Big yet green
One of the priorities in designing this new iteration of the Explorer was to keep fuel consumption down, as the massive ute suffers from a reputation as an alkie on the road. Mission accomplished. With an average of 8.5 litres per 100 km on the highway, the 290-hp, 3.5-litre V6 is a bit borderline, but it still manages to tow up to 5,000 lbs.
A small detail here: comparatively speaking, this 3.5-litre mill generates only 2 hp less than the old V8, but does so on several litres less.
Of course, Ford is also offering the 4-cylinder EcoBoost in a FWD version of the Explorer, producing 237 hp and targeting drivers looking for even better fuel economy. Who would have thought that the 4-cylinder number would be more potent than the very first V8 to equip the introductory Explorer? Technology at work.
Safety was also a priority (naturally, for a family vehicle). On top of innovations such as inflatable seat belts, handy for children sitting in the back, the big Explorer also features impressive driving aids, like a collision warning system with brake support, a blind spot information system and a curve control feature.
The latter determines if a vehicle is entering a corner too quickly and activates a “smart” four-wheel braking intervention to reduce the speed of the car by up to 16 km/h in under one second, helping drivers stick to their intended course.
In fact, the computer controls roll, yaw and pitch, as well as the amount of torque sent to the wheels to ensure dynamic, enjoyable handling. What’s more, the system helps mitigate the instability caused by a trailer or excessive load.
On the road
Once behind the wheel, the Ford Explorer’s outstanding qualities quickly relegate its size to the back of your mind. The electric steering assist (which increases precision without disconnecting you from the road) as well as the loss of about 50 kilos compared to the previous generation are partly responsible for this.
Off road, the Explorer is solid. Its ground clearance allows you to wander off the beaten path, where the Explorer does an admirable job and where I wouldn’t venture with all SUVs. The expertise garnered with Land Rover over the years has allowed for first-class control systems, like Hill Descent Control.
One of the priorities in designing this new iteration of the Explorer was to keep fuel consumption down, as the massive ute suffers from a reputation as an alkie on the road. Mission accomplished. With an average of 8.5 litres per 100 km on the highway, the 290-hp, 3.5-litre V6 is a bit borderline, but it still manages to tow up to 5,000 lbs.
A small detail here: comparatively speaking, this 3.5-litre mill generates only 2 hp less than the old V8, but does so on several litres less.
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| The 290-hp, 3.5-litre V6 is a bit borderline, but it still manages to tow up to 5,000 lbs. (Photo: Bertrand Godin/Auto123.com) |
Of course, Ford is also offering the 4-cylinder EcoBoost in a FWD version of the Explorer, producing 237 hp and targeting drivers looking for even better fuel economy. Who would have thought that the 4-cylinder number would be more potent than the very first V8 to equip the introductory Explorer? Technology at work.
Safety was also a priority (naturally, for a family vehicle). On top of innovations such as inflatable seat belts, handy for children sitting in the back, the big Explorer also features impressive driving aids, like a collision warning system with brake support, a blind spot information system and a curve control feature.
The latter determines if a vehicle is entering a corner too quickly and activates a “smart” four-wheel braking intervention to reduce the speed of the car by up to 16 km/h in under one second, helping drivers stick to their intended course.
In fact, the computer controls roll, yaw and pitch, as well as the amount of torque sent to the wheels to ensure dynamic, enjoyable handling. What’s more, the system helps mitigate the instability caused by a trailer or excessive load.
On the road
Once behind the wheel, the Ford Explorer’s outstanding qualities quickly relegate its size to the back of your mind. The electric steering assist (which increases precision without disconnecting you from the road) as well as the loss of about 50 kilos compared to the previous generation are partly responsible for this.
Off road, the Explorer is solid. Its ground clearance allows you to wander off the beaten path, where the Explorer does an admirable job and where I wouldn’t venture with all SUVs. The expertise garnered with Land Rover over the years has allowed for first-class control systems, like Hill Descent Control.
 |
| Off road, the Explorer is solid. (Photo: Ford) |