Latest Ford Explorer tackles family life first
Among SUV owners, its estimated that more than 95 percent do not take their SUVs off- road willingly. That’s why in recent years we’ve seen the demise of the oncerugged Nissan Pathfinder, Dodge Durango, Chevrolet Trailblazer ( now Traverse) and also the Ford Explorer. Sure, these “Suburban Utility Vehicles” can go off- road, but not to the level they once could — and they are now called crossovers.
I recently tested a Ford Explorer Platinum, and if you don’t want to scuff up your new crossover, the Explorer is for you.
The latest Explorer features revised front and rear styling with new detailing, including new head- and taillamps, grille, 20- inch bright- machined wheels with dark- painted inserts, rear pillars and spoiler.
Behind the fresh nose, my Platinum- trimmed tester came standard with a 3.5- liter EcoBoost V- 6, six- speed automatic and all- wheel drive. It’s a powerful engine, but you’ll pay the piper in fuel economy.
If you’re familiar with the current Taurus sedan, then the Explorer interior will look familiar — except Explorer is roomier. Ford carved out a spacious interior, permitting seven passengers in three rows; my tester had optional secondrow buckets that made third- row access easy but lowered capacity to six. The seats were of average comfort and support, but for hauling around kids, they’ll be fine. I made good use of the power tailgate, and power folding seats are available to aid cargo hauling.
My Platinum tester came with interior goodies including leather, heated wood steering wheel, Sony sound system, split- panel moonroof, a bright 10- inch gauge cluster and plenty of USB ports. Cargo volume with second- and third- row seats folded is 80.7 cubic feet. Behind the third row, there’s 21 cubic feet, so this rig can swallow some gear.
One feature I wasn’t thrilled with is MyFord Touch. This info system replaces traditional, less sexy, easy- to- operate buttons and switches for a complex, hard- to- navigate, distracting LCD touch screen.
On the road, the Explorer shines. Explorers feature an independent multi- link rear setup and MacPherson strut front suspension with isolated subframe. Front and rear stabilizer bars, front strut tower brace and stiffer stabilizer bar also contribute to the smooth ride. Ford retooled the electric power steering to make it the right level of responsive, not too quick and with more road feel. Overall, the Explorer has a nimble feel that makes you think it’s smaller than it is. Acceleration from the EcoBoost V- 6 is strong.
Off- road, the new Explorer relies on an electronic Terrain Management system. It maintains off- road stability by limiting wheel spin. Ground clearance is respectable at 7.8 inches; however, I’d be concerned about tearing off the front and rear valances. Explorer Platinum with the twinturbo engine has a 5,000- pound towing capacity.