2nd place: 2011 Ford Explorer XLT V6 4WD - 77.7%
Alright, we've reached the No.2 spot and we think this entry fully deserves to be here. Newly redesigned inside and out, this latest reiteration of the much-loved Ford Explorer is all about attracting a young, active, vibrant crowd while still producing impressive performance and efficiency numbers.
The Ford Explorer is, by far, the best-looking of the group. Dynamic, hip and young, the Explorer has a modern look that runs the risk of not aging well, but is highly impressive at the moment. All were impressed with its outer guise; inside, however, we all felt a bit... overwhelmed.
Inside, it is so loaded with hi-tech gadgetry that it ends up being a bit of a sensory overload. The gauge graphics are uber cool and crisp to look at, as are the onboard computer images. Of course, the crowning glory of all Ford vehicles these days is the MyFord Touch & SYNC systems. While innovative and highly futuristic, it can be a bit frustrating to a first-time user.
The Ford Explorer boasts the most user-friendly cargo area, with a very deep bed that actually dips below the rear row of seats and offering a total of 2,285L with all the seats folded. While there is space for 7, the middle seat of the second row is completely unusable—even for children. So, keep it a 6-seater and the Explorer performs beautifully, with a 3rd row that's easy to access, but wasn't particularly wide.
The 3.5L V6 is more than capable; it’s actually quite strong and will save you at the pumps. With 290 hp, the Explorer managed third-place fuel numbers, which is impressive. The transmission offered smooth upshifts, and it’s important to note that the Ford is the only member of the pack that offered multiple off-road options (à la Land Rover).
Handling and steering on the Ford were matched (and beaten) only by the CX-9. While it performed miserably in the emergency braking test (worst of the bunch), the pedal feel was good. Everything about driving the Ford Explorer is relaxed and capable.
The Ford Explorer was definitely appreciated the most by the group, but along the way we discovered negative points that inevitably knocked it off the No. 1 spot.
Alright, we've reached the No.2 spot and we think this entry fully deserves to be here. Newly redesigned inside and out, this latest reiteration of the much-loved Ford Explorer is all about attracting a young, active, vibrant crowd while still producing impressive performance and efficiency numbers.
The Ford Explorer is, by far, the best-looking of the group. Dynamic, hip and young, the Explorer has a modern look that runs the risk of not aging well, but is highly impressive at the moment. All were impressed with its outer guise; inside, however, we all felt a bit... overwhelmed.
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| Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com |
Inside, it is so loaded with hi-tech gadgetry that it ends up being a bit of a sensory overload. The gauge graphics are uber cool and crisp to look at, as are the onboard computer images. Of course, the crowning glory of all Ford vehicles these days is the MyFord Touch & SYNC systems. While innovative and highly futuristic, it can be a bit frustrating to a first-time user.
The Ford Explorer boasts the most user-friendly cargo area, with a very deep bed that actually dips below the rear row of seats and offering a total of 2,285L with all the seats folded. While there is space for 7, the middle seat of the second row is completely unusable—even for children. So, keep it a 6-seater and the Explorer performs beautifully, with a 3rd row that's easy to access, but wasn't particularly wide.
The 3.5L V6 is more than capable; it’s actually quite strong and will save you at the pumps. With 290 hp, the Explorer managed third-place fuel numbers, which is impressive. The transmission offered smooth upshifts, and it’s important to note that the Ford is the only member of the pack that offered multiple off-road options (à la Land Rover).
Handling and steering on the Ford were matched (and beaten) only by the CX-9. While it performed miserably in the emergency braking test (worst of the bunch), the pedal feel was good. Everything about driving the Ford Explorer is relaxed and capable.
The Ford Explorer was definitely appreciated the most by the group, but along the way we discovered negative points that inevitably knocked it off the No. 1 spot.
| STYLING | ACCESSORIES | SPACE | COMFORT | |
| AND ACCESS | ||||
| 2011 Dodge Durango Crew Plus | 69.5% | 79.2% | 79.0% | 77.5% |
| 2011 Ford Explorer XLT V6 4WD | 78.5% | 75.0% | 76.8% | 80.3% |
| 2011 GMC Acadia Denali | 73.8% | 80.6% | 80.2% | 79.0% |
| 2011 Honda Pilot Touring | 64.5% | 73.8% | 79.8% | 78.5% |
| 2011 Mazda CX-9 GT | 82.0% | 81.2% | 74.8% | 79.5% |
| 2011 Nissan Pathfinder LE | 66.5% | 71.8% | 71.2% | 67.8% |
| 2011 Toyota Highlander 4WD V6 Sport | 69.8% | 77.0% | 76.6% | 81.3% |