2011 Ford Explorer gets 17 miles to the gallon in the city, and 25 miles to the gallon on the highway. The vehicle will go from zero to
The 2011 Ford Explorer has been redesigned with freshened styling, a new engine and new features. This plate moves like unibody construction venerable cross, sharing its basic design elements with the Ford Taurus. All explorers used traditional type of construction trucks. The 2011 model is about 1 inch shorter wheelbase, but about 4 inches longer than the 2010 version. Levels of equipment are the basis, the volume of high-end XLT and Limited. Each is available with front-or all-wheel drive. The AWD system console includes a dial that changes in the parameters of the accelerator and others to organize the mud, sand and snow. In all models is a 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. Optional 237 hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder is expected to arrive for model year 2012. The transmission is a 6-speed automatic only. Maximum towing capacity is 5000 pounds with the V6 is 2000 pounds with 4-cylinder engine.
Available safety features include ABS, traction control, traction control materials, curtain side airbags and front side airbags. Explorer uses MyFord Touch, which replaces traditional audio and climate controls with touch screen and voice recognition. It also includes the company's mobile phone synchronization and NC music player. Rear-obstacle detection is standard on XLT and Limited. Power adjustable pedals, driver seat memory, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, keyless engine start and remote entry / engine start is standard on the Limited.
Chances are that in some point in your life you've either owned a Ford Explorer or knew somebody who did. For a stretch in the 1990s, it was like a modern-day Moses had trotted out of the Mall of America with an 11th commandment: "Thou shalt own a Ford Explorer." The things were everywhere.
But because of the Firestone tire/rollover debacle and changing consumer desires, Explorer sales oppressively trended downward for the past decade. So for this new decade, the 2011 Ford Explorer has been completely made over with the goal for buyers to warmly remember all the good times they had in the family Explorer back in '98, while correcting the issues that led them to buy something else since then.
To do so, Ford has replaced the Explorer's truck-related mechanicals with unibody construction similar to that of the Ford Flex. The upside is more carlike driving dynamics and safety; the downside is reduced maximum towing capacity. We don't remember too many of the country's bajillion Explorers hooked up to trailers back in '97, though, so we're thinking most folks won't see this as a problem. In terms of size, the new Explorer is nearly 4 inches longer in overall length and 5 inches wider.
Massive changes are also in store for what's under the hood. The standard 2011 Ford Explorer engine is a new 3.5-liter 290-horsepower V6 that's not only more fuel efficient than the old 292-hp V8 but also able to provide quicker acceleration. Ford has also promised to offer a turbocharged four-cylinder engine for even better mpg, but it's unlikely to arrive until the 2012 model year.
Climb on board the new 2011 Ford Explorer and discover a cabin that is not only roomier, but also considerably more stylish and of higher quality. For good measure, Ford threw in all its latest technological goodies, including Sync, MyFord Touch and MyKey. On the safety front, the Explorer gains inflatable second-row seatbelt airbags (a first for the automotive industry), which promise to improve safety for smaller occupants.
Overall, the new 2011 Ford Explorer is much more in tune with what today's crossover shoppers are looking for. It drives well, gets good fuel economy for its class and still retains the versatility that made people like SUVs in the first place. But of course the Explorer isn't the only game in town and it's been reborn at the same time as some other hits of the '90s.
The Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee are also fully redesigned and, like the Explorer, re-created for today with an impressive repertoire of talents. Others to consider include Ford's more passenger-friendly Flex, the more engaging to drive Mazda CX-9 and GM's far more spacious Buick Enclave/Chevy Traverse/GMC Acadia triplets. They're all really quite desirable, so it just depends on how much space you need, what type of driving experience you prefer and how many high-tech features you desire.
The 2011 Ford Explorer is a large crossover SUV available in base, XLT and Limited trim levels (nope, no more Eddie Bauer). Standard equipment includes 17-inch steel wheels, privacy glass, integrated blind spot mirrors, roof rails, cruise control, a six-way power driver seat (manual recline), a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, MyFord advanced trip computer and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack.
The XLT adds 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlamps, foglamps, rear parking sensors, upgraded cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a keyless entry code pad and satellite radio (optional on base).
For the Explorer XLT, Ford offers the Rapid Spec Option Group 201A that adds a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-speaker sound system and the Driver Connect Package, which includes an auto-dimming rearview mirror, MyFord Touch electronics controls, the Sync telephone and entertainment interface, a display screen, two USB ports and RCA video input jacks. The Rapid Spec 202A has the above equipment plus the Comfort package, which includes leather upholstery, heated front seats, an eight-way power driver seat with power-adjustable lumbar, and a six-way power passenger seat (manual recline).
The Limited includes the XLT's Rapid Spec items, plus 20-inch wheels, keyless ignition/entry, remote engine start, a 110-volt power outlet and a 12-speaker Sony sound system with HD radio. The Rapid Spec 301A package includes a power liftgate and a navigation system, along with the Luxury Seating package that adds an eight-way power passenger seat, ventilated front seats and a power-folding third-row seat. The Rapid Spec 302A package includes an automatic parallel-parking system, adaptive cruise control, collision warning and brake support, a blind-spot warning system, xenon headlamps and automatic wipers.
Stand-alone options on the XLT and Limited include a dual-panel sunroof, the blind-spot warning system, the power liftgate, a tow package, second-row captain's chairs (Limited only), a rear-seat entertainment system, and the navigation system that includes real-time traffic, weather and other information.
The 2011 Ford Explorer comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 290 hp and 255 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard. Four-wheel drive (there is no low-range gearing) is optional and includes Ford's Terrain Management System, a selectable four-mode system that optimizes traction in different conditions. Hill descent control and hill start assist are also included.
In Edmunds testing, a 4WD Explorer went from zero to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds -- average for the class. Ford-estimated fuel economy with two-wheel drive is 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway -- also average for the class. Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds.
Every 2011 Ford Explorer comes standard with stability and traction control, trailer sway control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and MyKey, which allows parents to specify limits for vehicle speed and stereo volume. The Explorer's stability control system also includes Ford's Curve Control, which can reduce the vehicle's speed if it senses that it's travelling too fast for a particular corner.
Optional on the XLT and Limited are a blind-spot warning system (includes cross-traffic alert) and inflatable seatbelts (late availability) for second-row outboard passengers. The Limited can be equipped with collision warning and brake support.
In Edmunds brake testing, a 4WD Explorer came to a stop from 60 mph in 122 feet -- an average distance for the class.
The 2011 Ford Explorer ushers in a new era of interior quality for not only the Explorer, but for the Ford brand entirely. The dash is soft to the touch, the switchgear operates with precision (or is touch-operated with the optional MyFord Touch) and the overall look is quite upscale. In fact, a loaded Explorer is nicer inside than just about every Lincoln.
We have mixed feelings about MyFord Touch, however, as those touch buttons can be difficult to identify at a glance and the corresponding touchscreen suffers from small button icons on a black background. The redundant steering wheel controls and speedometer-flanking LCD screens could also use a bit of fine-tuning. All together, it works better when stationary than when on the move.
The Explorer's cabin is more spacious than before, but it's not quite as roomy as those of the Dodge Durango, Ford Flex and especially the Chevy Traverse. Its 80 cubic feet of maximum cargo space is the smallest of the group and the third row is a bit cramped by comparison -- though it does accommodate children with ease. The driving position is spot-on for most drivers, though the Explorer's wide pillars and high dash make the car seem bigger when maneuvering through tight places.
The 2011 Ford Explorer no longer drives like a truck and that's a great thing. Its structure feels rock-solid, it's well-damped over bumps and there's a confidence to the way it negotiates a corner. The responsive steering is another example of Ford knowing how to tune electric power steering (which improves fuel economy and allows for an automatic parking system).
The new Explorer may not have a V8, but its new V6 is quicker and more efficient, so only the few folks who used their Explorers to tow a boat may be disappointed.
Ford Motor says it can't keep the redesigned Explorer SUV in stock, but the latest Consumer Reports ratings makes you wonder why.
Despite some good points, C.R. says, Explorer manages to rank only 17th among 19 similar vehicles.
Ford replies: "We're very proud of the new Explorer, which in January was awarded the trophy for North American Truck of the Year by a jury of 49 automotive journalists from the United States and Canada. We take all feedback – including Consumer Reports' – seriously and will use it as we continuously improve all of our vehicles."
The 2011 Explorer is a crossover SUV, more modern than the discontinued truck-based Explorer SUV that dominated the category for years. As a well-known, marquee model, it's important to Ford's image and earnings that the Explorer do well. Here was our take in Test Drive.
The new Explorer has its good points, including a roomy, practical interior, a third-row seat that's actually usable, and generous cargo capacity. It also has a steady and compliant ride and respectable fuel economy," and good brakes.
"However, the Explorer falls short of the best in this competitive class. The engine is a little noisy, handling is secure but lacks agility, and the driving position is flawed. The optional 'MyFord Touch' control interface is over-complicated and distracting….
""The six-speed automatic is not the smoothest out there and wants to hold on to higher gears too long. It was sometimes slow to downshift and overly aggressive engine braking slowed the Explorer going down hills unless we gave the gas pedal a prod.
"An optional Terrain Management system for the all-wheel-drive system lets you dial in various terrain types such as snow and sand, and it alters throttle, brake and torque split between front and rear wheels accordingly."
Ford notes that Explorer sales are more than double those of its truck-based predecessor, and that 43.5% of buyers are abandoning rival brands to buy Explorers. Nearly 12% of buyers are getting out of luxury models to get into Explorer, Ford says.
Few companies have ever come close to the legendary levels of success Ford has had with the Explorer. When the Dearborn company grafted two additional doors onto a thoroughly re-engineered Bronco II chassis in 1991, it not only created a more practical midsize SUV—but one that would soon become a bestseller in the category throughout the next two decades. In the year 2000 alone, Ford sold close to 450,000 of them. And Ford says there are still more than 4-million Explorers on the road. But as crossovers have ballooned in popularity in the last few years, the Explorer, with its body-on-frame chassis and thirsty V8, became, well, a dinosaur.
The reborn 2011 Ford Explorer may look rough and rugged on the outside, but beneath the skin, this three-row SUV has more in common with Ford's Taurus sedan than a truck. And for everyone but a few hard-core off-road enthusiasts who need a low-range transfer case and a truck's robust frame rails, that's a major improvement. So how does the latest Explorer handle the crossover competition? We went to Ford's Michigan Proving Ground to find out.
Read more: 2011 Ford Explorer Test Drive - 2011 Ford Explorer Full Review - Popular Mechanics
The new Explorer now rides on a car chassis. It's the same basic D-segment platform as the old Ford Freestyle, updated with numerous enhancements from the current Taurus and further development in the Explorer program. The Explorer uses new hydroformed front frame rails to help shorten the front overhang and simultaneously improve crash-worthiness. There's a new front knuckle-and-strut arrangement to help increase the track width. The rear suspension has been thoroughly reworked with new knuckles, and the hubs have beefier wheel bearings too.
To make room for larger tires, the subframes utilize 2-inch spacers. Since the bodywork is all new, Ford beefed up the structure for the new roof-crush regulations, simultaneously improving the torsional rigidity. Those looking to tow with the Explorer will want to opt for the tow package because with that hardware (hitch, Trailer Sway Control system, transmission tow/haul mode and cooler) the capacity is a solid 5000 pounds. Without the package, the Explorer can tow 2000 pounds.
Under the Chicago-built Explorer's hood is the same 3.5-liter V6 as the Taurus, here churning out 290 hp and 255 lb.-ft. of torque and mated to a six-speed automatic. Ford says it's 20 percent more efficient than the old V6. Soon after launch, a new flagship engine will join the lineup. But it won't be a V8. Nope. The Explorer's top engine choice will be a 2.0-liter Ecoboost turbo delivering 250 lb.-ft. of torque, 13 percent more horsepower than today's V8 and a 32 percent fuel-economy improvement.
For the first time, the base $28,995 Explorer comes with front-wheel drive and delivers a class-leading 17-mpg city and 25 on the highway. Of course, all-wheel drive is optional, and fuel economy doesn't really suffer, loosing only 2 mpg on the highway.
Though the new all-wheel drive lacks a low range, Ford has developed a Terrain Management System that uses a rotary knob with four selectable positions (Normal, Mud and Ruts, Sand and Snow) that control the vehicle's engine calibration, throttle response and transmission shifts, as well as the traction- and stability-control systems. And there's hill-descent control, in case you find yourself traversing a steep, snowy driveway and don't want to rely on your own brake-modulating skills. All Explorers come with Advance Trac stability control and Curve Control, a less intrusive stability system that helps guide the driver through a turn if the entry speed is too high. And, depending on the option package, you can order adaptive cruise control and a blind- spot warning system.
Read more: 2011 Ford Explorer Test Drive - 2011 Ford Explorer Full Review - Popular Mechanics
At least a few eyebrows were raised when Ford first let on that it was bringing the Explorer back in a radically different form for 2011 – but not all of the quizzical looks were for the same reasons.
For one thing, the Explorer franchise had been seriously damaged because of the very public Firestone tire rollover controversy of the early 2000s, something that ostensibly made the 2011 model a prime candidate for a new name. In addition, early rumors had the Blue Oval transitioning the vehicle to a unibody chassis and away from the very body-on-frame architecture that helped establish it as the archetypal sport utility vehicle for two decades. It simply wasn't clear that a crossover-based vehicle would still be able to make an authentic claim to the same core values that helped the previous four iterations of Explorer sell millions of copies. Finally, Ford already had a very competent three-row CUV in its arsenal – the Flex. Were its dealers really looking for another one?
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2011 ford explorer
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The legendary adventurer rocks a car like chassis, turbo power and improved refinement 2011 ford explorer
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| 2011 ford explorer |
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| 2011 ford explorer |
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| 2011 ford explorer |
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| 2011 ford explorer |
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| 2011 ford explorer |
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| 2011 ford explorer |
The 2011 Ford Explorer has been redesigned with freshened styling, a new engine and new features. This plate moves like unibody construction venerable cross, sharing its basic design elements with the Ford Taurus. All explorers used traditional type of construction trucks. The 2011 model is about 1 inch shorter wheelbase, but about 4 inches longer than the 2010 version. Levels of equipment are the basis, the volume of high-end XLT and Limited. Each is available with front-or all-wheel drive. The AWD system console includes a dial that changes in the parameters of the accelerator and others to organize the mud, sand and snow. In all models is a 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. Optional 237 hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder is expected to arrive for model year 2012. The transmission is a 6-speed automatic only. Maximum towing capacity is 5000 pounds with the V6 is 2000 pounds with 4-cylinder engine.
Available safety features include ABS, traction control, traction control materials, curtain side airbags and front side airbags. Explorer uses MyFord Touch, which replaces traditional audio and climate controls with touch screen and voice recognition. It also includes the company's mobile phone synchronization and NC music player. Rear-obstacle detection is standard on XLT and Limited. Power adjustable pedals, driver seat memory, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, keyless engine start and remote entry / engine start is standard on the Limited.
Chances are that in some point in your life you've either owned a Ford Explorer or knew somebody who did. For a stretch in the 1990s, it was like a modern-day Moses had trotted out of the Mall of America with an 11th commandment: "Thou shalt own a Ford Explorer." The things were everywhere.
But because of the Firestone tire/rollover debacle and changing consumer desires, Explorer sales oppressively trended downward for the past decade. So for this new decade, the 2011 Ford Explorer has been completely made over with the goal for buyers to warmly remember all the good times they had in the family Explorer back in '98, while correcting the issues that led them to buy something else since then.
To do so, Ford has replaced the Explorer's truck-related mechanicals with unibody construction similar to that of the Ford Flex. The upside is more carlike driving dynamics and safety; the downside is reduced maximum towing capacity. We don't remember too many of the country's bajillion Explorers hooked up to trailers back in '97, though, so we're thinking most folks won't see this as a problem. In terms of size, the new Explorer is nearly 4 inches longer in overall length and 5 inches wider.
Massive changes are also in store for what's under the hood. The standard 2011 Ford Explorer engine is a new 3.5-liter 290-horsepower V6 that's not only more fuel efficient than the old 292-hp V8 but also able to provide quicker acceleration. Ford has also promised to offer a turbocharged four-cylinder engine for even better mpg, but it's unlikely to arrive until the 2012 model year.
Climb on board the new 2011 Ford Explorer and discover a cabin that is not only roomier, but also considerably more stylish and of higher quality. For good measure, Ford threw in all its latest technological goodies, including Sync, MyFord Touch and MyKey. On the safety front, the Explorer gains inflatable second-row seatbelt airbags (a first for the automotive industry), which promise to improve safety for smaller occupants.
Overall, the new 2011 Ford Explorer is much more in tune with what today's crossover shoppers are looking for. It drives well, gets good fuel economy for its class and still retains the versatility that made people like SUVs in the first place. But of course the Explorer isn't the only game in town and it's been reborn at the same time as some other hits of the '90s.
The Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee are also fully redesigned and, like the Explorer, re-created for today with an impressive repertoire of talents. Others to consider include Ford's more passenger-friendly Flex, the more engaging to drive Mazda CX-9 and GM's far more spacious Buick Enclave/Chevy Traverse/GMC Acadia triplets. They're all really quite desirable, so it just depends on how much space you need, what type of driving experience you prefer and how many high-tech features you desire.
The 2011 Ford Explorer is a large crossover SUV available in base, XLT and Limited trim levels (nope, no more Eddie Bauer). Standard equipment includes 17-inch steel wheels, privacy glass, integrated blind spot mirrors, roof rails, cruise control, a six-way power driver seat (manual recline), a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, MyFord advanced trip computer and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack.
The XLT adds 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlamps, foglamps, rear parking sensors, upgraded cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a keyless entry code pad and satellite radio (optional on base).
For the Explorer XLT, Ford offers the Rapid Spec Option Group 201A that adds a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-speaker sound system and the Driver Connect Package, which includes an auto-dimming rearview mirror, MyFord Touch electronics controls, the Sync telephone and entertainment interface, a display screen, two USB ports and RCA video input jacks. The Rapid Spec 202A has the above equipment plus the Comfort package, which includes leather upholstery, heated front seats, an eight-way power driver seat with power-adjustable lumbar, and a six-way power passenger seat (manual recline).
The Limited includes the XLT's Rapid Spec items, plus 20-inch wheels, keyless ignition/entry, remote engine start, a 110-volt power outlet and a 12-speaker Sony sound system with HD radio. The Rapid Spec 301A package includes a power liftgate and a navigation system, along with the Luxury Seating package that adds an eight-way power passenger seat, ventilated front seats and a power-folding third-row seat. The Rapid Spec 302A package includes an automatic parallel-parking system, adaptive cruise control, collision warning and brake support, a blind-spot warning system, xenon headlamps and automatic wipers.
Stand-alone options on the XLT and Limited include a dual-panel sunroof, the blind-spot warning system, the power liftgate, a tow package, second-row captain's chairs (Limited only), a rear-seat entertainment system, and the navigation system that includes real-time traffic, weather and other information.
The 2011 Ford Explorer comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 290 hp and 255 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard. Four-wheel drive (there is no low-range gearing) is optional and includes Ford's Terrain Management System, a selectable four-mode system that optimizes traction in different conditions. Hill descent control and hill start assist are also included.
In Edmunds testing, a 4WD Explorer went from zero to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds -- average for the class. Ford-estimated fuel economy with two-wheel drive is 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway -- also average for the class. Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds.
Every 2011 Ford Explorer comes standard with stability and traction control, trailer sway control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and MyKey, which allows parents to specify limits for vehicle speed and stereo volume. The Explorer's stability control system also includes Ford's Curve Control, which can reduce the vehicle's speed if it senses that it's travelling too fast for a particular corner.
Optional on the XLT and Limited are a blind-spot warning system (includes cross-traffic alert) and inflatable seatbelts (late availability) for second-row outboard passengers. The Limited can be equipped with collision warning and brake support.
In Edmunds brake testing, a 4WD Explorer came to a stop from 60 mph in 122 feet -- an average distance for the class.
The 2011 Ford Explorer ushers in a new era of interior quality for not only the Explorer, but for the Ford brand entirely. The dash is soft to the touch, the switchgear operates with precision (or is touch-operated with the optional MyFord Touch) and the overall look is quite upscale. In fact, a loaded Explorer is nicer inside than just about every Lincoln.
We have mixed feelings about MyFord Touch, however, as those touch buttons can be difficult to identify at a glance and the corresponding touchscreen suffers from small button icons on a black background. The redundant steering wheel controls and speedometer-flanking LCD screens could also use a bit of fine-tuning. All together, it works better when stationary than when on the move.
The Explorer's cabin is more spacious than before, but it's not quite as roomy as those of the Dodge Durango, Ford Flex and especially the Chevy Traverse. Its 80 cubic feet of maximum cargo space is the smallest of the group and the third row is a bit cramped by comparison -- though it does accommodate children with ease. The driving position is spot-on for most drivers, though the Explorer's wide pillars and high dash make the car seem bigger when maneuvering through tight places.
The 2011 Ford Explorer no longer drives like a truck and that's a great thing. Its structure feels rock-solid, it's well-damped over bumps and there's a confidence to the way it negotiates a corner. The responsive steering is another example of Ford knowing how to tune electric power steering (which improves fuel economy and allows for an automatic parking system).
The new Explorer may not have a V8, but its new V6 is quicker and more efficient, so only the few folks who used their Explorers to tow a boat may be disappointed.
Ford Motor says it can't keep the redesigned Explorer SUV in stock, but the latest Consumer Reports ratings makes you wonder why.
Despite some good points, C.R. says, Explorer manages to rank only 17th among 19 similar vehicles.
Ford replies: "We're very proud of the new Explorer, which in January was awarded the trophy for North American Truck of the Year by a jury of 49 automotive journalists from the United States and Canada. We take all feedback – including Consumer Reports' – seriously and will use it as we continuously improve all of our vehicles."
The 2011 Explorer is a crossover SUV, more modern than the discontinued truck-based Explorer SUV that dominated the category for years. As a well-known, marquee model, it's important to Ford's image and earnings that the Explorer do well. Here was our take in Test Drive.
The new Explorer has its good points, including a roomy, practical interior, a third-row seat that's actually usable, and generous cargo capacity. It also has a steady and compliant ride and respectable fuel economy," and good brakes.
"However, the Explorer falls short of the best in this competitive class. The engine is a little noisy, handling is secure but lacks agility, and the driving position is flawed. The optional 'MyFord Touch' control interface is over-complicated and distracting….
""The six-speed automatic is not the smoothest out there and wants to hold on to higher gears too long. It was sometimes slow to downshift and overly aggressive engine braking slowed the Explorer going down hills unless we gave the gas pedal a prod.
"An optional Terrain Management system for the all-wheel-drive system lets you dial in various terrain types such as snow and sand, and it alters throttle, brake and torque split between front and rear wheels accordingly."
Ford notes that Explorer sales are more than double those of its truck-based predecessor, and that 43.5% of buyers are abandoning rival brands to buy Explorers. Nearly 12% of buyers are getting out of luxury models to get into Explorer, Ford says.
Few companies have ever come close to the legendary levels of success Ford has had with the Explorer. When the Dearborn company grafted two additional doors onto a thoroughly re-engineered Bronco II chassis in 1991, it not only created a more practical midsize SUV—but one that would soon become a bestseller in the category throughout the next two decades. In the year 2000 alone, Ford sold close to 450,000 of them. And Ford says there are still more than 4-million Explorers on the road. But as crossovers have ballooned in popularity in the last few years, the Explorer, with its body-on-frame chassis and thirsty V8, became, well, a dinosaur.
The reborn 2011 Ford Explorer may look rough and rugged on the outside, but beneath the skin, this three-row SUV has more in common with Ford's Taurus sedan than a truck. And for everyone but a few hard-core off-road enthusiasts who need a low-range transfer case and a truck's robust frame rails, that's a major improvement. So how does the latest Explorer handle the crossover competition? We went to Ford's Michigan Proving Ground to find out.
Read more: 2011 Ford Explorer Test Drive - 2011 Ford Explorer Full Review - Popular Mechanics
The new Explorer now rides on a car chassis. It's the same basic D-segment platform as the old Ford Freestyle, updated with numerous enhancements from the current Taurus and further development in the Explorer program. The Explorer uses new hydroformed front frame rails to help shorten the front overhang and simultaneously improve crash-worthiness. There's a new front knuckle-and-strut arrangement to help increase the track width. The rear suspension has been thoroughly reworked with new knuckles, and the hubs have beefier wheel bearings too.
To make room for larger tires, the subframes utilize 2-inch spacers. Since the bodywork is all new, Ford beefed up the structure for the new roof-crush regulations, simultaneously improving the torsional rigidity. Those looking to tow with the Explorer will want to opt for the tow package because with that hardware (hitch, Trailer Sway Control system, transmission tow/haul mode and cooler) the capacity is a solid 5000 pounds. Without the package, the Explorer can tow 2000 pounds.
Under the Chicago-built Explorer's hood is the same 3.5-liter V6 as the Taurus, here churning out 290 hp and 255 lb.-ft. of torque and mated to a six-speed automatic. Ford says it's 20 percent more efficient than the old V6. Soon after launch, a new flagship engine will join the lineup. But it won't be a V8. Nope. The Explorer's top engine choice will be a 2.0-liter Ecoboost turbo delivering 250 lb.-ft. of torque, 13 percent more horsepower than today's V8 and a 32 percent fuel-economy improvement.
For the first time, the base $28,995 Explorer comes with front-wheel drive and delivers a class-leading 17-mpg city and 25 on the highway. Of course, all-wheel drive is optional, and fuel economy doesn't really suffer, loosing only 2 mpg on the highway.
Though the new all-wheel drive lacks a low range, Ford has developed a Terrain Management System that uses a rotary knob with four selectable positions (Normal, Mud and Ruts, Sand and Snow) that control the vehicle's engine calibration, throttle response and transmission shifts, as well as the traction- and stability-control systems. And there's hill-descent control, in case you find yourself traversing a steep, snowy driveway and don't want to rely on your own brake-modulating skills. All Explorers come with Advance Trac stability control and Curve Control, a less intrusive stability system that helps guide the driver through a turn if the entry speed is too high. And, depending on the option package, you can order adaptive cruise control and a blind- spot warning system.
Read more: 2011 Ford Explorer Test Drive - 2011 Ford Explorer Full Review - Popular Mechanics
At least a few eyebrows were raised when Ford first let on that it was bringing the Explorer back in a radically different form for 2011 – but not all of the quizzical looks were for the same reasons.
For one thing, the Explorer franchise had been seriously damaged because of the very public Firestone tire rollover controversy of the early 2000s, something that ostensibly made the 2011 model a prime candidate for a new name. In addition, early rumors had the Blue Oval transitioning the vehicle to a unibody chassis and away from the very body-on-frame architecture that helped establish it as the archetypal sport utility vehicle for two decades. It simply wasn't clear that a crossover-based vehicle would still be able to make an authentic claim to the same core values that helped the previous four iterations of Explorer sell millions of copies. Finally, Ford already had a very competent three-row CUV in its arsenal – the Flex. Were its dealers really looking for another one?
2011 ford explorer
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