Test

The tall, cylindrical shift lever seems as if it was pulled right out of the best-selling F-150 pickup. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Seating arrangements aside, the new Explorer looks a bit like an F-150 inside. Its tall, cylindrical shift lever, a first for Explorer, seems as if it was pulled right out of the best-selling pickup, and the overall feel of its plastics put this midsize SUV ahead of many in its category. I wouldn't say that the Explorer's interior panel quality is as high as the Toyota 4Runner's, for instance, but I found it's surfaces nicer to the touch than those in Jeep's Grand Cherokee, which has gone downhill since its redesign, or the plastic in the Chevy TrailBlazer. I'd say it's on par with Nissan's Pathfinder in this regard, maybe slightly better. In any case, the upgraded plastics join class-leading noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels, helping Explorer to jump from its back of the pack position to near the front in interior refinement, and probably wouldn't offend those who usually purchase premium vehicles.

Without doubt, a few of the new Explorer's premium level features wouldn't hurt to pacify those snobs who aren't impressed with the new SUV's plastics. The power-actuated flat-folding third-row seat comes immediately to mind, a top-tier convenience that you won't be able to find in any Acura, Audi, BMW, Infiniti, Lexus or Mercedes-Benz SUV, no matter how much you pay. And I really have to question why, since dropping the third row is one of the more arduous tasks any SUV owner faces, particularly difficult if the seatbacks are heavy, far away from the tailgate, or if the person doing so is smaller in stature. Many require the driver to open up the rear side-doors, flick a latch and pull down the seat. How inconvenient if your arms are full building supplies. No, this feature is one of those items that will keep Explorer owners coming back for more, and make others in the Home Depot parking lot jealous.

The DVD entertainment system will have some going green too, as it might be the largest of its kind available. But while the unit housing is extremely wide, and features outboard jacks for portable game devices, etc, the flip-down screen is not the largest I've seen. Whatever, slot in

The new Explorer's ten standard safety features certainly make a parent feel responsible, but its larger than life DVD entertainment module will allow an even greater sense of peace. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

"The Incredibles", crank up the volume controls on the wireless headphones and momentary peace can be yours.

Something those onlookers won't notice but should make them equally envious just the same is its ten standard safety features, including Ford's AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control. Countering a taller vehicles' propensity to tip over if pushed to its limit, the new system uses engine-managed traction control, ABS brakes and a variety of on-board sensors to steady a wayward vehicle, preventing a possible accident from occurring. Ford introduced this technology to the Explorer last year, while dual front airbags with a driver's seat position centre were added in 2002.